March 2018
utlook
2018
Evaluating the Olean area’s next route Inside ... n Lincoln Park farmers’ market plan aims for 2019 opening n Mayor: Olean Gateway project groundbreaking set for 2018 launches ... page A-2 n Cutco, Dresser-Rand push new technology ... page A-3 n Owners share their secrets to running a small business well in the Olean area ... page A-4, A5 n How downtown businesses are responding to shifts in modern food culture ... page A-6 n ReHabilitation Center, United Way, CAReS meet demands of community ... page A-7 n Olean General, BRMC continue to move forward with Kaleida affiliation ... page A-8 n Allegany County keeps looking forward: Major regional developments in the works ... page B-1 n From the mouth of the mayor: An update on the villages of Allegany, Portville and Cuba ... page B-2 n Smaller manufacturers key to strong economic future ... page B-3 n Young couple’s Valley Farm helps to keep region’s bovine culture alive ... page B-4 n BOCES automotive program feeds talent to local dealerships ... page B-5 n OCSD preps for capital updates ... page B-6 n St. Bonaventure embraces new president, health school ... page B-6, B-7 n How is Olean doing? Thoughts from locals ... page B-8
‘Olean Renaissance’ gets jolt from $10M DRI aid By BOB CLARK
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — The Olean Renaissance is just starting. One of the most discussed local stories of 2017 was the $10 million award through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. After losing out to Jamestown in 2016, the city picked up the second round award for the Western New York region. Almost 60 projects were officially submitted to the local planning committee for consideration, with a list of around 20 heading to Albany at the end of the month. By the end of the summer, the state is expected to narrow that list down to fit within the grant award, and all projects that receive aid are expected to wrap up within five years. But that, officials hope, is just the beginning. “This is a great opportunity for Olean,” said Jeff Belt, who co-chairs the committee. “It comes at the beginning of the middle of our renaissance. I think it’s a 20-year plan, and we’re in year five.” That momentum began in 2014 with the overhaul of North Union Street, which narrowed the streets, installed roundabouts for traffic calming and improved the visuals of the downtown district. “No community has had that level of moxie,” Belt said. “It’s beginning to pay off.” It’s seen as the best chance in a generation to reinvigorate the city, which was once the world’s largest oil depot. Officials feel that the new tactics are already paying off better than the oldschool “urban revitalization” efforts used for decades. For example, entire blocks were leveled for the creation of the Olean Center Mall in 1977. The Palace Theater, standing for almost 100 years, was leveled for a chain store. Many other historic buildings have been demolished to make room for the new era. It was a policy outdated even then, according to urban planners of yore. “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” written by Jane Jacobs in 1961, argues that putting an emphasis on existing structure renovations, increased walkability and mixeduse neighborhoods serve as “an attack on current city planning and rebuilding.” “Dull, inert cities, it is true, do contain the seeds of their own destruction and little else,” Jacobs concluded in the book, “But lively, diverse, intense cities contain the seeds of their own regenation, with energy enough to carry over for problems and needs outside themselves.” It’s a concept that isn’t alien to those leading the latest charge. “Number one, you have to build a great place to live,” Belt said. “The big problem we have here is what’s called the ‘demographic death spiral’ — it sounds uppity, but young people with choices make their homes in places with a thriving downtown.” Belt pointed to cities in Oregon like
Olean Times Herald file photo
The former Manufacturers Hanover building at the corner of State and Union streets is one of the many proposed projects seeking aid from the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative this year. Officials say the DRI will provide a shot in the arm as the city continues to renew after years of decline.
Bend and Portland, which suffered serious economic decline after logging industry jobs dried up. By focusing on downtown revitalization, Belt said those cities — as well as Upstate New York cities like Hamburg and Corning — have seen more people move in and economic prosperity begin to follow. That result is why Gov. Andrew Cuomo has now focused $200 million on the downtown zones of 20 cities, with another round proposed in his 2018-19 executive budget. “Frankly, the strategy is working,” Belt said. “In Western New York, we’ve actually halted the demographic death spiral. We’re growing our 25 to 34 demographic at the fastest pace in 40 years.”
prominent location — all things officials hope will help sell space in it today. The final businesses moved out by 1994, with the building sitting vacant for more than two decades. Following the last tenants leaving, the property was purchased in 1994 by local businessman Louis Magnano of Park Centre Development and Buffalo-based developer Carl Paladino, who were unable to capitalize on a $700,000 Restore New York grant. They sold it to Dunkirk-based Southern Tier Environments for Living in 2004, which in turn sold it to the city’s URA in 2010. The DRI projects will just increase the momentum, said Olean Mayor Bill Aiello. “Catalyst is a good word to use,” said Aiello, who co-chairs the local planning committee with Belt. “I can see that filtering out into the different neighborhoods.” Aiello said he would like to see efforts push out along the main thoroughfares connecting to downtown. Thanks to the DRI, “instead of being 10 years out, now a lot of them are just five years out,” Aiello said. “We have a lot of businesses on West State, and that can be our next concentration,” he said, adding that efforts to improve Wayne Street will tie in with the Olean Gateway hotel and retail center now under development in North Olean — less than a mile from the downtown. “We can make Front Street more walkable,” Aiello said, adding the city Department of Public Works is already planning to widen the sidewalks enough to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. That could be put in place when the city rebuilds the street in the next few years, he added.
THE KEYSTONE OF downtown revitalization efforts for decades — reactivating the Manufacturers Hanover building at the corner of State and Union streets — is one of the projects to receive the nod from the DRI committee. But it takes more than just a nod — it takes a developer, something the site has had trouble attracting and keeping in the past. Savarino Companies was named the preferred developer on Sept. 13 by the city Urban Renewal Agency, which has owned the building for years. To date, Savarino officials expect to develop a restaurant on the ground floor; market-rate housing on the second and third floors; a boutique hotel on the fourth and fifth floors; and luxury apartments on the top floor. Savarino has been involved in many redevelopment projects, according to its website, with total values of work in the hundreds of millions of dollars since 2001. The building opened for business as First National Bank on April 1, 1915. Advertisements in the Olean Evening Times touted several reasons to choose (Contact reporter-editor Bob Clark the structure, including advertising at bclark@oleantimesherald.com. Follow value of the building and its central, him on Twitter, @OTHBob)
$15M DRI project list heads to Albany for approval By BOB CLARK
Companies; $2 million in aid for $12.7 million project. OLEAN — After four n West State Street months of meetings, open streetscape project; $1.6 houses and debate, the million at 100 percent aid. list of projects to head n Downtown revitalto Albany for the city’s ization and rehabilitation Downtown Revitalization fund; $600,000 at 100 perInitiative was set March 14. cent aid. The tentative list, n Downtown branding which includes a total of and marketing program; $15,000,750 in requested $90,000 aid for $110,000 DRI assistance — combin- project. ing for $46.89 million in n Walkable Olean Phase development — includes: 3 on East State Street; $1.2 n Renovating the million at 100 percent aid. former Manufacturers n South Union Street Hanover building at 101 streetscape project; $1.4 N. Union St. by Savarino million at 100 percent aid. Olean Times Herald
n North Union Street streetscape and sidewalk improvement program; $900,000 at 100 percent aid. n Cutco Theater expansion and renovation; $500,000 aid for $1 million project. n Oak Hill Park improvement program; $500,000 aid for $600,000 project. n Four Mile Brewing canning line and improvement; $411,250 aid for $822,500 project. n Old Library Restaurant and Inn renovation and expansion; $719,500 for $1.5 million project.
n 201 E. State St. into African American Center for Cultural Development; $225,000 for $312,500 project. n Allegheny River access point and walking trail; $100,000 at 100 percent aid. n Union Whiskey brewpub and events center expansion; $355,000 for $700,000 project. n CDS housing project at 422 E. State St.; $250,000 for $13.15 million project. n Cattaraugus County Arts Council interior renovations; $70,000 for $101,780 project.
n Masonic Temple and Boundless Connections renovation; $1.75 million for $3 million project. n Olean Public Library second floor expansion; $1.1 million for $3.7 million project. n 319-321 N. Union St. renovation; $100,000 for $400,000 project. n Angee’s Restaurant business expansion; $350,000 for $390,000 project. n Universal Primary Care expansion project; $250,000 for $2 million project. n 211 N. Union St.
renovation and elevator installation; $430,000 for $750,000 project. n A Jason Clemons Salon renovation and spa expansion. $100,000 for $110,000 project. The state will only fund $9.7 million, however, said Chris Bauer, a staffer at the Department of State aiding the committee. Bauer said the state will continue vetting the projects, looking at feasibility, likelihood of success and financing to narrow down the list to the $9.7 million threshold.
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
Lincoln Park farmers’ market plan aims for 2019 opening By BOB CLARK
cials decided to pull the application and move the project ahead this year. OLEAN — Imagine a The construction is tenhub in downtown where tatively set for this sumlocals go to shop for farm- mer, with Rural Enterprise fresh goods, crafts and Association of Proprietors commune with each other. (REAP) moving in for A place for kids to play Saturday morning marand musicians to perform. kets in 2019. For local restaurants to set up in an open-air bistro. On the web Now try to bring that scene to life while staying Video and VR tour of true to the history of the proposed farmers’ marcity’s first park. ket in Lincoln Park That’s the plan behind www.youtube.com/ a large pavilion on the watch?v=Ftr1AMkgg5c drawing board for the city’s Lincoln Park — a plan officials hope to comREAP currently operplete this year. ates in the Olean Center As presented, the plan Mall parking lot. Created calls for a long structure by the then-Cornell along the southern edge Cooperative Extension of of the park, roughly 260 Cattaraugus and Allegany feet long and up to 36 feet Counties in 1988, REAP wide. While there would opened its first farmers’ be an enclosed area for market in Olean durrestrooms and utilities, ing the early 1990s. The the rest of the pavillion market has called several would be open with roll- locations home during its down vinyl windows to time in Olean, including keep out the rain. War Vets Park and the Olean Mayor Bill Aiello Jamestown Community said the city’s share will College Cattaraugus be roughly $230,000, while County Campus. the county and state have “Our organization was put forth a combined $1.02 pleased beyond belief in million in grant assistance. this process,” said REAP He noted the costs of engi- President John Policastro. neering and architectural “We are extremely excited work were funded by Jeff to commit for at least 26 Belt and SolEpoxy. Saturdays a year.” The project was He said, with the ameoriginally submitted nities at the facility, it may for funding through the be possible to extend the Downtown Revitalization season more. Initiative, but enough “We don’t even know progress was made secur- year to year where we’re ing funding that city offi- going to be,” he said. “As Olean Times Herald
far as REAP is concerned, we’re excited.” Designers said while aiming for a rustic feeling common to farmers’ markets, they hoped to channel the history of the park, especially of the mansion once home to Frank W. Higgins, the 35th governor of New York. The site of his home is now the former Community Bank building. Five trees will be cut down of the 65 now in the park, and one planted in 2017 will be moved to a new location. The largest tree in the park will be left alone, however, believed to have been planted by President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt served as the state's 33rd governor while Higgins was in the state Senate, and the two maintained a friendship even when Roosevelt went to the White House. The two made several hunting trips to the surrounding countryside, including hunts on Mount Hermanns. Higgins died in 1907, while Roosevelt was in his second term as president. A portion of the park grounds would be converted into a “naturescape playground,” which would offer a place to play for children of all ages. The north side of the park would receive a fence — probably a black metal fence with concrete or stone pillars at regular intervals, officials said.
In addition, an open-air bistro for the west end of the park could be operated by caterers for events held in the park, or become a “home away from home” for restaurants. The existing monuments in the park will be untouched under the plan. No plans were submitted for the old city hall bell, a 2,700-pound bronze bell in the southwestern corner of the park. The gazebo, originally built by the city Rotary Club, may be expanded, city officials said, with Rotarians interested in expanding it for concert productions. Aiello said the city’s parks department will handle the park, while the city auditor’s office will handle receipt of fees. The restrooms are expected to be left open during normal park hours, he added. “We’ll probably have a couple of cameras out there,” Aiello said, and security lighting at night will allow police to keep an eye on the park without too much hassle expected. One thing left to calculate is parking. While the park has parking available on three sides, the city plans to talk with owners of nearby lots — like Olean First Baptist Church and Community Bank, which own lots with South Street entrances — to negotiate use of them on market days.
Image courtesy Bill Capozzi, Dedicated Digital
A rendering shows a possible farmer’s market at Lincoln Park. Several trees were removed from the rendering to better show the structure, officials said.
Olean Times Herald file photo
Boaters take advantage of the natural resource that is the Allegheny River in Olean. Regional planning efforts have created a master plan for the river, proposing a 14.4-mile walking trail from Portville to Vandalia Bridge.
River plan calls for Portville-Salamanca trail, boat launches By BOB CLARK
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — Officials are hoping a new plan will help bring the glory back to the Allegheny River. The Allegheny River Public Access and Recreation Plan, which was approved in February, was the product of a joint effort between the cities of Olean and Salamanca; towns of Allegany, Portville, Olean and Salamanca; and the villages of Portville and Allegany. Funded in part by a $39,000 grant from the state Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund in December 2014, the advisory group started working in 2015 on the project with Fairport-based consultant Ingalls Planning & Design. The plan gives 26 recommendations to leaders on how to develop the river, focusing on a collaborative effort to promote not only local access, but tourism and economic development. Nine recommendations are given a highpriority label to ensure the most efficient growth and maintenance of the infrastructure. Of those recommendations, one of the top priorities was to build a 14.4-mile multi-use trail from Portville to Vandalia Bridge — the closed bridge which previously carried Nine Mile Road across the river. Additional recommendations include at least four more boat launches between Portville and the Vandalia Bridge, as well as other access points already in the planning stages.
While the city already has a boat launch — the concrete ramp off of South Union Street — the fire department uses it for launching water rescue boats. This limits what can be installed there, such as an ADA-compliant boat launch. Other priority projects as identified in the plan include: n Create a dedicated regional coordinating committee to focus on collaboration between groups and marketing the region. n Evaluate and improve the ARVT crossing at Constitution Avenue in Olean. n Enhance existing river access points, including at Gleason Hollow in Portville; sites in Olean on East River Road and off East Greene Street; and a launch at Two Mile Road in Allegany. n Develop access points that are already in the planning stages. n Establish river corridor access signs. n Support new business development in the corridor. n Ensure long-term solutions by budgeting for maintenance and management of the system. n Examine the issue of intermittent cell phone coverage and 911 service along the corridor, and advocate for improved services. n Connect existing biking and walking trails, including possibly the Genesee River Valley Trail, the Pat McGee Trail, the Finger Lakes Trail and the Allegany State Park trail system — which in turn would connect to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Mayor: Olean Gateway project groundbreaking set for 2018 By RICK MILLER Olean Times Herald
OLEAN —The longawaited groundbreaking for the Olean Gateway project off Buffalo Street is set for the second quarter of this year. Krog Group of Orchard Park said recently it plans to go ahead with the project, including a 90-room Marriott Hotel and three buildings for mixed use, retail, restaurant and an anchor store. The initial value of the Olean Gateway project was estimated at $16.8 million — $11 million for the hotel and $5.9 million for the retail development. Krog would build to suit up to an additional 100,000 square feet of retail space. The hotel and retail space are planned for an 8-acre site on the 68-acre brownfield property Krog purchased in 2013 from ExxonMobil for $1. Hart Hotels of Buffalo will operate the hotel. Olean Mayor Bill Aiello said, “It looks like they are going to break ground in second quarter. It’s very encouraging. It’s been a long time coming. It’s a very positive thing for the city, especially the hotel.” The mayor noted Krog officials do not discuss retail tenants “until they are fully
in place,” so he’s not surprised that the retail plans haven’t been announced. Aiello pointed to the proximity of the Buffalo Street exit of Interstate 86 and said he’d like to see a “nice restaurant,” maybe a national chain, that could draw visitors off I-86. The hotel and retail complex are projected to create up to 50 jobs and increased sales tax receipts for the city and Cattaraugus County, Aiello said. From the hotel and retail site at Olean Gateway, it’s under a mile to the North Union Street business corridor, the mayor said. The four-story hotel will rise from near where a prilling tower for the Agway-Felmont fertilizer plant was built in the late 1960s. The site has sat abandoned since the fertilizer plant closed in 1983. The tower was later razed. Agway purchased the land in 1966 from Socony Vacuum, the predecessor or ExxonMobil. Earlier, Socony Vacuum’s oil refinery occupied the site from the early 1900s. Miles of pipe and other equipment was dug up across the 68-acre site. Contaminated soil was removed and new soil brought to the site. In 2010, ExxonMobil began a cleanup at the site which the Krog Group
Rick Miller/Olean Times Herald
The Olean Gateway Project off Buffalo Street on a former Olean brownfield should get underway with a groundbreaking in late spring or early summer.
continued under the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program. Delays in the project were blamed on the need to get the brownfield cleanup certified by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, and holdups in the intersection of Buffalo Street and the entrance to Olean Gateway, according to company officials. Paving of Buffalo Street and installation of a new traffic light system was completed in December. Patrick Ebert, a Krog project manager, told the Olean Planning Board in February the development company looks forward to getting started on Olean
Gateway in the second quarter. Krog officials signed final Olean Gateway documents with the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency in early March. The inducements from the IDA include sales tax, mortgage recording tax and a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement worth an estimated $900,000. The initial PILOT agreement Olean Gateway LLC has with the IDA calls for payments of $10,750 a year for a decade. The company is now seeking a fixed PILOT for those years that would increase to $12,900 in year 11, $16,450 in year 12, $20,500 in year 13,
and $24,225 in year 14. In the 15th year, the property would be fully on the property tax rolls. The PILOT would be split between the City of Olean, the Olean City School District and Cattaraugus County. Olean Gateway will receive sales tax exemption on building materials, furnishings and equipment. Corey Wiktor, executive director of the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency, said Olean Gateway will be a “monumental project” on what was a contaminated industrial brownfield only a few years ago. “It’s next to Olean’s busiest exit on I-86,” Wiktor
said. “We’re all excited to see this project go forward. It is a huge commitment to the City of Olean and Cattaraugus County as a whole.” Wiktor said with a restaurant and other retail to compliment the 90-room, four-story Marriott Hotel by Hart Hotels of Buffalo will generate sales tax for the city and county and bed taxes for the county. There’s room for additional development on the Olean Gateway property that was not sold for the BQ Energy solar farms, Wiktor said. The IDA classified the Olean Gateway project as a “tourism destination” complex.
OLEAN TIMES HERALD
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OUTLOOK 2018
Olean Area Young Professionals going strong after a year Danielle Gamble/ Olean Times Herald
Around 50 young adults gathered at Randy’s Fireside March 8 as part of the Olean Area Young Professionals. The organization, which grew from the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, is meant to help younger workers socialize and network. It celebrated its one-year anniversary in December.
Photo provided
Paul Pezzimenti, 25, of Howard Hanna Professionals in Olean, is on the committee that helps organize the Olean Area Young Professionals, along with Chris Michel, GOACC marketing communications director.
••••••••••••••••••••• 2018 GOACC Events
Saturday, May 19 Friday, June 8 Wednesday, June 13 Olean’s Community Wide Garage Sale
strOLEAN Downtown Olean
Throughout the community
50th Annual Chamber Clambake
Cutco added this year a new conveyor system in Department 7, where its knives receive their final edge and are washed and packaged. Kathleen Donovan, public relations coordinator at Cutco, said the system has proven to “greatly increase efficiency in that department.”
Cutco stays on the cutting edge coming into 2018 OLEAN — One of Olean’s major employers is doing its best to keep its production system modern. Cutco added this year a new conveyor system in Department 7, where its knives receive their final edge and are washed and packaged. The conveyor system moves knives between several operations. Kathleen Donovan, public relations coordinator at Cutco, said in an email the system has proven to “greatly increase efficiency in that department.” Also, a major upgrade was made to Cutco’s central coolant filtration system. The project, which took over six months to complete, replaced an old unit with one that’s more efficient and ecologicallyfriendly. Donovan said
the system is essential for filtering out debris from coolant used during the knife grinding process. It removes that debris and then recycles clean coolant back in. Cutco also received some national attention in 2017 around Thanksgiving. In a segment highlighting American manufacturing, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir featured the knife maker on Nov. 2 during the show’s Made in America segment. “Cutco knives, a company of about 500 factory workers in Olean, N.Y., told ABC News that it is hiring and that the average year of service for its workers was 18 years,” the segment noted, while including video of Cutco employees displaying a “Made in America” banner. The segment can
still be viewed on ABC News’ website by searching “Gearing up for Thanksgiving dinner, with a nod to Made in America.” “Cutco is very proud of its American manufacturing, and proud to be part of this community,” Donovan said in a previous interview. “We were honored and excited that ABC chose to include us in their broadcast. Not only was it great for our us, it was great for Olean, too.” Other updates in 2017 were: n The Cutco/KA-BAR Visitors Center was painted and new signs were installed. n Roofing was replaced on several buildings. n Two 20-ton HVAC rooftop units replaced old units on the corporate office building.
Downtown Olean
Thursday, June 21 Monday, July 16 Sunday, July 22
Corporate Challenge Corporate 5K and 2 Mi. Walk GOLF Classic Jamestown Community Bartlett Country Club, Olean
College, Olean
Taste of Olean Art in the Park Jamestown Community College, Olean
17-19 October 26 August 17 August Gus Macker
strOLEAN Downtown Olean
3-on-3 Basketball Downtown Olean
strOLEAN Downtown Olean
Friday, November 23 December 5 & 12 Santa Claus Lane Parade Downtown Olean
Visit with Santa Santa’s Cottage, Lincoln Park, Downtown Olean
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce
(716) 372-4433 • oleanny.com facebook.com/OleanNYChamber enchantedmountains.info • 800-331-0543
Photo courtesy Siemens
The 38-MW SGT-A35 RB gas turbine uses a zero-stage compressor upgrade to deliver about 10 percent more power without any change in the turbine section, according to Siemens officials. The pipeline compressor for the turbine is being manufactured at the former Dresser-Rand facility in Olean.
Dresser-Rand site helping put forth new Siemens technology OLEAN — A state-ofthe-art pipeline compressor to help supply natural gas to the West is being manufactured by Olean hands. Siemens received an order to supply a gas turbine-driven compressor train for the Winchell Lake Compressor Station in Alberta, Canada — a critical part of an expansion to a pipeline expansion that transports natural gas into Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada, officials said. The RFBB36 pipeline
compressor for the order is being manufactured at the former Dresser-Rand facility, officials informed the Olean Times Herald. “Our proven solution provides an especially efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly option for safely transporting natural gas to markets and consumers," said Patrice Laporte, vice president of Oil & Gas for Siemens North America. The order is going to TransCanada's Winchell Lake Compressor Station, which re-pressurizes natu-
ral gas along the Nova Gas Transmission Ltd.’s Western Alberta System Mainline. The scope of supply for the compressor train calls for an RFBB36 pipeline compressor, driven by Siemens aeroderivative SGT-A35 gas turbine. Officials said the compressor offers some of the highest compression efficiency in the midstream market, while delivering the lowest CO2 and methane gas emissions compared to other pipeline compressors.
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
Owners share their secrets to running Worth W. Smith trusts in its ‘little guy’ identity By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — Nate Smith, owner of the local hardware chain, Worth W. Smith Co., believes his family’s six stores have thrived despite depressed economic trends because of its dedication to to its customers. Two of the familyowned stores are found on West State and East State streets in Olean, while one each are located in Salamanca and Cuba, as well as Bradford and Eldred in Pennsylvania. In addition to personal customer service, each of the stores are different and offer a unique oldfashioned experience to all who stop in for a visit. “In answering how we keep doing this (thriving and growing), it’s blood, sweat and tears because I feel like we live in an age of hyper-competition, more so than my dad or grandpa ever grew up with,” Smith said, in referring to his grandfather, Worth Waldo Smith, and father, Dale. His grandfather started the hardware business in 1929 and handed it over to his son,
Dale Smith, who passed it along to his son, Nate Smith. “Not only are we competing with big box stores we’re also competing with the internet … it’s a whole shift in the way people view retail,” Nate Smith said. He noted the draw for online businesses is the “utter convenience of internet shipping.” “I see it in our stores all the time — people come in, they look at a product, they go on their Smart phone and see how much it is (online) and then they make a purchase decision right there,” he explained. “It definitely impacts us and we compete against that. We have to offer something to our customers to make them want to shop with us.” Nate Smith said the positive aspect of shopping at their stores include convenience, because they carry the products on their shelves. He said although some companies offer to ship products overnight, that isn’t always the best solution. “If your toilet breaks, you don’t want to wait
Kate Day Sager/Olean Times Herald
Nate Smith, owner of Worth W. Smith Co. stores in six communities, is shown with his sons, Zane, at left, and Sage, at the company’s newest store in Cuba, which has a large lumberyard.
until tomorrow, you want it today,” he noted. “So we still have the ‘today convenience.’” He said the business also does its best to compete on prices. “We might not always be the cheapest, but we try to have low hometown prices and be competitive,” he added. “And probably our most potent weapon is service — being there for the customer, that’s the extra juice that we offer.
Facebook hasn’t figured out how to fix a screen online but they’re probably trying to.” To that end, he said all of the stores have knowledgeable staff who can answer questions at that “extra level that people need.” “Convenience, price and service are probably the weapons in our arsenal everyday,” Nate Smith summarized. “It doesn’t matter how big we get, whether we’re one loca-
tion or six locations or however many locations, I’ll always consider us the local hometown hardware — we’re the little guy and will always identify with the local guy.” The family and company also give back to the communities they do business in on a regular business. “It also helps us as well, and other local businesses,” said Nate’s wife, Theresa Smith. “We don’t do it for
marketing, we do it because we enjoy doing it,” Nate Smith added. “I’ve always felt the customers have had our back, and we’ve had their backs. I think a lot of people choose to shop with us because we are the hometown guy — we’re the little guy.” He noted the company employs approximately 70 people in all six stores, so they also are helping the local economy in that sense, as well.
Armond’s Fashions for Men embraces being a specialty service By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — In his 41 years of working at Armond’s Fashions for Men on North Union Street, owner Craig DiCola has likely seen clothing trends include everything from the bell bottom pants of the ‘70s to the current slim-fit suits. DiCola said his clothing store, which was handed down to him from his late father, Armond, continues to do well because of the niche it fills for attire that includes tailor-fitted suits and hard-to-find clothing. DiCola descends from three generations of entrepreneurs in Olean, beginning with his grandfather, Anthony, who owned a former shoe store at the Kate Day Sager/ Olean Times Herald
Craig DiCola, owner of Armond’s Fashions for Men at 111 N. Union St. in Olean, said the secret to his business’ longevity is filling the niche for oneon-one customer service at comparable prices.
corner of Seventh and West State streets to his father who owned the former DiCola’s Men and Boys store prior to opening Armond’s. The men and boy’s store building was later torn down and is the current site of West Gate Plaza. In sharing a piece of family history, Craig DiCola said his grandfather died at the age of 54, prompting his father to turn the shoe store into the men and boy’s clothing store from 1950 to 1965. After that, Armond DiCola worked with another men’s clothier, Steinhart Liberty Company, in Olean for 10 years until he purchased the current storefront on North Union Street. Craig DiCola said he had just graduated from college and helped his dad remodel the Armond’s store front. From that time on, he worked at the store with his father and took it over in 1990. During the first 15 or 20 years of operation, Craig DiCola said the store’s primary custom-
ers were their regulars. That has shifted in the past 20 years to customers who are new to the store and are seeking clothing, tailoring or services they can’t find in big box or chain stores. “We buy clothing for our area, we don’t just buy what is the most popular or middle-of-the-road things,” DiCola said. “We carry slim-fit suits, but not everybody wants them, so we carry regular fit suits, and big and tall suits.” He said the extra service keeps bringing in new people who need help finding clothes that fit and look good. “If you come to our store, if it doesn’t fit you, our tailor shop will fit it” at no extra cost, he said. “And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re going to get it. Our little niche is the personal service we offer to each customer who comes in the door - we’re their personal haberdasher.” He said the in-store tailor is Angela Moore who is available to do fittings and adjustments, at
no extra cost, in the store’s tailor shop. “If you want to be waited on, and you want some help with clothing, we’re going to find out what you need when you walk in the door,” he continued. “We’re going to take care of it for you” at comparable or lower prices. He noted everything and anything that needs
tailored, from slacks to shirts and coats, can be tailored. Other items carried include sportswear, tuxedos, jackets, socks, belts, hats and cologne, in addition to the latest styles in prom and wedding attire. DiCola keeps up with the trends by attending clothing shows in Syracuse. “We have some of
everything,” DiCola added. He said one other perk provided by the store is the on-call service that is available to customers. “Anytime anyone has a need, they can call me and I’ll come up here” to the store, he said. “I can come up here at night to measure people, I do it all the time.”
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
A-5
OUTLOOK 2018
a small business well in the Olean area
Mandy’s cherishes its history By KATE DAY SAGER
tinue on with it because (their father) had enjoyed it so much,” Chamberlain OLEAN — Jan said. She noted the busiChamberlain’s longness was a second career standing policy at the for her husband, who had Mandy’s Flowers-Tuxedo worked as an assistant Junction store is if the vice president at a local staff wouldn’t want a bank prior to purchasflower arrangement for ing the flower business. themselves, don’t send it While the Chamberlains out to the customer. had no experience, they This type of personal were willing to learn the care and attention for trade from the former all products sold at the owners. 216 W. State St., as well “Forty-three years later as customer service, we’re still here,” said have helped the familyChamberlain, crediting run business thrive for their children for helpthe past 43 years, said ing run the multi-faceted Chamberlain, owner of store. the store. In addition to flowers, Chamberlain and her plants and arrangements, late husband, Bill, origi- the store also engraves nally opened the busiitems such as plaques and ness a couple of storetrophies, and sells tuxedos fronts away from the cur- for weddings, proms and rent shop in 1975. They special occasions. moved Mandy’s to its She said each of her current location when the children works in various larger storefront became departments in the store, available a couple of handling everything from years later. Chamberlain engraving to bookkeepsaid when her husband ing. The store also has a died in 2004, she told delivery service to further their grown children if help their customers. they wanted to continue “They’re very on with the business she hard-working kids,” would help. Chamberlain said of her “They wanted to con- children. Olean Times Herald
Her daughter, Lisa Armstrong, is part-owner of the business and said the store employees are also hard-working, with several employed by the business a number of years. “They’re all great,” Armstrong said, noting the business has seven full-time employees which has a mix of family members. Armstrong agreed that “getting to know” the customers and providing service to them, has been important to the store’s success. “We strive to get to know our customers and try to make sure everybody is happy,” Armstrong said. “We’ve had some customers with us for years and years … and some who have been with us since the beginning.” Chamberlain said she appreciates all of their local customers, many of whom she has known for decades and considers friends. “It’s nice to see your friends come in the store,” she shared. “That’s why I don’t want to leave.”
Kate Day Sager/Olean Times Herald
Lisa Armstrong (foreground) and her mother, Jan Chamberlain, owner of Mandy’s Flowers-Tuxedo Junction at 216 W. State St. work on displays in the store. They also believe customer service is paramount to running a successful, small business in the community.
Small Business Successes Randall wins agency award fourth year running OLEAN — The woman behind Janice Randall Agency LLC, a Farmers Insurance affiliate, is now the only agent in New York to win the Topper Club Award for four years in a row. The award is given to the top percent of Farmers Insurance agents, and Randall has been awarded the honor
between 2015 and 2018. Randall serves Allegany, Ellicottville and Portville, as well as the Pennsylvania communities of Eldred and Bradford. She opened her doors in 2014. With two employees, Randall said she hopes to continue expanding her business.
Vintage Vibe celebrates two years of business CUBA — Vintage Vibe LLC at 18 W. Main St. is celebrating its two-year anniversary. The antique store has 15 vendors in its shop group, and sells a wide array of items including vintage, antiques and collectibles, as well as a gift shop. In celebration of its second anni-
versary, Vintage Vibe will have a 25 percent off special for items priced $20 or more from March 29 to 31. Additionally, anyone spending $25 or more will receive a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. For additional information, call the shop at (585) 968-8377.
Mattress City in Olean for more than two decades OLEAN — Mattress City Sleep Shop, 717 W. State St., is proud to have spent 23 years providing mattresses and jobs locally. Owners Thomas and Holly Marino opened their family-owned business in 1995. “For years, we have used the line,
‘Comfort for your body and your budget,’” the couple said. “We strive to provide mattresses that are comfortable, durable and affordable.” The Marinos also own Bear Mountain Furniture in Great Valley as well as Mattress Zone in Bradford, Pa. Between the three stores, they have 10 employees.
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Community members fill the gymnasium for the Olean Family YMCA annual youth Halloween party.
YMCA continues to strengthen community with a little help from its friends
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OLEAN — The Olean Family YMCA has not only grown, but continues to strengthen the community thanks to support from area residents and organizations, officials report. Mark Johnson, spokesperson for the Y, said the organization’s membership base has grown as a result of increased program and service offerings, as well as through a variety of membership options and savings opportunities. Johnson said that in the past couple of years, the Y has seen great changes to some of its key programs. “The Y’s group exercise offerings, free for members, have seen remarkable changes with the addition of Barre classes and new strength training classes,” he said. “The YMCA has also revitalized its indoor group cycling classes and created a new studio exclusive to this reformatted offering.” He also noted the Enhance Fitness class has generated a great deal of excitement. “This community-based senior fitness and arthritis management program consists of a full hour of fun while focusing on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance and flexibility as well as opportunities to make new friends,” he added. For her part, Lisa Szucs, senior
membership director at the Y, said the agency’s membership options offer something for everyone, from youth to senior citizens. “The Y provides affordable membership opportunities through various programs, partnerships and financial assistance,” Szucs said. “The YMCA also highlights a member referral program offering savings for current members who refer new members to the YMCA. The program features a savings opportunity for the new member as well.” She noted the agency also offers a corporate partnership program which creates a bond in well-being that stimulates a healthier workplace environment for employers and employees. “The YMCA has also increased its senior insurance offerings to aid more aging adults living on a fixed income,” she said. “The Y’s financial assistance program also provides membership and program assistance to qualified individuals.” Jeff Alevy, CEO of the Y, explained that the purpose of the Y is to strengthen the communities the agency serves. “The YMCA of the Twin Tiers serves 15,000 individuals across three counties and two states in a variety of programs that focus on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility,” Alevy said. “I am very proud of the passionate and committed staff and volunteers that enable our mission everyday.”
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
Jordan Vollmer/Olean Times Herald
Homemade British-inspired scones for customers to choose from at Union Tea Cafe on 301 N. Union St. Their bakery items also come in glutenfree options.
Modern tastes of Olean
How downtown businesses are responding to shifts in modern food culture By JORDAN VOLLMER Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — Local restaurateurs, old and new, are asking themselves: How has the state of food culture in 2018 changed? Food trends have shifted in the past 10 years all over America, with a stress on health and well-sourced products. Locally-owned restaurants strive to incorporate their own rendition of “modern” food, whether it’s using new flavors, fresh ingredients or unique cooking techniques. AMBER RAFI-SULTAN, owner of Rafi’s Platter, believes that food is a form of expression. “Whatever we do in the food industry, it starts like a plain canvas, and we can create things how we want to,” Rafi-Sultan said. Rafi-Sultan grew up in the restaurant business. Her father, Mian Rafi, started the family tradition when he bought Mian Rafi’s International Cuisine on North Barry Street. Now Rafi-Sultan has a restaurant of her very own on Wayne Street, which opened this past August. Rafi’s Platter focuses on fusion food with dishes ranging from Pakistani to Greek, Lebanese and Italian. Every dish the restaurant offers is made from scratch and incorporates family recipes. “My goal is to make people want to try different ethnic flavors, but at the same time stay within their comfort zone,” Rafi-Sultan said. She feels it’s important to introduce new recipes, even if they are non-traditional types of food that some people may not be used to. “We keep our staples that we’re known for, but we introduce some fun stuff also,” she said. Rafi’s Platter’s most popular dishes include eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, authentic beef tenderloin tikka, Rafi’s chicken curry, and beef tenderloin kabob. The owner said customers often express that her food “tastes better than their grandmas.” A compliment she is surely proud of. Rafi-Sultan makes sure to keep the balance between healthy, fresh ingredients and comfort food— this, to her, is the key to keeping up with shift in food culture. “For being a small town, I think we are very fortunate to see such diversity because normally, you don’t see that in a small town— I really think Olean is on the verge of coming up on the map again,” she added. Fusion food was first introduced in the area by Rafi-Sultan’s father. And since then, the Rafi family tradition has made their own impact on the town, with other restaurants owned by family members, such as Brother’s Bistro and Mirchi Bar-N-Grill.
and her brother Adnan Rafi, owner of Mirchi Bar-N-Grill, have different opinions about the state of food culture in Olean. Rafi was inspired by authentic, cultural flavor when he opened Mirchi, 1020 N. Union St., in February of 2014. “I think the atmosphere and the way we serve out has a lot do with the how people perceive our restaurant,” Rafi said. With options for everyone — spicy, mild, American or Indian cuisine, customers have the opportunity to branch away from their traditional way of eating while at the restaurant. “Food trends have certainly changed because now people are a lot more open-minded to try different food, and even younger generations are taking big steps into trying different cultural recipes,” Rafi said. Mirchi Bar-N-Grill keeps their staples on menu of Indian cuisines — butter chicken, tandoori shrimp and lamb curry — throughout the year, but run different specials each day. Rafi has been inspired by his travels abroad and incorporates those techniques in the kitchen. One of the ways he does so is with homemade naan bread, an everyday hit at the restaurant. “Everything we offer is homemade, and prepared from the heart,” said Rafi, who believes this is the reason why the restaurant has been successful. However, in Olean, Rafi feels that there is room for improvement for the state of food culture when compared to other bigger cities around the world. “Olean has a variety of food options, but I think if there were more options for restaurants, it would bring more people to the town,” Rafi said.
ED KINCAID, OWNER of Union Whiskey, also thinks Olean still needs to be more up-to-date when it comes to the overall food scene. “I would say it’s probably hard to attract talent here because you don’t have that population to sustain a high-end restaurant that wants to do all kinds of crazy stuff,” said Kincaid, who opened Union Whiskey, 184 N. Union St., in July. The restaurant focuses primarily on craft cocktails and craft food with modern twists. “I’ve seen a lot of places that are doing tapas and small plates now, using crazy ingredients and different techniques in the kitchen,” Kincaid said. Although Union Whiskey focuses primarily on craft cocktails, they do offer small plate options and appetizers for their customers. Kincaid believes offering small plates is a food trend that allows for a variety of different options. “For us, serving small ALTHOUGH THEY plates gives the customer MAY be siblings, Rafi-Sultan the ability to try different
Jordan Vollmer/Olean Times Herald
The inside of Rafi’s Platter, where their modern decor was designed by owner Amber Rafi-Sultan, and inspired by restaurants in New York City.
things and not get filled up on one heavy portion,” he said. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are their house-made pizza rolls and their downtown grilled cheese. “One of our most popular dishes is the loaded whiskey tots — a traditional tater tot, but with our own modern spin,” added Kincaid. The tater tot dish is served with melted cheddar, a fried egg, crispy pork belly and topped with whiskey glaze. Nothing is made frozen or out of the bag, and Kincaid believes serving homemade dishes is an important part of food culture. He also changes the menu seasonally and will be adding some things for spring and summer as well — but that’s kept a secret, for now at least. “I think people are more adventurous nowadays when it comes to food trends,” said Kincaid. FOR AMY SHERBURNE, opening a place to platform her passion for a variety of tea was a dream that became Union Tea Café, which opened Jan. 2, 2017, on 301 N. Union St. It was designed as a place where people could meet and enjoy not only tea, but other farm-totable food dishes as well. Modern food for Union Tea Café is simple and fresh, expressed Sherburne. “We strive to prepare things as closest to how you would prepare it at home,” said Sherburne. They bring out the best in each ingredient, and offer healthy alternatives such as gluten-free and vegan, according to Sherburne. They also incorporate British traditions with over 100 different tea options, homemade scones and other bakery items. “Nowadays more people are thinking more responsibly about what they eat and spend their money on,” said Sherburne. So, what makes customers want to return to Union
Tea Café? Sherburne believes it has to do with the dishes she has created to keep up with the trends, with her own unique touches as well . By offering gluten free options for a variety of their bakery items, the restaurant appeals to more people. Homemade marion pickles are another “modern” food that Sherburne thought was important to incorporate. They also have a tomato soup that is completely vegan and gluten free. “There isn’t anything we don’t sell here,” added Sherburne, who has not changed the menu since opening. She believes they offer enough variety for everyone to enjoy. Union Tea Café has brought the tea industry to Olean— something that the town has needed for a while, according to Sherburne. “I think Olean’s getting there in terms of food culture. I love to see all of the variety of foods offered in the town,” she added.
MIKE MCAFEE OF Beef ‘N’ Barrel Restaurant believes sticking with their dishes of comfort food is what keeps them successful, and up-to-date in the town. The restaurant’s menu keeps its set staples, but usually changes about twice a year to add additional dishes, according to Mike. “In general, the food culture has definitely changed, and I think that has a lot to do with The Food Network,” said Mike. In 1971, McAfee’s father, Jim, bought 146 N. Union St. Since then, sons PJ and Mike have taken over. Beef ‘n Barrel’s dishes range from many beef entrees, to chicken and fish, along with an “amazing” amount of fried food, McAfee added. “It’s important to keep that original and wholesome real food and we don’t want to have frozen. Basically everything is homemade and I think that is something that will never change,” he added. McAfee believes they offer a range of homemade
dishes that can fit everyone’s needs. However, he does wish he had more time to get in the kitchen and whip out some new recipes. “You need to really devote the time in the kitchen in order to to try out new recipes,” McAfee said. The restaurant has made a name for itself in the city of Olean for the past 40 years, McAfee himself started working in the kitchen at Beef ‘n Barrel at the age of six. He has been with the family business as the restaurant industry has surely changed. “Overall, I would say the city is a little behind in terms of food culture and the restaurants here, we only have 15,000 people, so it’s hard to compare with other larger cities,” he said. While food trends are always changing, one thing is for sure — restaurants in the Olean all have their own ways of being unique. “There are just no limits on food and what you can do with it,” McAfee said.
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
A-7
OUTLOOK 2018
ReHabilitation Center in Olean continues to expand services By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald
Photo submitted
OLEAN — As the Rehabilitation Center in Olean enters its 60th anniversary, leaders are planning strategic growth that prioritizes expanding services and supports for people with disabilities. That’s the word from Mari Howard, president and CEO, who said the agency is also diversifying its revenue streams to assure financial sustainability. This is due to state changes in the service delivery system for people with intellectual, developmental and behavioral health disabilities. In addition, the federal government has introduced new regulations and performance expectations associated with funding which supports these disability groups. “Our agency provides supports and services to over 900 people with disabilities each year,” added Elena Bombardier, communications specialist. “We accomplish this through the efforts of 541 full- and parttime staff. The Rehabilitation Center operates from 22 different sites which is inclusive of our residential program locations.” Bombardier said growing demand for community-based services has ReHab staff working in people’s homes and in communities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. The center entered into a management agreement two years ago with a similar agency in Niagara County called Opportunities Unlimited “in an effort to increase our presence in Western New York,” Bombardier said. Opportunities Unlimited faced “significant operational challenges,” she added, but now is set to be brought under completely under the Rehab Center’s umbrella by a formal merger of the two organizations. Bombardier said the ReHab Center has provided administrative support to the
A client is shown at the ReHabilitation Center workshop in Olean.
organization and, under Howard’s leadership, “recognized the impact a transition from a fee-for-service to a managed-care model will have on our marketplace going forward.” “As a combined entity, we will be positioned to support the lives of over 2,100 people with disabilities each year,” Bombardier concluded. “The new organization will employ over 1,000 full- and part time staff and have an operating budget of approximately $60 million annually.” However, Bombardier said the ReHab Center still faces the same challenges all nonprofit agencies encounter in the state, which she said stem from flat or declining revenues and increasing regulation. “We also face significant hurdles in attracting and retaining a direct support professional workforce,” she continued,
noting the agency has identified several key strategic priorities. Bombardier said the following actions have been taken to support the priorities: n Work collaboratively with the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging to transition the Linwood Center to the agency’s Allegany location where the program is available to all eligible county residents Monday through Friday. Bombardier said this will diversify revenue sources and expand service provision. The addition included a substantial renovation to the agency’s day program building on South Nine Mile Road n Invest in the development of social enterprise business models. Bombardier said this was an effort with a dual purpose of helping develop those with disabilities and find funding. She said this was in part
due to New York state moving to eliminate traditional work centers for people with disabilities. Along those lines, the agency currently operates a growing commercial cleaning business as well as a growing e-commerce/order fulfillment center. n Work collaboratively with the Olean Development Corporation to commit to leased space at the OBI building. “We embraced the incubator concept as a potential catalyst for jobs for the people we support as well as the sales and marketing efforts of our social enterprise business models,” Bombardier said. “This collaboration has provided us with the opportunity for a higher level of participation in the business development efforts of our local community.” n Invest in technology to assure the agency’s continued competitiveness in a rapidly changing marketplace. Through the assistance of the Oishei Foundation, the ReHab Center is currently close to completing an electronic health record system. The new system will have the functionality necessary to share critical information with key health providers to enhance care. In addition, the ReHab Center substantially increased the availability of mobile technology for employees who work in the community. Bombardier said the agency has also gotten assistance from the Manley Trust to upgrade its training facility and provide training access for people in remote locations. n Expand Children’s Mental Health Waiver services in Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua counties. The agency has identified a growing need for mental health services for people in Cattaraugus County, particularly children, Bombardier said. The program focuses on providing intensive inhome clinical supports to children and their families in an effort to keep children in their homes.
Initiatives at United Way CAReS expanding to tackle addiction to help community understand poverty OLEAN — If area residents question why they should help the United Way of Cattaraugus County, officials now have the answer in the form of two new initiatives. Susan McAuley, executive director of the United Way, said their first initiative is ALICE, or Assets Limited Income Constrained Employed. “The acronym is used by United Way to describe the segment of the population that makes too much to qualify for many benefit programs, but is one paycheck away from financial crisis,” McAuley said. “United Way of Cattaraugus County joined other United Ways across New York to sponsor a study of this population. She said several are families make too much to qualify for many benefit programs, yet something as simple as a car repair could push them over the edge. “According to the 2016 report, more than one in four residents of Cattaraugus County fell into this category. ALICE is who we are working to assist with our United Way programs,” McAuley said. However, the organization’s annual campaign reaped just 75 percent of the $400,000 goal set for the 2017 campaign was obtained. McAuley said the campaign raised a little over $300,000 which has to be parceled out to 16 human service nonprofits in the county. Those human service agencies, in turn, assist people in the ALICE category.
An update is set to be released in the fall of this year, which McAuley said will assist the United Way in determining funding for programs. McAuley said a poverty simulation app is being developed by the United Way with the help of Strength Solutions Tech Unleashed, a group composed of students from ages 13 to 18 who focus on solutions to problems using technology. “To bring the issue of ALICE, to the forefront, the United Way worked together with Strength Tech Unleashed,” she explained. “This app, which runs like an online game, allows the player to experience one month of living on ALICE,” she said. “This allows a person to see the impact of United Way programs and their donations to the (agency’s) campaign. In just a few short minutes, the app allows you to walk in ALICE’s shoes and see the important work that United Way agencies do to strengthen the community. “ McAuley said the draft version of the app was presented to the United Way of New York State in the summer of 2017. She said the United Way and students are putting the final touches on the app, and will have it available to the public in time for the agency’s 2018 campaign in September. “The students were amazing,” McAuley added. “We presented an idea to them, and they expanded on our idea to develop this incredibly comprehensive app.”
OLEAN — “CAReS has seen a great deal of growth in the past several years,” said Mike Prutsman, executive director of the Olean-based organization that provides area residents with addiction and recovery services. “This is, of course, is due in part to the heroin and opiate crisis, but is indicative of the greater and broader issue of addiction.” Prutsman said the growth with CAReS is seen with the expansion of its Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, where a client receives medication to assist with addiction, a chronic brain disease. Particularly severe is addiction to opiates and alcohol, which is treated with Vivitro. “They must also participate in treatment counseling, including group and individual sessions with a trained alcohol and substance abuse therapist,” Prutsman added. “The program has been expanded physically to the ground floor of the CAReS main facility at 201 S. Union St.” He said expansion of personnel has also occurred with the addition of two registered nurses to the MAT unit, as well as the expansion of physician hours. “CAReS will soon be adding an additional MAT provider with the goal of continuing to meet the growing need for MAT services in our area,” Prutsman added. Dr. Galvin Anderson, CAReS medical director and MAT provider, said a year ago the agency was seeing 23 patients, and now has quadrupled that number. “With the addition of monthly injectable Vivitrol and Subutex, we now provide an array of MAT services that are of great need in our community,” Anderson said. Jene Gardner, director of treatment services for CAReS, said the agency also expects to expand MAT services to its satellite out-
patient facilities in Gowanda, Machias and Salamanca in the near future. “It is imperative that we expand our services to all areas of the county,’ she said. “Transportation is a significant barrier to treatment for many of our county’s residents so expanding our services to the ‘four corners’ of the county will considerably enhance our ability to serve the people of Cattaraugus County.” Prutsman said CAReS has also become a leader in the county in the collaboration of agencies and organizations. Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Drug Free Community Support Grant, CAReS has been able to continue its Healthy Cattaraugus County: A Drug Free Coalition (HCC) program. He noted HCC is a community-based consortium of county stakeholders who have an interest in the well-being of youth and the county as a whole. “Membership includes county-based businesses, parents, youth, faith-based resources, governmental and tribal officials, law enforcement, educators and other youth-serving agencies that encompass our county,” Prutsman continued. “HCC has a mission and goals specific to youth.” The program’s primary goal of HCC is the reduction of underage drinking and marijuana use, as well as the consequences of that usee endured by fifth- through 12th-graders in Cattaraugus County.The coalition targets its efforts using data from student and community surveys, focus groups and informant interviews. “Prevention efforts, such as Healthy Cattaraugus County, are a very important part of the efforts at CAReS,” Prutsman continued. “It is our hope that
expanded and enhanced prevention efforts will foster a future for our children and our children’s children in which we have a better understanding of the brain disease known as addiction. This better understanding will lead to better decisions by and for our youth.” In recounting landmark events over the past couple of years, Prutsman said a key achievement occurred in January of 2017 when CAReS received word the agency had been awarded funding to build a new residential facility for those dealing with addiction. In the fall, the agency broke ground on the new facility that will be annexed to the current Weston’s Manor treatment center in Weston Mills. Prutsman said the facility is expected to be completed and opened in late 2018. “This facility will provide a higher level of care for those suffering from addiction, including women and their children,” Prutsman said. “The facility will offer medical and mental stabilization services as the level of care currently being provided in its Community Residence and Supportive Living programs.” In 2016, CAReS also implemented a specific Intake Department, Prutsman said. He added the CAReS intake professional completes a thorough evaluation with the client and makes a referral for the appropriate level of care. This could include a referral to inpatient or outpatient facilities. “Historically, it was at times difficult for clients to be seen in a timely manner from the initial phone call to CAReS,” he explained. “ With the addition of the Intake Department a potential client will be seen within 24 hours and often on the same day. This has meant much greater access to care.”
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
Olean General, BRMC continue to move forward with Kaleida affiliation OLEAN — When faced with merging, closing or even just reducing services for a community, many hospitals — especially rural ones — have chosen to affiliate. According to a 2014 Buffalo News report, at least six regional hospitals had affiliated with other programs or health systems to cut costs since 2011. Affiliations of rural hospitals with larger health systems will continue to be a trend, officials with Olean General Hospital and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center assert. In response to these nationwide challenges, Upper Allegheny Health System, which includes BRMC and OGH, chose to affiliate in 2017 with Kaleida Health to leverage the size and scale of a large regional health system and Kaleida’s clinical capabilities. The primary goal of the new affiliation was to preserve and strengthen healthcare in the Twin Tiers, officials said in a release. The Kaleida Health relationship began in 2013, when a jointly operated interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory opened at OGH. The program has performed more than 2,400 procedures, including nearly 700 emergent interventions. Closely following the Kaleida Health affiliation in 2017 was the arrival of a vascular group associated with Kaleida Health’s Gates Vascular Institute/Buffalo General Medical Center. Buffalo Endovascular and Vascular Surgical Associates now sees patients and performs vascular procedures at Olean General Hospital. “The opportunity to
partner with Kaleida Health and its member organizations like the Gates Vascular Institute, Buffalo General Medical Center and the new Oishei Children’s Hospital will assure enhanced coordination of care so that patients in the region can be seamlessly transitioned to tertiary levels of care as needed,” the statement read. In partnership with Kaleida Health, OGH also added electrophysiology services in 2017 and now offers patients the convenience of having medical devices such as pacemakers implanted here at home. OGH and BRMC expect to see more services become accessible to patients in the Twin Tiers in the future. A critical issue in Bradford, Olean and all rural communities is the recruitment of physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, which officials said will remain a key focus for BRMC and OGH in 2018. Upper Allegheny recently succeeded in recruiting five new physicians to Olean, who were introduced to the community in 2017: Danielle Kwakye-Berko, MD, internal medicine; Aparna Ramchandran, MD, family practice; Sri Nidhi Ganji, MD, pediatrics; Javaid Malik, MD, pain management; Umeer Ashraf, MD, internal medicine. Another specialist in orthopedics/ orthopedic spine surgery, Keith Wilkey, MD, opened offices in Bradford and Olean in March 2018. Additionally, Olean General Hospital continued to focus on quality and safety initiatives through last year, and received recognition for its efforts. For the second year in a
row, Olean General Hospital was named one of the nation’s “Most Wired” hospitals and health systems by the American Hospital Association for its use of information technology to improve patient care and safety. More than 60 Olean General Hospital employees serve as Safety Champions at Olean General Hospital to provide a network of frontline safety experts throughout the hospital. These individuals — who consist of nurses, technicians, housekeepers, building services staff and office personnel receive special training and advocate for patient safety — conduct safety rounds and conduct process improvement activities.
Photo submitted
Members of the Olean Medical Group’s pediatrics department are (front, from left) Nichole Green, Matthew Ring, Marti Brotka, (back, from left) Dr. Pamela Salzmann and Dr. Ricardo Ilustre.
Olean Medical Group expands its pediatric department
OLEAN — By May, Olean Medical Group Pediatrics Department will welcome Matthew OTHER PROGRAMS Ring to its Pediatric initiated by the hospital Department at the main include: office, 535 Main Street. n Antimicrobial Ring recently completStewardship Program ed a Master's degree nurse — With the fear of overpractitioner program at prescribing medication or D'Youville College in overusing antibiotics hang- Buffalo. He has practiced ing over hospital employin healthcare for 13 years ees, the hospital has imple- — first as an EMT and mented an Antimicrobial hospital orderly, and more Stewardship Program in recently as an Registered which pharmacists, physiNurse at Olean General cians, nurses and other clini- Hospital and Flight Nurse cal staff collaborate to assure with Starflight Medevac. optimal antibiotic therapy Additionally, as a for Olean General Hospital father of two, Ring has a patients. Officials said the keen interest in childrens' program has succeeded in health. reducing overall antibiotic Expansion of the pediusage and in improving atrics office and on-call patient outcomes. n Patient Navigator Program — The program connects Olean General Hospital emergency patients appointments. Officials said without primary care phy- the program has resulted sicians with appropriate in improved outcomes for physicians in the compatients and a reduction munity before they leave in the number of nonthe ER. Patient navigators emergent ER visits at the assist patients in selecting a hospital. primary care provider and n Medication in scheduling follow-up Reconciliation Program —
Total Senior Care expands to two locations in Jamestown
For the past several years, Total Senior Care has offered money-saving PACE and Daybreak programs to its clients at the center on North Union Street in Olean, as well as in Gowanda and Wellsville. Victoria Kearns, director of communications for the agency, which includes sister-agency HomeCare and Hospice, said PACE and Daybreak were expanded to be offered at two locations in Jamestown, thereby helping even more of the elderly in Western New York. “PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), especially, has significant benefits to the aging population in Jamestown where the poverty rate is 29 percent and 15 percent of the population is over age 65,” Kearns said. “As a communitybased Medicaid benefit, PACE offers savings to individuals at a higher income threshold than traditional Medicaid.” “It means they will be able to keep $840 per month which otherwise would have been absorbed by traditional Medicaid,” Kearns said. Kearns said the Total
Senior Care program encourages doctors to refer their patients to the PACE program for its significant cost-savings and excellent medical care. “Although PACE is often viewed as for individuals with a low to medium income, participants can also private pay the Medicaid and/or Medicare portion if not enrolled in coverage,” she added. She said PACE provides everything medically necessary for a person’s complete medical care including physician services, medical supplies, inpatient care, rehabilitation and medication without co-pays. “It is a nursing home without walls and offers a unique medical model for nursing home-eligible elderly over age 55,” she continued. “It offers them the option to stay in their own homes, saving them the high cost of a skilled nursing facility, and provides all their medical needs at no cost to them.” Joni Faulkner, contract manager and network liaison for PACE, said If an individual has income over the threshold to qualify for the program, they may still qualify by participating in
an established pooled trust out of which they pay their bills. “The amount they put in the pooled trust brings down their income to the (established) threshold allowing them to participate in PACE,” Faulkner said. “It also allows us to provide better medical services.” She said if an issue is related to health needs and not typically Medicaidcovered, PACE can cover it. Faulkner related a story about a father who was on PACE and depressed. When he learned his daughter, who lived an hour away and was dying of cancer, he wanted to go see her. “We looked at his diagnoses and saw depression,” Faulkner said. “Under the depression diagnosis, we could authorize him to see his daughter as a help for his depression. We were able to provide transportation for him to go see her.” Faulkner said the man’s daughter died soon after he saw her. She noted that under traditional Medicaid provisions, the man might not have been able to see his dying daughter.
2003, respectively, and Nichole Green and Marti Brotka joined the Group in 2004 and 2014, respectively. Between the four, they have near 100 years of a combined years in healthcare. All live in the greater Olean area with their families. In addition to Olean Medical Group's five general pediatric practitioners, visiting specialists in pediatric cardiology and pediatric gastroenterology are available monthly at OMG. The group has a full-service laboratory and radiology department, all under one roof. For more information, call 372-0141 or go to www.oleanmedicalgroup. com.
The program was initiated at Olean General Hospital this past year to obtain the most accurate outpatient medication histories possible for all patients admitted to the hospital. Studies indicate that without a formal and
dedicated effort to gather an exact medication history for every inpatient, the accuracy of patients’ own medication listings can be as low as 40 percent. Lack of a reliable medication history places patients at significant risk for adverse drug events.
BX80 Series
Photo submitted
Wendy Werner, PACE nurse practitioner (at left), Gene Wild, registered nurse, and Lucinda Clancy, licensed practical nurse, confer about participants in Total Senior Care’s medical services in its new clinic.
department was essential, said Dr. Pam Salzmann. "Care of our young patients is first and foremost. With the increase in childhood obesity, mental illness, and the like, we, as pediatricians, find ourselves on the front line, needing to support efforts for helping to create a nurturing environment at home — and for healing," she said. The pediatrics offices at Olean Medical Group are located on the second floor of the main office, in both Area F — with Dr. Ricardo Ilustre and Nichole Green — and Area G, with Salzmann and Marti Brotka. Ilustre and Salzmann joined OMG in 1997 and
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utlook
Beyond the city of Olean
Allegany County keeps looking forward
Development on way for GE Lufkin property, Alfred biorefinery, Alle-Catt wind farm, Crossroads By KATHLEEN KELLOGG
in Wellsville, but the ultimate goal may be to find another manufacBELMONT — Allegany turing firm to take over County can celebrate the 380,000 square-foot some breakthroughs in facility and keep affected 2018 as several of the workers employed. region’s longstanding “We have 18 months to high-profile projects reach two years to figure it out critical mass while oth(before the closing) and ers simmer on the back that’s the good news. The burner. bad news is we have 18 In February, the IDA months to two years,” he moved closer to an told board members. “But advanced-manufacturing we are resilient and we lease deal that will help will recover.” expand the family-owned P.M. Research into the COUNTY LEADERS vacant GE Lufkin propHAVE been offering erty at 2475 Tarantino the invitation for new Road in Wellsville. For advanced manufacturmore than 40 years P. M. ing and high-paying jobs, Research has manufacpointing to the skilled tured mainly aircraft ero- workforce that is somesion protection products times left behind when at 4110 Niles Hill Road companies pull out, as and now employs 16. well as annual crops of The firm is movgraduates from three ing in and plans to add institutions — Houghton another 14 workers. The College, Alfred University GE Lufkin location will and Alfred State College. see an investment of In Caneadea, in the $2.24 million to expand county’s northwest its Precision Armaments corner, is the Christian division. That cost estiliberal arts Houghton mate includes $50,000 in College, featuring new annual lease payments to sports facilities and a the IDA totaling $1 milwell-known music school, lion. The ACIDA’s initial with about 932 students. incentives package includ- Alfred University and its ed a 14-year payment touted SUNY College of in lieu of taxes (PILOT) Ceramics has about 2,300 agreement, but the terms undergraduate and gradwere still being negotiated uate students at the center three weeks later. of the county’s eastern The deal projects a end. Alfred State boasts future workforce number- an 800-acre teaching farm, ing 60 in the next decade along with a long list of and a return of some baccalaureate and assofunding to the local taxing ciate degree programs authorities. GE Lufkin’s and its satellite School operation had also been of Applied Technology the recipient of IDA incen- campus in Wellsville featives and remained taxtures an array of techniexempt when the compa- cal trades and hands-on ny pulled out in 2016. The learning, claiming a comIDA was able to attract a bined 3,700 students. new tenant to the build“We continue to engage ing after GE Lufkin was any and all outside help persuaded to donate the that will invest in our multimillion dollar facility skilled and dedicated to the IDA. workforce so that we can keep them here at home P.M. RESEARCH’S in Allegany County,” NEWS was tempered said county Legislature the same week by the Chairman Curt Crandall, announcement by a resident of Belfast repreSiemens that it will close senting District 1. the former Dresser-Rand A tourism boost may facility in Wellsville by help. In February, officials 202 after handing most of launched a cross-border its contracts over in a deal campaign to catch the with Curtiss-Wright. The attention of some of the move by the area’s once- 9 million Canadians who largest employer will cut are eager to drive 90 minthe company's workforce utes to explore and disby 250. cover the unique region. Allegany County The county will be feaIndustrial Development tured, along with nearby Agency Executive counties, on a Sunday Director Craig Clark morning radio talk show said at the March meetand in print media to ing of his board that he reach the upscale advenis working with other ture-seeking market. agencies and government officials to find a way IN EARLY JANUARY, to keep some portion of officials learned the the Siemens operations long-awaited $14.2 Olean Times Herald
Photo by Kathleen Kellogg
Some of thousands of miles of fiber optic cable are stockpiled at a warehouse in Belfast at the intersection of Route 19 and 305. State officials announced a series of grants this year to extend high-speed internet service to up to 20,000 homes and businesses in Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben counties.
million SUNY Alfred Biorefinery Development and Commercialization Center (BDCC) would receive a $6.6 million state contribution as part of Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2018 budget package. The contribution will supplement roughly $6.1 million already received from other government funding pledges to support the public/private partnership. The funds will allow construction to begin on a biorefinery prototype in a proposed Almond Industrial Park building. The facility will generate energy to support ancillary operations, while separating chemical byproducts from lowgrade wood, biomass crops and agricultural residuals using a patented hot-water extraction process. Students would receive biotech job training based on forest conservation, industrial development and environmental preservation to turn out high-end fuel pellets and composite lumber, while the end product contains marketable sugars and chemicals for production of animal feed, or ethanol, methanol or acetic acid, along with a range of other materials, some of them biodegradable. A second prototype may also be built in Cattaraugus County. Later, commercial biorefinery startups could process up to 700 tons of waste daily, and bring local revenue to regional forest owners. The SUNY
College of Environmental Science and Forestry Paper Pilot facility is a model for the project. ALSO ON THE energy front is a proposal offering leases to landowners, host payments to the towns of Centerville, New Hudson and Rushford, and affected towns in Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties. The 380-megawatt AlleCatt Wind Energy project would make PILOTs to taxing jurisdictions in affected counties, estimated in July to be about $5,000 per megawatt, in return for IDA tax abatements. Allegany County officials say the Alle-Catt PILOT payments have yet to be negotiated. The proposal, which has the potential to create 10 to 15 monitoring jobs long term, is now entering the state’s Electric Generation Siting Board review. According to a March 9 announcement by Cuomo, it is the largest of three proposed wind farms in a group of 28 large-scale renewable energy projects statewide that, if permitted, will receive a share of his $1.4 billion incentive award. The projects will generate enough electricity to enable the governor to seek exclusion from a federal offshore drilling program. IN AUGUST, the IDA signed a contract with Rochester developers Hemisphere Management and Novat Corp. for a future $15 million “Crossroads
Olean Times Herald file photo
Pepsy Kettavong, president of Novat Corp. (left), and Tarpan Patel, president of Hemisphere Management, speak to attendees of a press conference unveiling plans for a $15 million 90-room hotel, conference center, restaurant and filling station project in Belvidere.
Development” at the agency-owned 10-acre site of a former Interstate 86 truck stop at the Belmont exit 30 and State Route 19 and County Road 20. Their preliminary site plan for the project, targeting a summer groundbreaking and one-year construction, was unveiled at a January public meeting. Plans call for a five-story, 84-room Tru by Hilton hotel, and a 300-seat conference center occupying the top two floors. A restaurant and gas station will be built in later phases, but not a truck stop, disappointing some residents. The developers aim to create a destination to capture some of the 12,000 cars passing the site daily on the three adjacent roads, as evidenced in a recent traffic count. IDA site preparations greased the deal, in the form of a locally-aided and state grant-funded 12-inch water line yet to be completed from Friendship. The Crossroads Development, positioned at the prominent location on the interstate exit, is meant to generate more activity while providing accommodations for businesses, large community gatherings and visitors who attend events at the county’s three colleges.
the per capita income of $21,478, about $8,500 lower than the $29,829 in neighboring counties. According to current data released with the county's 2018 budget, the total assessed value of properties countywide is $2.89 billion with Alfred, Wellsville, Cuba and Caneadea at the top of the scale. However, the $29.4 million tax levy has to come from the nonexempt properties, which are valued at $1.96 billion. Allegany County officials have made strategic moves to prepare financially and physically to boost those numbers if new developments can be recruited. Updating the county’s comprehensive planning document, scouting and providing infrastructure upgrades to potential development sites, completing and forming a land bank to take over and repair blighted properties are all part of the big picture. A website upgrade and a new phone system make it easier to do business. Crandall added to the list, pointing to the Crossroads Development, the Alle-Catt Wind proposal and local government collaboration on a shared services plan. Administrative moves include elimination of county fund deficits and WHILE THE COUNTY gathering a $30 million continues to upgrade its surplus, budgetary monioperations and lay the toring and privatizations. groundwork for growth, The effort has paid off in Clark has been working an eight year unbroken for almost a year with record of lower tax rates the Site Selectors Guild (the true value tax rate to scout new sites for with the 2018 budget is international developers $14.98 per $1,000) and and for firms involved in resulted in a bond ratadvanced manufacturing upgrade — Moody’s ing, food production and Investor Service rates long ceramics and glass indus- term bonds at A1. try ventures. Government faciliThe most recent U.S. ties and operations have Census survey of busialso been restructured in nesses, compiled in 2015, recent years, as a Court states there were 790 Facilities Project is renoemployers in Allegany vating the third floor of County, with a total of the county building in 11,771 workers receivBelmont. In addition, the ing an annual payroll IDA-owned Crossroads of $377.7 million. In the Center at Exit 30 has a manufacturing sector, new paved Park and 38 firms employed 2,217 Ride and serves as an workers, for an annual informal visitor’s center payroll of almost $117.9 serving residents visitmillion. ing the county offices of As of 2012, census Tourism, Planning and figures show, 56 percent Development, Emergency of residents over 16 were Services and Fire, Aging, working, but 18.4 percent Veterans Services and of residents were in pov- other agencies. erty, compared to the U.S. Crandall said he hopes rate of 12.7 percent. The the county can use these median household income strides to be “proactive” in 2016 dollars is $44,085, in areas to operate on the compared to $55,322 in level without "radical ups the U.S. As of 2014-2015, and downs."
B-2
From the mouth of the mayor By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald
The economic outlook in the villages of Allegany, Cuba and Portville is healthy and moving forward with several projects on the local agendas, report the mayors in those communities. IN THE VILLAGE OF ALLEGANY, Mayor Greg Pearl said the biggest project in the community is the construction of the Field of Dreams assisted living facility off of Seventh Street near Maple Avenue. Village officials reported earlier this year that construction crews contracted by the village are installing water lines to the complex, which will house the elderly and disabled in the assisted living and memory care facility, “I think we’re just about done with the water (lines) and we’ll be starting our sewer lines here pretty quick,” Pearl said, of the water and sewage line extensions funded through a $350,000 grant provided through the office of state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean. The project, first announced in the winter of 2016, had called for the $17 million, 200-bed facility on the 30-acre site, to be completed in 2018. Nicholas Ferreri, owner of the parent company for the project, the Tanglewood Group in Jamestown, announced a revised plan for the project earlier this fall. The updated plan calls for a two-story licensed 140-bed facility that is expected to employ approximately 100 people and use local vendors. The facility is expected to serve Cattaraugus, Allegany, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties. General contractor for the project is Kinley Corp. of Allegany. Pearl said groundbreaking for the facility is expected to take place in April. In addition, construction is expected to take 12 to 13 months to complete, with the projected completion date sometime in 2019. “It’s on schedule and I really hope we stay that way,” Pearl added. Other developments in the village include the new office building for Streamline Construction on West Main Street, expected by owner Troy Miller to be completed sometime in the upcoming months. The two-story, 75 feet by 75 feet office building should not only provide plenty of space for operations, but also be elaborate in design. Miller had stated the company purchased the empty lot at 126 W. Main
OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
nesses in the downtown area have helped the community, including pizza and ice cream shop Fyre ’N Ice at 20 S. Main St. and bakery Kick’n Bundts at 176 S. Main St. While the bundt shop announced on its Facebook page Feb. 22 it would not open this spring, the post stated Crystal’s Confections, a bakery run by Crystal Torrey of Portville, would take its place. Woodhead said the village is also working on projects she is hoping will draw tourists to the area. In particular, she said Charles Eschelman donated an old Kate Day Sager/Olean Times Herald schoolhouse, his farmhouse West Main Street in Allegany comprises many shops and a grange, all located near each other on (Bedford and businesses, as well as the town courthouse, Corners), to the Portville shown here. Historical and Preservation Society. St. for the building, as well another a financial topic, “The schoolhouse is as an adjacent property Pearl said village taxes for pretty much done, the that had housed the fornext year are not expected farmhouse is almost done, mer Allegany laundromat. to increase. but the grange hasn’t Miller said the laundromat “The budget is half-done been worked on yet,” she building will be torn down, and we’re working on the remarked. “They want to with that property to be premise of no increase this restore (the buildings) and used as a parking lot for year,” Pearl said. move the historical society Streamline. there.” Miller Another had noted project that the new could draw building tourists or will serve as genealogists headquarto the comters for the munity is the business restoration of with the the historic warehouse Mersereau in a different Cemetery location. on Pine “We Street. The want it to Mersereau look nice family, which and help the is said to area,” Miller have had ties Cindy Wagner/Olean Times Herald said of the to President future head- Downtown Portville has had buildings and storeGeorge fronts purchased by private owners, or given to the quarters. Washington, village, to make way for new enterprises. Pearl have sevsaid he is eral family very pleased that Miller’s IN THE VILLAGE OF members and other historic business would be located PORTVILLE, Mayor Emily graves in the cemetery. in the downtown area, Woodhead also had good Woodhead said the boat which comprises many his- news to share regarding launch that was created toric structures. several Main Street builda few years ago has also “It’s an excellent addiings that were available for drawn people to the comtion to our village,” Pearl purchase. munity, and will continue said. “It’s another business “Some of those buildings to do so in the future. The that will hopefully put more have been sold and some floating dock, located on bodies on the streets who have been given up to the Steam Valley Road by the will eat in our restaurants. village,” Woodhead said. pristine Allegheny River, Pearl stated he was hope- “Ray Bulson was our lawhas a beautiful pasture as a ful the laundromat would b yer for the village and he backdrop. e replaced in the near future passed away, so his family Portville Planning Board at one of the other available is going to gift (a building) members Bob and Holly buildings on Main Street. to the village. We’re lookFischer have stated the total He said village officials have ing forward to getting them visual effect of the river, spoken with a couple of fixed up.” as well as the view of the business people about openShe said some structures nearby farmland, attracts as ing another laundromat in need new roofs, which the many boaters as people who the future. village plans to replace. want to picnic at tables set Another new structure “We’ll probably fix them up on the concrete launch in the village that was up and hopefully someone area. The dock and launch completed and opened in will want to put a business area were created two years early January was the new in there and buy it from the ago when the commuEmerald Hills apartment village,” she continued. “I nity received about $25,000 complex on East Main kind of like to have control toward the project from a Street. of (the structures) because I federal grant provided to The building was wouldn’t want somebody to Portville Central School destroyed by an accidental buy it and not fix it up.” District’s physical education fire Feb. 3, 2016, and disWoodhead also noted program. The land for the placed several families. On the opening of several busi- launch area was donated to
An update on Allegany, Cuba and Portville from village leaders
the project by local farmer, Chris Linn. Woodhead said the village wants to add on to the picnic area to attract even more visitors and tourists. But ultimately, the goal of village leaders is to not only draw more visitors, but more people to live in the quaint, historic community. “We would like people to move here,” Woodhead shared. “And there are a lot of people in Portville with a lot of ideas.” IN THE VILLAGE OF CUBA in Allegany County, Mayor Michele Miller said the community is “anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring” to begin several projects. “Then we will be able to begin beautifying the park where the new Veterans’ Living Memorial was unveiled late last fall,” Miller said. “This memorial has a touch-screen encased in granite with granite benches and pavers.” Miller said the screen displays the names, pictures and military history of any and all service people with a connection to Cuba, dating back to the Revolutionary War. “This was organized by the Cuba Chamber of Commerce and volunteers and funded by donations,” she said. “Also, we will be planting the flower boxes downtown, and adding a couple more than we have had in the past.” She said the community began a Hometown Heroes banner program last fall that was so well-received, they sold out of available space on light posts. “By Veteran’s Day, the two major corridors of the village were lined with large banners depicting service people, past and present, from Cuba,” Miller continued. It was such a popular initiative that we have purchased additional hardware in order to accommodate more banners. These will be hung soon, so that by Memorial Day we will once
again have banners celebrating our heroes.” As for businesses in the community, Miller said there are a couple of new owners of downtown buildings who will be adding new or expanded businesses. In addition, the ProBricks business opened in November. “This is a Lego store with unique features and offerings,” Miller explained. “The brightly colored new storefront makes a bright addition to Main Street, as well as a popular place for hobbyists of all ages.” Miller said a landmark business in the community, the Palmer Opera House, maintains a busy schedule. “There are entertainment opportunities every week, sometimes more than once a week,” she remarked. In addition, The Inn at 28, a historic bed and breakfast, anticipates opening a pub on the premises, she added. “This will be housed in the former grocery, and former Rocking Duck restaurant,” she commented. Along those lines, Miller said she believes the village is fortunate to have “a very active and civic-minded” Chamber of Commerce. “The monthly Business After Hours are well-attended and give an opportunity to all to see how each of our treasured businesses operate,” she said. “Additionally, the Chamber publishes a monthly newsletter, which is several colorful and glossy pages, full of information.” Miller also said the “passionate loyalty” of residents is part of what has led to Cuba’s designation as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the last 14 years. “To that end, we have a tree board which oversees the health and planting of trees throughout village properties,” she continued. “We plan to plant about 12 new trees this spring. “Cuba continues to enhance its historic and creative appeal,” Miller concluded.
Kate Day Sager/Olean Times Herald
The iconic scene of downtown Cuba, used as artwork to advertise activities in the community, is shown here on the side of a building.
Salamanca’s mayor wants city to continue embracing Seneca culture By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
Special to the Olean Times Herald
A regular morning for Salamanca Mayor Michael “Smitty” Smith includes brief meetings with each city department head, popping in for a few minutes as they happen to pass his open office door. Whether it’s one at a time as it fits their schedules or four or five in the same room at the same time, the mayor considers the employees of the city members to be one big family. “I’m the cheerleader, the team builder, the dreamer,” Smith said. “But everyone should get a vote, everyone has good ideas. Let’s throw them all at the wall and see what sticks.” As the first Native American mayor of the only city on a Native American reservation in the country, Smith said he also tries to be the communicator. He said he keeps communication lines open both within city hall and between the city and the Seneca Nation of Indians. “I had high-flying dreams coming in that we could possibly improve relations between the city and the Seneca Nation,” he said. “I think we’ve done that on a variety of fronts.” Although the ongoing battle between the Nation and New York state over
the casino compact agreement has left a $6 million hole in the city’s budget, Smith said relations are better on non-political departments. He said the Nation’s Department of Transportation and the city’s Department of Public Works work well together, as do the Nation’s emergency responders and the city’s police and fire departments. For the first time in 16 years, the Joint Venture Committee between the city and Seneca Nation met, Smith said. He said they’ve come out of meetings on positive notes, working together toward beautifying Main Street and displaying flags across the city. But struggles continue. “I was hoping it would almost be like a free pass to great relations,” Smith said of his unique position as the first native mayor. “It didn’t quite work out that way. They’re much more improved than I believe they ever have been, but I thought it would be easier.” With 15 months down and Election Day creeping closer, Smith said he considers his first term as mayor a success, particularly in rebuilding the city from outside city hall and within. “I campaigned on ‘Reunite Salamanca’ and I meant that in a variety of methods,” he said. “First and foremost, it was reunit-
ing the city in pride — all facets of the city — and then uniting city hall.” Smith said he feels the change in the atmosphere at city hall has been vital to the successes the city has experienced in the past year, and for the remainder of his term Smith said he plans to continue cultivating that team spirit. Around the city, Smith noted several successful ventures with combined efforts from both the Nation and the city, including the Salamanca Seneca Falling Leaves Festival in its fortieth year. The success of the inaugural Celebrate Salamanca Day has prompted Smith to try to make this year’s “twice as big” as the first. Clean-up Day on Earth Day and the holiday Light Up Night parade in December may not have been his ideas, but Smith said he doesn’t mind jumping on someone else’s bandwagon if it means the community has an opportunity to come together. Although the one- or two-day events brought people into the city, Smith said it’s not enough to revitalize the town because it can’t be how it used to be. With the railroad and logging industries nearly gone, he said being proud of the city’s history that’s still around could make the change.
“Let’s embrace what we are. Let’s push the Nation to develop some native stores,” he said. “We’re the only city on an Indian reservation, but you can’t buy a pair of handmade moccasins.”
ping mall or an indoor/ tens of thousands of hours outdoor water park could on the air, he said talking to help reinvigorate business his friends and colleagues at the casino by making it a about what new dreams he place for the whole family wants to accomplish is how rather than only adults. they’ve started to get things “Rather than just a casino done. town, it’s now a destination “It’s not as easy as I that includes a casino,” he thought it would be, but WITH 76 PERCENT of said. “You have the parks, we’re gaining,” Smith said. city properties native owned the river, the shopping and “As the Ward 4 alderman, I and the city’s tax base com- the casino.” was the ‘Git ‘er Done’ aldering from the remaining Coming into his elecman. Now, I’m the ‘Git ‘er 24 percent, Smith said the tion in 2016, Smith said his Done’ mayor. Let’s find a Seneca Nation as landlords best qualification for the job job, get it done and make have the unique position of was his “big mouth.” As a it better. We are gaining on directly impacting the city retired radio DJ who spent making the city better.” and making it better. Because of the ongoing issues over the casino compact funds, the $6 million missing from the city budget could devastate the city once the reserve fund balance runs out in a couple years. up to However, off of the $ 00 Seneca territory but still within city limits, the city mail-in rebate has a 300-acre parcel of land off of State Park Avenue. About a mile past the casino visible from Interstate 86, Smith said that could be the city’s ticket to financial independence by making Salamanca a destination. Valid on Qualifying Lawn Tractors “We’ve asked the govOffer Valid March 15, 2018 to April 30, 2018 ernor and our state representatives to include in the negotiations an access road from the casino to our OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT land,” he explained. 2932 Kings Run Rd., Ceres, PA Smith said by connecting that 300 acres with the casino through one road, develLocally Owned We Carry Parts & Do All opment of an outlet shopService & Warranties In-House! WWW.CANFIELDSOUTDOOR.COM
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OUTLOOK 2018
Smaller manufacturers key to strong economic future By BOB CLARK
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — While the era of Daystrom, Hysol, AVX and Dal-Tile are gone, local leaders still see manufacturing as key to the area’s economic future. But much of it will be on a smaller scale, with many firms filling the gaps. “To me, it’s a critical demographic for us to grow,” said Larry Sorokes, chief executive officer of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s more realistic for us to attract and grow that size of company than the more massive manufacturers. “Clearly, we’re looking to companies like those to produce jobs at a higher pay rate, but also attract those with education in the given fields,” he said. “They tend to stabilize communities by providing higher-paying jobs, but also a career path.” Jeff Belt, CEO of SolEpoxy in North Olean and co-chairman of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, said finding large-scale manufacturers to move to the region is virtually unheard of. “Any job growth will come from small and medium manufacturers, and especially locallyowned business,” Belt said. “There’s not that many big factories to chase… I think the small and medium manufac-
Associated Press
The area’s smaller manufacturers have taken things to new heights in the last year — such as Napoleon Engineering Services’ efforts with SpaceX — while local officials tout the higher pay and career-building of small- and mid-level manufacturing.
turers now make up the majority of manufacturing jobs in the region.” Attracting and expanding the businesses can be a challenge, Belt added, but it’s possible. “What drives my business is innovation,” he said, with a push to invent new compounds to solve a given problem for a customer. In order to do that, he needs engineers, technicians and other problemsolvers. “These are people with very high skills, and they can choose to move anywhere,” he said. “The theory is make the community attractive, and the jobs will follow.” He pointed to efforts in Corning by the Houghton family following the Flood of 1972, choos-
ing to restore Market Street buildings instead of leveling them for new construction. The historic Gaffer District today has been such a draw that Corning Inc. still maintains its research and development operations in the community despite similar firms in the region sending the jobs across the country or around the world. That’s why Belt spends so much time on efforts like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and funding efforts to put a permanent farmer’s market in Lincoln Park. “Part of it is selfserving,” he said, noting as an Oleander, he wants to take care of his community. “The nice thing about investing in people and
places is even if you don’t get that economic development, you still have a nice downtown, you still have an advanced manufacturing institute to train your children — but it does attract development.”
a mannequin named “Starman” into space, was another milestone for private rocket company SpaceX, whose CEO, Elon Musk, has long talked of eventually sending humans to live on Mars. A total of 56 NES HERE’S A LOOK at bearings were inside the some highlights from the Heavy, which is now the area’s smaller manufacmost powerful rocket in turers this year: operation and is essenn This year took Olean tially three of SpaceX’s to the stars — literally. reusable Falcon 9 rockets Napoleon Engineering strapped together. Services bearings were NES, which started used in the maiden launch out of Napoleon’s Bishop of the Falcon Heavy Street garage in 1997, rocket Feb. 6, sending a has been working with Tesla Roadster into orbit SpaceX since 2011. The around the sun. SpaceX contract repreThe bearings, which sents 15 to 20 percent of are used in turbopumps NES’ annual sales revfor the rocket’s fuel and enue, but other rocket oxidizer, helped propel firms, including Amazon the red convertible and CEO Jeff Bezos’ Blue
Origin, are also customers. n Almost 500 cases of locally-brewed and canned beer hit the shelves in the region as Four Mile Brewing made the jump from tap-only to the take-home market. With the help of IronHeart Canning of Rochester’s mobile beer canning operation, the firm canned 30 barrels of its Allegheny IPA and Pale Ale, packaging just shy of 500 cases for distribution — around 12,000 cans. Locally, the six-packs are available in many stores, like beverage distributors as well as Park n’ Shop and Ried's Food Barn. The firm is also working to get the beer in the craft brew sections at nearby Wegmans supermarkets. All told, the cans will head to stores in eight counties. The firm has plans to build a permanent canning line on the East Greene Street site, and is aiming for assistance from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. From 800 barrels in 2015 to 2,300 barrels in 2017, the firm has been growing rapidly. Employment has also expanded, officials said, with around 15 when the brewery and restaurant opened to 20 today. If the canning line is put in, officials hope to add more manufacturing jobs. (Contact reporter-editor Bob Clark at bclark@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @OTHBob)
JCC continues to provide manufacturers with workforce pipeline By TOM DINKI
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — Jamestown Community College gives its students manufacturing skills with the hope they’ll put them to use in the Southern Tier. While JCC officials recognize some may have to find work elsewhere due to hardships faced by the local manufacturing industry, they also know creating qualified graduates can only help local manufacturers stay operational and increase the likelihood an outside manufacturer finds the Southern Tier attractive. “Having a skilled workforce may be the tipping point that brings a business to our area,” said Keith Kranick, director of Continuing Education at JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus. With that mindset, JCC pursues new technical programs that provide local residents with the skills necessary to improve their financial standing and local manufacturers with a pipeline of workers ready, willing and able to do the job. The Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean will roll out welding, 3D printing and even plumbing training next school year with the continued help of its Manufacturing Technology Institute, a $5 million facility opened in 2016, and the combined $310,000 donated several years ago by local manufacturers. “These are the types of jobs that would earn a family wage that would allow them to become productive citizens,” said John Sayegh, vice president of JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus. The newest endeavor is the Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships program, which is still in the
early planning stages, as is recruitment of graduating high school seniors. The plan is for the twosemester AMP program to launch this fall on both the main Jamestown campus and the Cattaraugus County Campus with 12 to 15 students in each. It will offer an Industrial Equipment Technology certificate, a decision made after JCC surveyed local manufacturers on their needs. Local manufacturers will also get a say in which students are accepted into the program. Sayegh said that’s because the manufacturers’ $310,000 donation will cover the cost of students’ tuition, resulting in all AMP students having a “free ride.” The donation has paid for past scholarships as well. JCC officials also want manufacturers to have a say because they hope the selection process will give manufactures a sneak peek of their future employees. JCC plans to ask manufacturers to provide paid internships to AMP students as part of the certificate program. “We see any internships as an opportunity not only for the business to interview the students while they’re there, but for the students to interview the business or see what that career path would look like,” Kranick said. “Both parties get to see if this is a good fit.” The AMP program is in partnership with Dream It Do It Western New York and the Manufacturing Association of the Southern Tier. Those interested can contact Sayegh at JohnSayegh@mail.sunyjcc. edu for more information. AMP students can also easily transition to earning their associate’s degree or transferring to earn their bachelor’s degree if they so choose, JCC officials noted. Providing flexible certifi-
cate programs, which allow students to more quickly get training needed to start their career than a two-year associate's degree does, is becoming more and more key for community colleges, Sayegh said. One of those accelerated programs is JCC’s 150hour residential plumbing program, which launched last fall on the Cattaraugus County Campus and continued its second module in March. Upon completion, the 14 students in the program will receive a SUNY Certificate of Completion and other national certifications that could boost their chances of landing a plumbing job. “I’m looking at it as an opportunity to maybe handmold my technicians and employees for my company and any other company in the area,” Nick Shembeda, owner of Nick Shembeda Plumbing and Heating and the program’s instructor, told the Olean Times Herald last fall. Sayegh said JCC plans to again offer the plumbing program on the Jamestown and Olean campuses next fall, in addition to a new ventilation and air conditioning program. “We secured a little less than a couple hundred thousand dollars to get the equipment needed to make labs on both campuses,” he added. Sayegh reiterated JCC’s focus is to address the need of local manufacturers, while also giving students an education that can take them anywhere in the country. “But our first and foremost focus is to educate for the individual to stay locally,” he said.
Olean Times Herald file photos
ABOVE: Xavier Smith, a machinist with OSM Corp., shows local high school students how to use the various CNC machines at Jamestown Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Institute in October as part of Manufacturing Day. BELOW: Steve Sprague, a student in Jamestown Community College’s residential plumbing program, works on drilling holes in wall studs this past November in the Manufacturing Technology Institute.
(Contact reporter Tom Dinki at tdinki@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @tomdinki)
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
Young couple’s Valley Farm helps to keep region’s bovine culture alive By RICK MILLER Olean Times Herald
CATTARAUGUS — After Darin Hill graduated from Cornell with a degree in agriculture in 2004, he worked a salesman in agribusiness in Wisconsin and California. He was drawn back to the family farm, Hill’s Valley Farm on Moshier Hollow Road in the town of Leon, where his parents, Richard and Donna operated a second generation brown Swiss dairy farm. They milked 65 cows in the farm’s original barn. Instead of driving from one account to another and staying in hotel rooms, Hill traded a seat in a sedan for one on a tractor — plowing, planting and harvesting crops on the family farm. “The one big thing was the family atmosphere of a family farm,” Hill said. Hill met his future wife, Katie, a University of Missouri graduate with a degree in dairy science, at a Brown Swiss Association convention in Syracuse. Her parents raised Brown Swiss, so she had been around dairy all her life. Hill’s grandfather, Joseph, started the farm with brown Swiss cows. Hill said he sat down in 2008 with pencil and paper and tried to figure out a way the farm could support a second family. Katie’s father had built a new barn for his brown Swiss cows with a composted bedded pack on the floor and no stalls.
Hill liked the idea and persuaded his father to proceed with the new barn. The composted bedded pack is mostly a deep layer of sawdust that cushions the cows’ hooves and help support their weight. The big-boned brown Swiss don’t like stalls. With the fluctuating price of milk, most dairy farmers can’t wait for the price to go up, Hill said. Farmers’ fixed costs do not go away. Brown Swiss have a higher butterfat than other dairy cows, 4.3 percent with the Hills’ herd. The milk is also 3.5 percent protein. The Hills’ milk goes into making Perry’s Ice Cream and some cheese products. Hill’s Valley Farm has grown to 285 cows and calves and 285 acres where they grow mostly corn and alfalfa. A nutritionist analyzes the farm feeds. Their cows are all registered purebred brown Swiss. The cows have excellent genetics and are considered good show animals. The Hills have developed a supplemental business of selling calves to people who wish to show them. “Everyone shows holsteins,” Hill said. That means more competition. With fewer brown Swiss, a child exhibiting one is more likely to take home a ribbon. “We’ve sold calves in 18 states in the last eight years,” Hill said of the new market. “Ninety-five percent of dairy farms just sell milk.”
Often the buyer of a calf will visit the farm with their child who plans to raise the calf. Later, a farmer will come with a trailer to pick up the calf and take it to his farm where the child will take care of it and exhibit it at fairs. “Sales are mostly from word of mouth, since they don’t advertise the brown Swiss calf sales anymore,” Hill said. Another long-term investment, the sale of brown Swiss bull semen with good genetics, has expanded to other countries. “We’re doing what we can to create other sources of income,” Hill said. The farm is supporting two families, Hill’s parents and he and Katie and their three children. How do they balance raising a family with running the farm? “Whoever is screaming the loudest,” smiled Hill. Katie cares for the calves and helps with the milking — twice a day, every day, and three kids. Her mother-in-law, Donna often watches the youngest, daughter Avery, a 1-year-old. The boys, Blake, 6 and Garrett, 4, can often be found riding their bikes around the barn when they are not in school. Katie is also a cheerleader instructor at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School. She also oversees the Discover Agriculture Tent at the Cattaraugus County Fair, which is designed to encourage young people
Rick Miller/Olean Times Herald
Darin Hill and his wife, Katie, stand next to brown Swiss cows in the main barn on the family farm Hill’s Valley Farm in Cattaraugus.
to get involved in agriculture — including 4-H. Hill, who is president of the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau, received the State Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer or Rancher Award last year. Hill cited two Farm Bureau priorities in Albany this year: An increase in the tax credit to help offset minimum wage increases, and providing incentives for schools to purchase fresh, minimally-processed local foods. When money is tight, “you have to be careful what you spend your money on,” Hill said as he stood next to his wife in the milkhouse. “There’s a multiplier effect. When farm struggles, everyone struggles.” Hill acknowledged that “a lot of people are spending on technology. We haven’t done that. We’re not
getting robots.” Instead, he said they try to do things themselves to keep labor costs down. Right now, it’s a four-person operation. What advice does Hill have for a young person wanting to get into farming? “It’s long hours and hard work,” Hill said. “If you are looking to get into the business, do your homework on the land. The quality of the soil is key.” A farmer invests in their retirement by reinvesting their profits back into the farm, he said. More thought is going
into passing on the family farm these days. There are financial planners who specialize in farm succession. Hill said his parents, who are his partners, are looking into farm succession. The best thing about a family farm “is the time spent with family,” Hill said. “A lot of people don’t get to do that. It’s also good to work with your spouse,” he added, nodding at Katie, who smiled. (Contact reporter Rick Miller at rmiller@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RMillerOTH)
Rick Miller/Olean Times Herald
Darin Hill and his wife Katie stand outside the main barn at Hill's Valley Farm in Cattaraugus on a cold March day. They are in a partnership with his parents, Richard and Donna Hill. INSET: Cows mill about in the heifer and calf barn at Hill's Valley Farm in Cattaraugus.
Cattaraugus County sponsors program on passing along the farm By RICK MILLER Olean Times Herald
LITTLE VALLEY — Farmers, its seems, are aging out. Patrick McGlew, a development specialist with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, said data show 60 percent of the farmers in New York state are 65 or older. Of those senior farmers, 90 percent are not working with a younger operator to continue farming on the property. McGlew discussed those statistics with about 20 individuals attending a farm succession seminar Feb. 22. With up to 2 million acres of farmland expected to change hands in the next 10 to 15 years, many of those farmers need to begin making plans on how they want to pass their farm on to another generation. McGlew said the pro-
gram was designed to get people thinking about succession planning and contingency planning — when the operator is disabled or dies — to keep the farm in production. Diann Andrews, a representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., Amherst office, is a Midwestern native who grew up on a farm. Now, she helps farm families decide how to accomplish passing on the farm to a new generation. “Planning is a process,” Andrews said. “It’s not a one-time event. Things change. It’s not one and done. Planning is a lot more than minimizing (estate) taxes.” There is also contingency planning so “your family will be OK if something happens.” Andrews gave the example of an Erie County farm family with a farm valued at $7 million. One son stayed on the farm and is actively involved in the opera-
tion. Two other children moved away and are not involved with the farm. The owner had a lot of questions, Andrews said. First she collects information about the farming operation. Then she talks with the owner about his or her expectations. Later, she speaks with others in the operation including spouse and children. Lincoln Financial has more than 20 financial planners who are involved in reviewing financial data and preparing options designed to meet the client’s goals and objectives, Andrews said. “When well done, succession planning can positively impact individuals, families, business operations, customers, business partners, lenders and the community,” she said. Estate taxes for many farms were eliminated in the new federal tax code, but not by New York state, Andrews noted. That $7 million farm could result in a state tax
bill and related expenses of $638,000. Andrews advised those in the Cattaraugus County Legislature chamber in the County Center to seriously consider succession planning as well as contingency planning. Without a will, New York state decides how the farm will be split. Generally, the first $50,000 of value goes to the spouse and the remainder is split 50-50 between the spouse and children. A succession plan might involve life insurance, buy/sell agreements, voting and nonvoting shares, or a farm could be put into trust to continue operation until shares could be divided among survivors. “It’s also about the people who are involved, not just the family,” Andrews said. “It’s your legacy, your lifetime of work you’ve put into it.” It’s never too early to start planning for farm succession to a new gen-
eration, Andrews said. Most famers don’t look for a financial planner until they are in their fifties. “Ultimately, it is their choice,” Andrews said. “We give them the
information to make an informed choice.” (Contact reporter Rick Miller at rmiller@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RMillerOTH)
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B-5
OUTLOOK 2018
BOCES automotive program feeds talent to local dealerships By RICK MILLER Olean Times Herald
ELLICOTTVILLE — Jim Fisher has spent the last 28 years passing on his knowledge of automobile technology to students at the BOCES Career and Technical Education Center at Ellicottville. “We try to duplicate a dealership as much as possible here in the shop,” Fisher said in a recent interview at the Ellicottville auto shop. “We steer our program to meet their needs.” Fisher worked in the auto industry for 12 years before coming to BOCES. He enjoys teaching students and watching them perfect their skills. There are 15 juniors and 15 seniors in the program. Some will go on to jobs in the industry after graduation from high school, others will go on to college like Alfred State for more skill training or in another field and others will go into the military. The two-year auto technology program at BOCES features classroom time as well as time in the shop. The program is ASE- and
Rick Miller/ Olean Times Herald
BOCES automotive program instructor Jim Fisher (center) speaks with Hunter Newland of Freedom (left) and Colton Jansen at the Ellicottville BOCES Center automotive shop.
NATEF-certified, said Fisher. It’s called Vehicle Maintenance and Light Repair. Before graduation from the two-year program rolls around, a student can become ASE Junior Certified. The students work on a wide variety of vehicles, including newer models donated by the Western
New York Ford Dealers Association. There are also older vehicle models on hand and people bring in their cars for repairs or maintenance — just like a dealership. Fisher also described a bugging program that came with the newer Ford Fusion sedan donated by the dealers. It allows him to place a bug in the
program that students can diagnose using the same piece of equipment. There are also online training repair programs. The students aren’t the only ones getting certified in their training. Fisher is required to take at least 20 hours of additional training a year to keep up with the changes in technology. Five seniors spend four to six weeks in the spring as interns in a dealership automotive repair shop or independent repair shop. Others work in a parts store or department depending on their interests, Fisher said. “When you go to a local dealership, chances are that I have a student intern there,” Fisher said. Rick Miller/ Olean Times Herald
Hunter Newland of Freedom works on a car’s brakes in the Ellicottville BOCES automotive shop that contains all the equipment found in a typical dealership.
What about after graduation? Fisher said between 50 percent and 60 percent go on to college. Others will get local jobs in the industry, some will work in different areas and still others will enlist in the military. BOCES has articulating agreements with schools like Alfred State, Erie Community College and Ohio Diesel. Credits earned in the BOCES course transfer to the colleges. Recently, two BOCES seniors from Ellicottville placed third in the Western New York Dealers Association troubleshooting competition, Fisher said. They competed against the best in Western New York, Fisher said of his students. “I’m proud of them,” he added. “I’ve got kids working all over the U.S.,” Fisher said. “Sometimes one will come back and visit and thank me for lighting a fire under them.” Fisher said he often replies by telling them he did “whatever I had to
do to make you more productive in life.” When it comes to diagnosing and fixing a car, Fishers said he sets “pretty high standards.” “When you are working on something like a car’s steering, suspension or brakes, it’s very important to get it right,” he said. Fisher said the car industry is changing monthly, sometimes weekly. With computer modules and countless sensors in a vehicle, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest electronic equipment to diagnose problems. Fisher said, “You are always learning something new. Everything is computerized. You have to know this.” His best advice is to work hard because, “You are going to get paid what you are worth. Don’t reach for the ceiling, reach for the stars.” (Contact reporter Rick Miller at rmiller@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RMillerOTH)
Dealer: Vehicle tech hasn’t changed the need for customer happiness By RICK MILLER Olean Times Herald
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OLEAN — As service manager of Paul Brown Dodge and Chevrolet dealerships in Olean, it’s Matt Gumtow’s job to see that customers have a good experience when they bring in their vehicles for maintenance and repairs. That means having the certified service technicians and master mechanics trained in the latest automotive technologies. It also means having customer amenities like wifi, coffee and snacks and shuttle rides to work. Gumtow has been with Paul Brown Motors for 12 years. Previously, he held management positions at Tops and at Rent-To-Own. He didn’t have experience in the automotive field, but spent his first year working with the old service manager. He’s found it’s all about customer service. The Paul Brown Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM and Fiat on East State Street, is right next to the Paul Brown Kia dealership and handles Kia maintenance, repair and warranty service as well. Paul Brown Chevrolet on Route 16, offering the same customer service experience as the Dodge dealership. There are shop foremen and service writers at each dealership, along with a dozen certified mechanics and service technicians, Gumtow said. The dealerships don’t have big turnover in mechanics and technicians, Gumtow said. Their automotive repair personnel come from a variety of sources including Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES, Alfred
Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald
Brian White, shop foreman at Paul Brown Dodge in Olean, removes the cylinder head from a car engine.
State and a two-year Mopar program where Dodge sponsors a student who comes out 80 percent certified. Paul Brown also has an intern program with BOCES It’s a state of constant training and certification to keep up with new developments, Gumtow said. Add to that the dozens of sensors and computers in new vehicles. Master technicians are fully trained in Chevy, Dodge or Kia. This constant training and updating skills can be either hands-on or webbased training. Online, technicians can train right at work. Other training is provided at dealer centers in Buffalo or Rochester. “We try to recruit from Alfred State and from BOCES,” he said. “You have to be able to work on anything. We get a lot of new cars in here for warranty work, but people
need repairs on older cars as well.” A common maintenance service is software update for a vehicle’s onboard computers. Few people even change their own oil these days, he said. “The game is changing and you have to change with the game,” Gumtow said of customer service. “From bluetooth to navigation, everything is about technology,” he said. Like other stores, Paul Brown’s dealerships are concerned with customer relations. “We provide customer satisfaction surveys,” Gumtow said. “We want feedback so we can improve on the customer’s experience.” (Contact reporter Rick Miller at rmiller@olean timesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @RMillerOTH)
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
OUTLOOK 2018
A Q&A with St. Bonaventure President DePerro By TOM DINKI
cent next year will leave St. Bonaventure with the highest annual tuition in the ST. BONAVENTURE — eight counties of Western Dr. Dennis DePerro took New York at $33,336. Is over as St. Bonaventure that at all concerning and University’s 21st president has the university given in June with the task of any thought to adjusting its spearheading a strategic tuition? plan to increase enrollment DP: We’ve discussed and improve financial every scenario that might standing. make financial sense, and Now approaching one right now, cutting tuition year in office, DePerro took significantly isn’t the right questions from the Olean move. We’re doing everyTimes Herald about St. thing we possibly can to Bonaventure’s enrollment, market St. Bonaventure and tuition pricing, developthe success of our students. ing School of Health We don’t have any gimProfessions and upcoming micks. capital campaign. OTH: What’s the curOlean Times Herald: St. rent status of the School of Bonaventure announced in Health Professions, which October that total underwas approved for develgraduate and graduate opment by the university enrollment for the fall 2017 in October of 2016 as part semester was approxiof its Health Professions mately 2,100, up 4 percent Initiative? Aside from the from 2015. Are you satisundergraduate health scified with this number? ence major launched this If not, what is the ideal past fall, when could we enrollment figure for St. possibly see the school Bonaventure and what’s and other programs being done to get it there? launched? Dr. Dennis DePerro: I DP: We’ve added think the most important another major in public thing is enrollment stability health, and are currently on the undergraduate side in the middle of searches in such a hypercompetitive for directors to build our and challenging higher ed programs in nursing, phymarket so we can do a bet- sician assistant and occuter job of financial planning. pational therapy. It’s still And while it’s too early to a little early to say definiproject this fall’s incomtively when the first one ing class, all signs so far might launch, but we’re are positive. Applications, hopeful we can have one campus visits, event attenprogram up and running dance like open houses and by fall 2019. admitted students have all shown increases. If we can OTH: You’ve spoken maintain stability there with before about launching a solid growth in our transcapital campaign in the fer population, our online near future. Is a plan in graduate programs and the development, and if so, evolution of our School of what would be the purHealth Professions, I think pose and financial goal of that’s a path forward that’s such a campaign? sustainable for us. DP: We’re currently in the organizational phase OTH: Canisius College’s of a comprehensive fundplan to cut tuition 23 perraising campaign, workOlean Times Herald
Olean Times Herald file photo
St. Bonaventure University President Dr. Dennis DePerro delivers an address to alumni June 3 in the Friedsam Memorial Library during the university's Alumni Reunion Weekend. Now approaching one year in office, DePerro participated in a Q&A with the Olean Times Herald about the state of the university.
ing on the developing the appropriate financial goal and developing the vision for the campaign that will make people want to invest in us. The School of Health Professions is our top priority, and it’s not an inexpensive proposition, so we’ll need capital to help with everything from program development and lab equipment, to retrofitting an existing facility on campus. But that’s just one piece of it. Building our endowment to help more people be able to earn scholarships and afford a St. Bonaventure education will also be an important component of the campaign.
in your goals as president going forward? DP: Men’s lacrosse, given the popularity of the sport in the region and New York state, is a perfect fit for us, especially with a field already in place. It’s a great enrollment driver. And it would be naïve of me to think that basketball wasn’t the most visible brand we currently have in the marketplace. The remarkable success our men had this season, and over the last six years with both our men’s and women’s teams each reaching the NCAA tournaments twice, has given us great exposure. What we need to do is to leverage that exposure OTH: The university is to let more people know adding an NCAA varsity what else is great about St. men’s lacrosse team for Bonaventure, most espethe 2018-19 academic year. cially our academics. What role, if any, do the university's 17 Division OTH: The university 1 athletic programs, parheld an open forum in ticularly basketball, play January after a student
made a racially insensitive Instagram post. You said at the forum the university would work to provide more education and professional development on issues like cultural sensitivity. What’s been done since then? DP: I should have been clearer. We’ve established over the last few years a tremendous program, first called #Racematters and now called IDEAL, to make sure we have consistent programming to deal with cultural sensitivity, from movies sponsored by SGA and Civil Dialogues, to speakers addressing issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and class. My hope is that more people will begin to participate in these programs. We’ve had good turnouts for most events, but often you’re preaching to the same choir and I’d like to see more campus members take part in the dialogue. OTH: What would you say has been the area of the university you’ve focused most on during your first year as president, and what area would you say is your biggest priority to tackle in the coming year? DP: The first year of any new job is a challenge, trying to get a lay of the land while also recognizing there is important and urgent work that needs to be done. As we ramp up to a fundraising campaign, I have spent a lot of time traveling meeting with alumni and friends of the university, potential donors who can make a significant impact on our future. And I’ve been so encouraged by not only their embrace of me as the university’s new leader, but in their desire to help move the university for-
ward. Internally, doing all I can to move us forward on our Health Professions initiative has been important, and I really want to make sure we stay focused on doing a better job of integrating the Franciscan mission in every aspect of the Bonaventure experience. In fact, Mission Integration is one of the four commissions I’ve established since I started. OTH: Now that you’re approaching one year at St. Bonaventure, how has your experience stacked up against your expectations coming into the job? DP: I have to tell you, I’ve had friends who were so excited to become presidents, and within months they suddenly had profound regrets, never imagining the challenges they’d be facing. Personally? I still wake up every day feeling so blessed that I’m president of this university, and that’s a testament to the passion that faculty and staff have for this place and the collegial nature with which we face challenges as a team. OTH: Is there a message you’d like to provide directly to members of the university community? DP: The road forward in higher education is filled with potholes for almost every institution, but I’m supremely confident that with the strategic plan that was handed to me when I came into office — a plan that continues to evolve and be flexible as demand warrants — and with the remarkable support of the entire Bonaventure community, we will emerge a stronger institution not that far down the road to ensure we’re here for another 160 years.
OCSD to begin project, including changes at East View, this summer By TOM DINKI
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN — For Olean City School District Superintendent Rick Moore, school buildings are just like homes — upkeep is needed to prevent them from falling into disrepair. And so the district this summer will begin the first stages of a $16.1 million upkeep of all four of its buildings with a focus on revitalization as opposed to building anew. “We have to update our schools periodically, we just have to do that,” Moore said. The capital project, approved by Olean residents in March of 2016, includes roof replacement or repair, heating and ventilation improvements, safety and security changes and renovated handicappedaccessible bathrooms. Some of that work will begin as the weather improves and the school year comes to a close. The OCSD Board of Education approved $12.6 million worth of bids from local contractors in March. A major aspect of the project is closing East View Elementary School’s open floor plan over the next two summers. Half of the classrooms will get walls and doors this summer, while the other half will get them in the summer of 2019. Spending at East View, which also includes a new roof and ventilation improvements, is expected to be $4.7 million. District officials think it will be the largest overhaul of the building since it opened in 1971, and necessary after a 2012 consolidation that left the district with only two elementary schools instead of four. “I think as messy as it may be, it will be like getting a brand new school in two years, and that’s exciting,” said East View Principal Brian Crawford. When proposing the project several years ago,
district officials cited the building’s open floor plan as a safety concern in an emergency situation. That concern has only intensified in light of the heightened national debate over school safety that’s taken place since the Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Fla., high school. “Obviously our times have changed, education has changed and our needs of creating a safe and secure learning environment come into play,” Moore said. Also in an effort to increase security, the East View main office will be moved from near the center of the building to the front entrance. The school secretary will then be able to speak face to face with visitors waiting at the front entrance before buzzing them into the school. The move will require a small expansion of the building in an area where it currently has a conference room. The sidewalk leading up to the current front entrance will have to be rerouted. That project is expected to begin this summer and finish around Thanksgiving. Crawford, in whose office there’s a scrapbook of Olean Times Herald photos from the late-1960s showing the construction of East View, admits part of him is sad to see the open floor plan go. He thinks the lack of classroom walls has played a role in the school’s “welcoming environment.” “So we’ll certainly have conversations about how do we maintain that going forward,” he said. “It’s on the adults to make sure that environment stays positive for the kids.” The district chose to complete the East View renovations over two summers as opposed to moving students to another building or using temporary trailer classrooms. While the decision keeps students and teachers in their classrooms, it also applies greater pressure to complete the two halves of the project on time.
“If not, we’re not going to be able to send kids to school in the fall and that won’t make anybody happy,” said Moore, who joined the district this school year after the decision to complete the work over two summers had already been made. Other work that will begin this summer is creating terrazzo flooring and renovating bathrooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act at Olean High School. The work will be done over the next two years. At Olean Intermediate Middle School, there will be roof work and renovations to the bus circle and parking areas. Washington West Elementary School will see roof work in addition to new windows and generators. The project is covered nearly 97 percent by state aid, according to Moore. A portion of the $1.5 million capital reserve fund voters approved in 2015 will cover the local taxpayer share of $12.1 million of the plan. For the remaining $4 million, tax bills will increase, for example, by $5 annually for properties valued at $100,000 with a Senior S.T.A.R. exemption, the district has previously reported. A property of the same value with a Basic S.T.A.R. exemption will see a $9 yearly hike, while one with no exemption will increase by $13. Moore noted the district has to be “very sensitive” to the “hardworking” tax base in a small city like Olean. “We’re kind of just positioning ourselves to continue doing projects, small projects that are at little or no cost to the local taxpayer because we do understand that situation,” Moore said. “ … If you have a nice, clean, new, remodeled environment, I think without a doubt it has an impact on the student and teachers. They feel better about their building and it’s more conducive to learning.”
Tom Dinki/Olean Times Herald
Brian Crawford, principal of East View Elementary School, explains the renovations that will be made over the next two summers to close the school’s open floor plan. The changes are part of the Olean City School District’s $16.1 million capital project approved in 2016.
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OLEAN TIMES HERALD
B-7
OUTLOOK 2018
SBU moving ahead with School of Health Professions University trying to get programs accredited, find home for labs By TOM DINKI
Olean Times Herald
ST. BONAVENTURE — St. Bonaventure University's School of Health Professions is currently a one-room office tucked away in a corner of the John J. Murphy Professional Building on campus. That’s where Dr. Douglas Pisano, the school’s founding dean, makes phone calls and writes emails to obtain accreditation for various majors and attract prospective faculty — or as he puts it, “plan a school from scratch.” “It is a lot of work, it is a lot of planning, it is a lot of expense, but I think St. Bonaventure did it the right way,” Pisano told the Olean Times Herald during an interview in his office. “They focused on a few programs, they allowed me to come in and make some changes that I think are important, and are just kind of staying out of my way and letting me do what I think needs to be done to move ahead.” The fledgling School of Health Professions was approved by the university in October of 2016 as part of its Health Professions Initiative to create health care-related undergraduate and clinical graduate programs. Once completed around 2019 or 2020, St. Bonaventure officials hope it will have done that and have made the university more competitive in the higher education market. The university’s fall 2017 enrollment was 2,100, up 4 percent since 2015 but still well below the 2,450 students enrolled in 2011. “I think there is untapped potential for student recruitment in (the health) fields,” said St. Bonaventure President
Dr. Dennis DePerro in an email. A 2008 report from the Association of Schools of Public Health projected a shortfall of 250,000 public health workers by 2020. Pisano noted health profession programs are “very different than what a typical liberal arts college would offer,” and by offering them St. Bonaventure is trying to be sustainable for the future. “The current areas (the university is) in — education, sports studies and communication and business — are all doing well, but in this day and age with the competition that’s out there you should be thinking about other things to begin to diversity more,” he said. The name of the school was recently changed to make it more attractive to prospective students, as the university named it the School of Allied Health when first approved in 2016 and referred to it as such at the start of this school year. “When you say allied health, it’s confusing to people. People don’t really associate allied health with specific professions,” Pisano said. “If I said we’re the School of Health Professions, people immediately think, ‘Oh, like nursing.’ It’s a lot easier to sell, it’s a lot easier for folks to understand what we do and it’s much more descriptive of what we’re actually offering.” St. Bonaventure plans to offer programs in areas like nursing, physician assistant and occupational therapy, all of which are pending approval from the New York State Education Department. Pisano noted programs generally need four levels of approval: from the school, university, state and professional accreditors. Thus far, two programs have been fully accredited and are set to be offered this upcoming fall: bachelor’s degrees in health sciences and public health. The health sciences major has been offered since this past fall. Pisano hopes a total of 60 students will be signed up for
Tom Dinki/Olean Times Herald
Dr. Douglas Pisano, founding dean of St. Bonaventure University’s School of Health Professions, works from his office in the John J. Murphy Professional Building on campus. St. Bonaventure is moving ahead with its School of Health Professions by getting programs accredited and recruiting faculty.
the two majors this fall, and for some of those students to eventually enroll in anticipated graduate programs. However, those graduate programs will need labs, and labs will require the school to move beyond Pisano’s office in the Murphy Professional Building. Pisano expects the school’s labs, classrooms and offices to be housed in a current on-campus building that will need to be retrofitted, but noted the university’s master planning committee is still discussing all options. “We have plenty of room to build a new building if that’s what they want, but I suspect it’s not going to happen,” he said. Whether the School of Health Professions is placed in a current building or a brand new building is constructed for it, it will cost plenty of
money. That’s where the university’s yet-to-be-launched capital campaign will come into play. “The School of Health Professions is our top priority, and it’s not an inexpensive proposition, so we’ll need capital to help,” DePerro said. The current School of Health Professions administration is currently just Pisano, Dr. Claire Watson, director of Health Sciences and Public Health programs, and Dr. Monica Thomas, director of Franciscan Health Care Professions. Pisano, who joined St. Bonaventure in June from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, admitted it’s more difficult to recruit faculty to rural areas like Olean and Allegany as opposed to larger cities with larger health care
systems like Buffalo. “It’s going to be somewhat of a challenge to bring people here,” he said, “but I was a bit surprised and delighted there are a lot of really interested folks within Olean that have the skills I need, so I’m going to take advantage of that. Plus St. Bonaventure has such a great alumni base. They’ve been very helpful as well. They know people and they make suggestions.” In addition to possibly boosting enrollment, DePerro and Pisano also noted a health school fits into St. Bonaventure’s Franciscan values. “Saint Francis took care of lepers,” Pisano said, “and health care is something Saint Francis would do.” (Contact reporter Tom Dinki at tdinki@oleantimesherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @tomdinki)
New A-L superintendent ready to ‘come back home’ April 9 By KATE DAY SAGER Olean Times Herald
Olean Medical Group Pediatrics Department Front l-r: Nichole Green, PA-C, Matthew Ring, NP-BC, Marti Brotka, PNP-BC Back l-r: Dr. Pamela Salzmann, Dr. Ricardo Ilustre
Olean Medical Group Expands Its Pediatric Department By May, Olean Medical Group Pediatrics Department will welcome Matthew (Matt) Ring, NP-BC, to its Pediatric Department at the main office at 535 Main Street in Olean. Matt has recently completed a Master’s degree nurse practitioner program at D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York and is board certified by the ANCC. He has practiced in healthcare for 13 years - first as an EMT and hospital orderly, and more recently as an Registered Nurse at Olean General Hospital and Flight Nurse with Starflight Medevac. He brings a wealth of knowledge to this practice and as a father of two himself, has a keen interest in childrens’ health. The Pediatrics offices at Olean Medical Group are located on the second floor of the main office, in AREA F with Dr. Ricardo Ilustre and Nichole Green, PA-C, and AREA G with Dr. Pam Salzmann and Marti Brotka PNP-BC. Combined years in healthcare practice come close to 100 for this foursome. Dr Ilustre and Dr. Salzmann joined OMG in 1997 and 2003, respectively and Nichole Green and Marti Brotka joined the Group in 2004 and 2014, respectively. All live in the greater Olean area with their families. Expansion of the Pediatrics Office and On-Call Department was essential. “Care of our young patients is first and foremost. With the increase in childhood obesity, mental illness, and the like, we, as pediatricians, find ourselves on the front line, needing to support efforts for helping to create a nurturing environment at home - and for healing,” said Dr. Pam Salzmann. “Our families are very important to us,” she added. In addition to Olean Medical Group’s five general pediatric practitioners, visiting specialists in pediatric cardiology and pediatric gastroenterology are available monthly at OMG. The Group has a full service Laboratory and Radiology Department, all under one roof, making it very convenient for patients and practitioners alike. For more information, call 716-372-0141 or go to www.oleanmedicalgroup.com.
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ALLEGANY — Over the past several months, school board members with the AlleganyLimestone Central School District had searched for a superintendent that not only had local ties, but was qualified for the position. On Feb. 21, board President Dr. Joe Zimmer reported the school board found their ideal match in Tony Giannicchi, who had been principal of Cattaraugus-Little Valley High School. “It’s a blessing to come back home,” said the district’s new superintendent, following the A-L board meeting Feb. 27 at which his appointment was approved unanimously. Giannicchi, whose salary has been set at $142,500, will take office on April 9. Until then, Mark Ward will continue as interim superintendent for the district. Giannicchi comes to Allegany-Limestone after serving as principal or 11 years at Cattaraugus-Little Valley. He said he and his family plan to move to the Allegany area as soon as they can sell their house in Ellicottville — a sentimental act, as he and his wife met while both working at AlleganyLimestone as teachers. Giannicchi was a secondary social studies teacher from 1995 to 2004 in the district. “We actually met here, had our first child here and married here,” he shared. “A lot of good memories.” His wife currently serves as the Delevan Elementary
Tony Giannicchi, new Allegany-Limestone superintendent
School principal at the Pioneer Central School District. Zimmer said in a previous interview that Giannicchi’s familiarity with Allegany-Limestone and the fact that he is from the local region were a factor in his hiring. “People (in the district) are familiar with him because he lives not to far away in the CattaraugusLittle Valley area. I remember him from when he was a teacher for us,” Zimmer said. After former Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan announced her plans to resign last fall, numerous district residents requested the board find a new leader who had ties to the community. Geelan, as well as the superintendent prior to her tenure, Diane Munro, were both from outside of the area and served for approximately six or seven years each. As for the search, which was aided by consultants, the board received applications from 15 individuals. “We narrowed it through review of paper files down to six semifinalists,” Zimmer shared. “We interviewed all six semi-finalists and came down to two finalists before selecting Tony as our candidate.”
He said approximately half of the candidates were from the local area, with the other half from outside of the region. All, however, were from New York state. “In the beginning of the process, we surveyed all of our constituents — parents, teachers, students and focus groups — and it came very loud and clear that they wanted someone with local connections,” he continued. “In the search, it came out that way that we have someone who is both local and willing to live locally.” Zimmer said when the announcement was made to the staff, all he heard were positive comments. “There are quite a number of people who still know him when he served in the district and are quite happy with him,” he concluded. “That’s what we’re hearing so far.” School board member Kim Palmer thanked the many audience members who attended the Feb. 27 board meeting, obviously there to greet the new superintendent. “I thank all of you for coming. This is heartwarming for us as a board, knowing that you support us and the decisions we make for the district,” Palmer said.
How is Olean doing?
B-8
OUTLOOK 2018
OLEAN TIMES HERALD
Area residents describe what they like about the city and what could be better Quotes and photo compiled by CINDY WAGNER Olean Times Herald
Sheila Morgan, owner of Exclusively Yours Salon in Olean and resident of Ischua: “I’m grateful for Olean because of our clients. It’s not necessarily anything else, but mainly our clients are good. People in Olean are good, loyal to us.” ... “I like the changes (downtown), I do. I like the roundabouts. And we have a few stores coming in uptown.”
Christa Mascho, resident of Hinsdale: “What’s good (in Olean)? I can’t really think of a lot.” ... “There’s not a lot for kids to do, so instead of engaging in something that’s going to be productive or good for their lives or beneficial, they’re going to engage in something that’s bad or detrimental. That’s why I think the drug problem is so bad in Olean.” ... “I think there needs to be at least an out or in-patient rehab center or another treatment facility to help the drug problem that’s going on. More outreach groups like community centers even so the kids have something to do, so they’re not getting involved in stuff like that. That’s the first thing I would solve instead of trying to focus on getting roundabouts and trying to beautify Olean. I don’t think that’s the main focal concern that the (city’s Common Council) should be worried about. I think they should be worried about raising the youth right.”
Michele Conklin, theatre manager of the Palmer Opera House in Cuba: “The downtown renovations are a most positive change — better traffic flow, attractiveness and appeal, and lends the appearance of being alive, well and once again thriving.” ... “The one thing that I think that would be an improvement going forward would to identify more parking areas and to be sure the public is aware. Perhaps more organized events in the business district.”
John Kyser, resident of Hinsdale: “I think revitalizing Olean has done a decent job with the roundabouts. If you get used to them, they’re OK.” ... “We need more jobs, more job creations. More factories. Don’t lose the factories that we have.”
Joe Cucchario, resident of Olean: “There’s good health services in Olean. There could be more work done for mental health in the city — actually in the whole county. They could do more for mental health, help out people with mental health diagnoses in such a way that they can live independently.”
Lisa Gardner, resident of Allegany: “I’ve lived here for all of my life and the thing is the familiarity. We have great restaurants. We have great entertainment places.” ... “It’s just my hometown. I look back on years that my grandfather worked on the railroad, the railroad came through Olean. Olean was a booming town back in the day and I hope it’s working its way back up to being a booming town. I just hope it thrives.” ... “I really, really love the things that they’ve done uptown. I love the roundabouts. I know that’s been kind of a controversial point, but I love the roundabouts because actually I’m from Ireland and you can’t go through Ireland without going through a roundabout.”
Cindy Keeley, community leader in Portville: “Olean and its surrounding towns have a closeknit community of people who care deeply about each other. When there is a concern, everyone rallies together to come up with a solution. From civic issues to personal health concerns, fundraisers and volunteers are rescue workers for those in need. These selfless people pour their energy into everything from beating cancer to beautifying their streets with very few thoughts of themselves. It’s these incredible people who make Olean special.” ... “There is a phrase ‘our children are our future.’ Something that could greatly benefit all of the school students in the area is adding more advanced classes in computer technology and programming. This may seem out of reach for teachers who are not trained in STEM subjects. However, the schools need to seek out younger teaching talent that can train our youth to pursue these high-paying careers. With most of our industries leaving Olean, the jobs that they have always depended on are no longer an option. Their futures depend on technology.”
Lynda Dunn, owner of Citizen Printing in Allegany: “I think that the roundabouts work very well keeping traffic moving, as long as people know how to use them.” ... “I think that coming into the city from different directions should be more welcoming … fixing and keeping the potholes at bay, keeping the signs clean and painted — including flowers/decorations. Encouraging existing businesses to spruce up their storefronts and lots by giving them incentives that seem to be available only to new businesses.”
Tracy Scanlon, Olean Regional Airport employee and Airport Support Group member: “The airport is almost 60 years old … when they first opened up they were quite busy, it was quite a busy airport. We had an actual flight that flew out of here. Mohawk Airline used to have a plane that was based here and they used to have a regular flight.” ... “The busiest was when the business was going very well for Dresser … the busiest it’s been, the peak, the pinnacle of the time being here in Olean … there was quite a business back in the day. Dresser actually had a plane that was based here.”
Laurie Ruggles, resident of Portville: “It’s got a fantastic restaurant, the Good Times (of Olean) restaurant where they have a bowling alley.” ... “I like Portville more than Olean. It’s more stable for the children. It’s more friendly-like people. Not so many narcotics flowing through Portville as they are in Olean, so I just like living in Portville.”
Aleisha Galayda, resident of Richburg who works in Olean: “Why should we have to pay to park when we work in the city? We are bringing revenue to the city.
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Comfort for your body and your budget Bobby Morgan, owner of Runner Deliveries in Olean: “I would say that the positives that I've experienced in Olean since I've started Runner Deliveries are most definitely the people. We have had an extremely reliable and diverse client base since we've opened. We haven't run into a single unreasonable customer yet and we have been in business for nearly a year now. Everyone also seems very grateful.” ... “One of the biggest downfalls we have experienced is that we are very limited in marketing options. It has been hard to reach people outside of word of mouth advertising and social media marketing, on a small business budget. Other than that, everything has gone very smooth for us this year and we are looking forward to the future in Olean.”
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