Nurse at Jones Memorial honored with DAISY Award
WELLSVILLE — Bri-
anna Hatzell, a registered nurse in the OB unit at Jones Memorial Hospital nurse — formerly in the emergency department — is a recipient of a DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the work nurses perform every day.
Nancy Scott, a former patient at Jones’ ER, nominated Hatzell.
“I was put into the trauma room, and she was quick to start talking to me to try and calm me down and to help get my pain under control,” Scott said in nominating the nurse.
“Even though there was a lot of chaos at the time, she continued to give
ACCORD
BY KATHRYN ROSS
BELMONT — Thurs-
day, Jan. 23, saw not only one of the coldest temperatures this year in Allegany County — it was also the night the annual PIT count took place.
PIT is the Point In Time count that takes place on the same night annually across the nation to determine the number of homeless people in a given area.
But there was no one in Allegany County going out and checking alleys, park benches or
me as much information as she could. While this, in and of itself isn’t out of the ordinary for any nurse, it was what she did next that was.”
While Scott and her husband navigated the challenges of her injuries, plus the added concerns over a mangled vehicle, Hatzell took the initiative to locate the car and obtain all of the information needed for the Scotts to give to their insurance company.
“It was not her job to track down that information, but it did leave a lasting impression as it did help us with the daunting task of dealing with the insurance company and claims,” Scott said. “It was one less thing we had to figure out in a time of chaos. She might not
abandoned buildings looking for and counting shivering homeless people. Here, the count is gathered through surveys, which will be conducted until Feb. 9 based only on data from Jan. 23.
see that as doing more than what was required, but it certainly was, and we are grateful, that she did.”
Sandra Watkins, chief nursing officer at Jones, led the award presentation, thanking Hatzell for the care she provides to patients.
“I’m sure Bri is thinking, ‘I was just doing my job,’ but when nurses are ‘just doing their job’ they have a powerful impact on the patient and on the patient’s family,” Watkins said.
Watkins presented Hatzell with The Healer’s Touch, a sculpture that represents the bond between nurses and their patients. In addition, she was presented with a bouquet of daisies, a certificate and a special DAISY pin. A
banner honoring Hatzell will be displayed in the JMH Café.
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family after his death in late 1999 at age 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. DAISY, an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, was a way for the family to thank not only the nurses who cared for Barnes — but exceptional nurses everywhere.
Nominations can be submitted online using the link at the JMH website (jones.urmc.edu) or by submitting a paper nomination in one of the nominations boxes located throughout Jones Memorial.
homelessness
Jade Swick, the housing manager at ACCORD, accepts the surveys and correlates the information. Allegany County Social Services, the Veterans Administration, Clarity and school districts also help gather the information.
Surveys are also accepted from individuals.
“Every year the total number varies,” Patricia Graves, assistant housing director for ACCORD. However, she noted, the number of homeless have increased since the COVID-19
pandemic, when evictions were halted by federal order.
“The PIT count date is crucial as it records the number of unsheltered individuals on a specific date,” Graves said. “The information sheds light on the housing needs within our county and strengthens funding requests for homeless prevention programs and or additional grants.”
Individual, specific information is collected and coordinated to avoid survey duplication.
Grant explained that the data collected is tabulated as part of the New York 501 Continuum of Care report that goes to the state and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). New York 501 includes Elmira/ Steuben, Allegany, Livingston, Steuben and Schuyler counties.
Graves said the 2024 PIT Count for those communities was 85 homeless families, totaling 270 individuals. The report does not list its information by county.
The survey is for
those who were both literally homeless and those who were imminently homeless. Literally homeless includes those residing in a DSS-funded temporary shelter or in an emergency shelter, those in unhabitable places, those living in tents or campers, those who have been evicted or those who are losing a home in 14 days or less. Imminently homeless includes those who are couch surfing, have overdue rent, those who
Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital
Sandra Watkins (left), chief nursing officer at Jones Memorial Hospital, presents registered nurse Brianna Hatzell with her DAISY Award.
NYS awards $1.37M to help Allegany Co. Land Bank
BELVIDERE — Nearly $1.4 million will help an area nonprofit fight blight and improve housing across Allegany County.
The Allegany County Land Bank Corp. announced it has received $1.37 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal to pursue its goals under the state’s Land Bank Initiative Program.
Land bank officials said the funding allows the nonprofit to expand efforts to include additional new home development, strategic demolitions and rehabilitation projects in partnership with key local organizations.
“We are incredibly
grateful for this significant investment from New York State Homes and Community Renewal,” said Jason Isaman, the land bank’s executive director.
“This award allows us to make even greater strides in eliminating blight, stabilizing neighborhoods, and creating long-term housing solutions in collaboration with our local partners.
“The impact of this funding will be felt throughout Allegany County for years to come,” he added.
Officials said the Land Bank Initiative Program funding will be used to:
• Remove blight through strategic demolitions, targeting unsafe and aban-
doned buildings that negatively affect the community.
• Support local housing partners, including Friendship Revitalization and Economic Development, Andover Historic Preservation Corp, and Genesee Valley Habitat for Humanity, to rehabilitate and redevelop properties for affordable, attainable housing. Officials noted the partnerships are critical to fight blighted properties and improve housing stock.
• Strengthen local housing stock, making homes more stable, accessible, and sustainable for families across Allegany County.
“Today’s $1.37 million grant builds on two prior HCR Land Bank Initiative awards and will allow additional rehabilitation projects that improve neighborhoods for Allegany County residents,” HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said.
She thanked the Allegany County Land Bank for its partnership while also thanking Gov. Kathy Hochul for her “commitment to
have received eviction notices, those who are living in self-funded hotel or motel rooms or those who are on the brink of losing housing. Graves said that one of the biggest contributors to homelessness in Allegany County is a lack of habitable hous-
investing in communities, increasing housing supply, and improving affordability for New Yorkers.”
The award is not only the third received by the land bank, it is more than 60% more than all previous awards combined.
The previous awards include a $500,000 grant in 2018 and a grant of $373,800 in 2024.
Founded in 2016, the land bank is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the
ing. Rent increases and rent deposits are also contributing factors.
“I understand that costs are increasing for landlords, and they have to raise rents, but the county’s shelter allowance is not keeping up with the need,” she said.
county by removing blight, repurposing vacant properties, and promoting attainable housing opportunities.
The land bank operates by acquiring properties and leading renovation and repurposing work. Much of the focus aims at vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties across the county, with blight-clearing, renovation and rebuilding efforts from Ceres to Almond.
For more information about the land
bank, visit www.ACLBC.org.
MEANWHILE , the land bank board has set its regular meeting schedule for 2025: Feb. 10, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15. All meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Crossroads Center, 6087 Route 19. Meetings may be cancelled due to lack of business or quorum. For more information, call (585) 268-7472.
ty is part of the state’s Balance of State Continuum of Care, which covers counties in New York and is coordinated by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Additional information can be found at otda.ny.gov/resources/continuum-of-care/.
The PIT report is also distributed to the county legislature.
To complete a survey, contact Swick at (585) 268-7605 at ext. 1119 or email her at j.swick@accordcorp.org. The information for the night of Jan. 23 will be collected between now and Feb. 9. The survey must be returned to ACCORD.
In Cattaraugus County, volunteers from the Continuum of Care Planning Body conducted the annual Point in Time homeless count on Wednesday.
Cattaraugus Coun-
Photo provided
31 Grover St. in Wellsville is one of the properties owned by the Allegany County Land Bank for redevelopment.
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The village board opened a window Jan. 27 to spending $67,251 on three projects. It was a routine meeting as members approved three resolutions for projects dealing with the police, electric and water and sewer departments. The total cost for the projects totaled $67,251.
The first project deals with windows at the police department. Chief Tim O’Grady said the windows will not stay open in summer and are no longer wind- or rainproof.
“We have to hold them open with a stick,” he told the board.
A total of six windows will be purchased, the casings reconstructed and the windows installed for a total of $10,000.
While the project will be put out for bid, O’Grady said he expects that a local company
will win the bid. For the electric and water and sewer departments the village board approved a resolution to purchase an ITRON Mobile Collection System at a cost not to exceed $31,000. The ITRON system reads meters and will be utilized by all three departments, Dean Arnold, head of the Public Works Department, said.
The board unanimously approved a resolution to purchase water correlators to replace those lost in a fire last year. The cost, $26,251, will be reimbursed by an insurance claim, Treasurer Melissa Mullen told the board.
The water correlators will be used for underground utilities and will be used in all functions for the water department.
The liaison to the movie theater project, Jeff Monroe, updated the board on recent developments. He said that in order to move ahead with the application for
not-for-profit status a volunteer board of directors was approved. Barry Glickstein serves as director, Tim Colligan is vice director, Kathryn Ross is the secretary and Kate Williams will serve as treasurer. Other directors include Jackie Comstock, Cory Lunn and Charles LaGreca.
After learning from the recent survey in which twice as many responders approved of returning the Babcock name to the theater, the board selected Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society as its proper name. The board is also looking into writing a mission statement and further examining survey results.
The board meets on a different schedule from the movie theater committee, which will next meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the David A. Howe Public Library.
Earlier in the village board meeting, trustees voted against extending the 30-day grace period for the property owner
of 47-49 Martin St. to address the problems with the building. Following a previous hearing earlier in the month the building was declared an “unsafe structure.”
If no action is taken during that time (prescribed by the New York State Building and Code Enforcement) statute, a Certificate to Compel demolition will be issued by the code enforcement officer. The board also noted that the building owner has had ample time to address the situation.
The next hearing concerning the keeping of chickens within the village will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 10prior to the regular board meeting. Currently, the keeping of chickens is not allowed within the village and those keeping chickens in the village are violating the law.
A new law allowing the keeping of six hens is under consideration. This will be the third hearing regarding the keeping of chickens in the village.
FRIDAY 1/31
At each hearing village residents have expressed approval or disapproval over the harboring of chickens.
Wellsville Village Board to spend $67,251 on three projects
At the last hearing, Mayor Randy Shaler assured those in attendance that, “We want to make this work.”
Hoodie Hoo Day is Feb. 22 at restaurant in Shongo
SHONGO — The 12th annual Hoodie Hoo Day, sponsored by Allegany Trails, Inc. and 2 Sisters and a Smoker Restaurant, is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the restaurant on the corner of Graves Road and Route 19 in the Town of Willing.
Billed as a celebration to help drive winter away, Hoodie Hoo Day was started by Betty Tomack in the former Gold (Pa.) General Store some 40 years ago. The event is still near the Genesee River, just moved downstream from Potter County, Pa. into southern Allegany County.
Two sisters, Robin Gach and Shelly Brown, own and operate 2 Sisters and a Smoker. They purchased the former Mama’s Smokin BBQ in Shongo and opened up 2 Sisters in May.
Allegany Trails was organized in 2000. The address for the not-for-profit corporation is Allegany Trails, Inc., P.O. Box 66, Wellsville, N.Y., 14895. Their mission is to develop and operate a network of trails and trailheads in and about Allegany County. Bill Dibble of from Little Genesee is president.
This year’s celebration will include free chili with cornbread, tea and coffee. Other food is available in the restaurant. Country and blue grass music will be performed by John Stilson and Friends starting at 11 a.m.
For those who ride horses to the Hoodie Hoo event, a hitching post is on the west side of the restaurant.
For more information, call the restaurant at (585) 296-1024.
home improvement
notion that homes are sanctuaries for their residents.
Homes are often characterized as sanctuaries. A home’s interior spaces can provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life no matter what’s going on in the outside world. Perhaps no space inside a home should be more relaxing than a bedroom. But bedrooms are not impervious to the hectic pace of life unless homeowners make a concerted effort to transform these spaces into relaxing respites. By implementing a variety of strategies, homeowners can ensure bedrooms embody the
• Install new window treatments. Blinds, curtains, shades, and other window treatments come in a variety of styles and colors, ensuring there’s at least one out there that can match an existing design scheme in a bedroom. Window treatments can be utilized to
create a cozy vibe in a bedroom, blocking out lights from outside, including natural light from the sun and moon but also street lamps and decorative lights from neighboring properties. This can ensure bedrooms are a peaceful and welcoming respite when homeowners and residents return home each night.
• Make the room a device-free zone. If escapism is an end
then turning a bedroom into a
zone is a must. Televisions, tablets and smartphones ensure the distractions and stressors of everyday life are never too far away, so removing these devices from bedrooms can help to establish a more peaceful bedroom environment. In addition, the National Sleep Foundation
Tips to make a bedroom a more relaxing space
reports that using devices in a bedroom tends to reduce sleep duration by delaying the time users go to sleep.
• Reconsider the lighting. Bedroom lighting is another variable that merits consideration when trying to transform the space into a more relaxing room. Ambient lighting can be utilized to create a soft and
improvement
welcoming atmosphere in the room. Dimmable lights also allow residents to adjust the amount of light depending on the time of day. Lights can be bright when getting dressed in the morning, and then turned down when residents are going to bed and want to unwind before closing their eyes.
• Clear out clutter. A
cluttered bedroom is more than an eyesore. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners notes that clutter can contribute to anxiety and adversely affect individuals’ ability to sleep and focus. Examine bedrooms to see if there is any unnecessary or overly bulky furnishings that make the spaces feel cramped and clut-
tered. Remove those items when possible, or consider working with a contractor to expand the room if budget and space allows.
Bedrooms can be respites within the larger sanctuary that homes are meant to be. That’s especially so when residents implement strategies to transform bedrooms into more relaxing spaces.
What to know about kitchen cabinet projects
Kitchens have long been characterized as the busiest room in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and cooked, but they also tend to be gathering spaces where families connect at the end of a day and where guests congregate during holiday celebrations and birthday parties.
All that time in the kitchen makes these popular rooms to renovate. Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a new look and feel without doing a full renovation can consider kitchen cabinet projects. An understanding of kitchen cabinet projects can help homeowners decide if this undertaking is for them.
• Cabinet renovations do not necessarily require replacement. Some cabinets may not need to be removed and replaced. The renovation experts at HGTV note that kitchen cabinet refacing can be a budget-friendly way to give a new look to cabinets that do not require replacement. Refacing can be as extensive as homeowners prefer, but such projects can create a whole new aesthetic in the kitchen depending on the extent of the project.
• There are many different types of kitchen cabinets. Homeowners who have never been involved in a cabinet project should know they will have many different options to choose from. Face-frame cabinets are a traditional choice made with a frame around the door and any drawers that might be included as part of the cabinets. Some additional options include full overlay cabinets, frameless cabinets, recessed panel cabinets, and Shaker cabinets. Homeowners hesitant to choose their own cabinets can work with a contractor and/ or interior designer to find the option that aligns best with their current kitchen.
• Cabinet materials and finishes vary as well. Cabinets can be made from an array of materials, including wood, laminate, metal, and plastic. Cabinets also can be finished with paint, stain, glaze, and lacquer. Each finish has its own unique characteristics. For example, painted cabinets may need to be tended to with greater frequency than other options because paint can fade. However, painted cabinets remain popular because homeowners can paint them any color at any time.
• Consider the countertops when adjusting kitchen cabinets. Kitchens tend to have color schemes, and that scheme is often reflected in the color of cabinets and countertops. When tweaking just the cabinets, homeowners should give ample consideration to the overall color scheme of their kitchens.
Interior designers can be invaluable resources for homeowners who aren’t quite sure how new or refaced cabinets will fit into an overall color scheme.
• Consider replacement if necessary. A kitchen cabinet replacement project will be more expensive than refacing the cabinets. But there are instances when cabinets require replacement. Excessive wear and tear, insufficient storage, a dated appearance, and cabinets that appear to be sagging off the wall are some indicators that replacement is necessary.
Updated cabinets can give a kitchen a whole new look, even if the cabinets are refaced instead of replaced.
Jones Memorial welcomes nurse practitioner Belfast adopts first comprehensive plan
Trudeau, a native to Olean, graduated from D’Youville University with a Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner. She most recently worked as an NP for Olean General Hospital and is certified in basic life support and pediatric advanced life support.
Trudeau said she is passionate about rural health and is excited to work with the Wellsville community. “I consistently work to improve patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy and timely responses to concerns. It’s my goal to
promote health maintenance and disease prevention through patient education and counseling.”
Brenda Mong-Szabo, vice president of specialty services at JMH, said, “It’s important to the community that we have regular providers that our community can recognize and become familiar with. Shawna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit both the hospital and our local community.”
The JMH Urgent Care clinic is located across from the lab inside the hospital.
BELFAST — The Allegany County Office of Planning announced the adoption of the Town of Belfast’s first-ever Comprehensive Plan.
This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in guiding the Town’s future growth and development while preserving its unique rural character, officials said.
The Belfast Comprehensive Plan was developed through a collaborative and inclusive process, incorporating input from residents, local businesses, and other community stakeholders. The plan provides a strategic framework to address key areas such as housing, infrastructure, economic devel-
opment, and environmental sustainability. It reflects the shared vision and priorities of the Belfast community and establishes a clear roadmap for the Town’s long-term success. Highlights of the Comprehensive Plan include:
• Strategies to support and strengthen local businesses and economic opportunities.
• Initiatives to preserve agricultural heritage and protect natural resources.
• Recommendations for infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
• A focus on sustainability and alignment with New York
State’s environmental goals.
The adoption underscores Belfast’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and addressing the unique needs of rural communities, planning officials said. By integrating innovative and practical solutions, the plan ensures that Belfast is well-positioned to meet future challenges while maintaining its distinctive character. To review the plan go to: www.belfastny. org/uploads/1/4/0/1 /140198361/belfast_ comp_plan__2_.pdf
For more information about the Belfast Comprehensive Plan, please contact the Allegany County Office of Planning at (585) 268-7472.
Langworthy votes for Fix our Forests, Laken Riley acts
Rep. Nick Langworthy voted in favor of what he called the lifesaving Fix our Forests Act, which passed the U.S. House Jan. 23 and heads to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
The legislation passed in the House last year with bipartisan support but died in the Democrat-controlled Senate, Langworthy,
R-23rd District, said. More than 117 million acres of the nation’s forests are overgrown, fire-prone, and need active management, the congressman said in a press release.
The Fix our Forests Act is aimed at restoring forest health, increasing resiliency to catastrophic wildfires, and protecting communities by expediting environmental
analyses, reducing frivolous lawsuits, and increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration projects.
Additionally, Langworthy said, it makes communities more resilient to wildfire by coordinating existing grant programs and furthering new research, while adopting new and innovative technologies to address forest health threats and suppression methods. The legislation also creates a new Casualty Assistance Program for wildland firefighters and their families.
“My heart goes out to the victims of the California wildfires and the brave first responders who are putting their lives on the line in extremely dangerous circumstances,” the congressman said. “This bill had bipartisan support when it passed last year, but the Senate refused to act, and we are now facing unprec-
edented catastrophic damages from fires that have ripped through more than 40,000 acres of land.
“This legislation is critical to preventing another fire of this magnitude, and I’m relieved we have a Senate and president who will make it law,” he added.
ON JAN. 22 , Langworthy voted for a bill that requires the detainment of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes, marking the first legislation that Trump can sign as Congress, with some bipartisan support, swiftly moved in line with his plans to crackdown on illegal immigration.
“(Wednesday) evening, we once again passed the Laken Riley Act, but the difference is, this time it is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law,” Langworthy stated.
“The days of provid-
ing havens to violent criminal illegal immigrants while jeopardizing the safety of American citizens are over,” he added. “While we cannot bring Laken back, or dull the pain of her loss, we can honor her legacy by making our country safer.”
Passage of the law, which was named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by a Venezuelan man, shows just how sharply the political debate over immigration has shifted to the right following Trump’s election victory, the Associated Press reported. Immigration policy has often been one of the most entrenched issues in Congress, but a crucial faction of 46 politically vulnerable Democrats joined with Republicans to lift the strict proposal to passage on a 263-156 vote tally.
Trump’s promise to
deport “millions and millions” of immigrants will hinge on securing money for detention centers. His administration has not publicly said how many immigrant detention beds it needs to achieve its goals, or what the cost will be, AP reported.
However, an estimated 11.7 million people are living in the U.S. illegally — while Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently has the budget to detain only about 41,000 people. Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the U.S. border with Mexico leverages the U.S. military to shore up mass deportations and provide “appropriate detention space.”
The American Civil Liberties Union estimates that ICE is considering an expansion of immigrant detention space across at least eight states.
Allegany County Democrats host drive for unhoused community members
BELMONT — The Allegany County Democratic Committee (ACDC), in partnership with the Allegany County Area Substance Abuse (ACASA), recently concluded a successful collection drive to benefit unhoused individuals in Allegany County. A carload of new warm winter clothing, toiletries and shelf-stable snacks was delivered to ACASA to support those in need during the harsh winter months.
that creating resources for unhoused populations does not lead to an influx of transient people. Instead, preparedness fosters stability and hope.
progressive action.
The Allegany County Democratic Committee is the official governing body for the county party, working toward broader representation by Democrats at the local, state and national levels. To learn more, visit www.acdcny.org, or contact them at (585) 610-4321, info@acdcny. org; or on Facebook ( facebook.com/alleganycodems ), Threads ( threads.net/@allegany_ ny_dems ) or Bluesky ( @allegany-ny-dems. bsky.social).
“This drive highlights not only the challenges faced by unhoused individuals in Allegany County but also the compassionate hearts of our community,” said Jackie Wilson, ACDC secretary and drive coordinator. “We serve our community by bringing awareness to the need for emergency shelters and dedicated facilities for homeless youth and families, and by advocating for increased funding to support ACASA’s critical work.”
Annual Allegany County picnic in Fla. set for March 7
New York State has seen a 39% increase in homelessness since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development1, yet research conducted by the SAMHSA Advisory (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) shows
Special thanks to our power host sites for making this drive possible, including Alfred University, Canaseraga American Legion Post 1582, David A. Howe Library and Union University Church. Many thanks to Chad Sebastian, executive director of ACASA, and Cassi Stives, CRPA and Street Outreach and Engagement for joining with ACDC on a community-wide service project honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Allegany County’s generosity proves the strength of a community united in
All snowbirds and/or full-time Florida residents who originated from Allegany County are invited to an annual picnic March 7 at the Faith Baptist Church in Zephyrhills, Fla. Participants are asked to bring dishes to pass, their own table service and non-alcoholic drinks. Registration for the picnic will begin at noon. The church is located at 38634 Highway 54 East. Folks wanting to be added to a group mailing list may email their names and mailing addresses to davisba808@gmail.com.
WELLSVILLE —
Nurse practitioner
Shawna Trudeau recently joined the healthcare team at the Jones Memorial Hospital Urgent Care facility.
Shawna Trudeau
Rep. Nick Langworthy
United Way, area volunteers offer free basic tax
prep in Allegany, Cattaraugus counties
OLEAN — The United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties is pleased to announce the availability of free basic tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2024 tax season.
This initiative aims to assist eligible individuals and families in accurately filing their tax returns and maximizing their refunds.
The VITA program, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), offers free tax preparation assistance to those households with an annual income of
$67,000 or less; persons with disabilities; limited English-speaking taxpayers; and individuals 60 and older with questions about pensions and retirement.
Several VITA sites will operate across Allegany and Cattaraugus counties with services available by appointment only.
Allegany County Office for the Aging, located at Crossroads Center, 6087 Route 19 North in Belmont, welcomes taxpayers 55 and older. Appointments may be made Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon
and 1–3 p.m. from Feb. 5 through April 14. The office will be closed Feb. 17. Call (585) 268-9390 or toll-free at 1-866-2689390. Services are open to all eligible taxpayers at Houghton University. Appointments may be made Mondays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. from Feb. 3 through April 7. Email elianna.mchenry@ houghton.edu or call (585) 567-9447 to make an appointment.
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties, located at 99 N. Main St. in Wellsville, is open to all eligible taxpayers. Appointments
may be made Fridays, 4–7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22 and March 21, 22, 28 and 29. Call (716) 372-3620 to set up an appointment.
The Olean Public Library, located at 134 N. Second St., is hosting the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP). Appointments are available for taxpayers who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. Bookings for appointments begin in March. Additional details will be announced.
Taxpayers are advised to bring the
following documents to their appointments: Social Security card; photo identification; bank account information (routing and account numbers) for direct deposit; previous year’s federal and New York state tax returns; Identity Protection PIN, if applicable; and all relevant income documents, such as W-2s or 1099s.
The United Way encourages eligible community members to take advantage of these free tax preparation services to ensure accurate and timely filing of their tax returns. To qualify for VITA services, indi-
viduals must have an income of $67,000 or less for the 2024 tax year, among other criteria. For a comprehensive list of qualifications and required documents, visit the United Way’s VITA webpage at uwcac. org/vita.
The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions and health resources.
Friendship churches focus on strengthening marriages
FRIENDSHIP — A
group of Friendship churches is focusing on strengthening marriages in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day and beyond, including a February dinner at Houghton University and provision for significantly discounted couples registrations for a March Weekend to Remember retreat in Buffalo.
Activities by participating congregations in the What God is Doing in Friendship ny
alliance of churches will include publication of free resources available to couples in developing and maintaining strong marriages, the annual Valentine’s Dinner in Houghton on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 16, participation in National Marriage Week during the seven days prior to Valentine’s Day, and highlighting the retreat for area couples.
The Weekend to Remember gathering, one of dozens hosted around
the country annually by the national Family Life ministry, will be held Friday night to Sunday noon, March 21-23, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Buffalo.
The normal $350 registration fee per couple at any U.S. location available during the year, is reduced by $100, when registering online at tinyurl/Weekend-to-Remember or during normal business hours at (800) 358-6329
health & Wellness
and using the Friendship alliance’s savings code of WhatGodisDoing.
Registration includes a dozen learning sessions over the three days, two guidebooks, access to the event app and special couples projects. Lodging, also available at special rates, meals and parking are not included in the registration fee.
Free registrations are available to qualifying pastors and their spouses and an addi-
tionally-reduced rate to $120 per couple is being provided to active military, National Guard and Reserves.
The churches alliance savings code is being made available for use by any Allegany County couple and others registering for any U.S. location.
A Buffalo-area couple will speak at the alliance’s annual dinner, set for Sunday after Valentine’s Day, starting at 12:45 p.m. in the
Houghton University South Dining Hall in the Campus Center at 1 Willard Ave.
Additional information on the buffet-style meal which has several food stations, including vegetarian and gluten-free, is being provided on the alliance group Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/ God-in-Friendship-FB, or at WhatGodisDoing@ outlook.com or (585) 664-9989.
Popular foods that can compromise heart health
Certain foods have generated devoted followings among people from all walks of life. While flavorful foods can be hard to resist, some wildly popular items found in refrigerators and pantries far and wide could be compromising millions of people’s heart health.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that food and heart health are inextricably linked. Individuals who prioritize including heart-healthy foods in their diets can lower their risk for various cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Those who succumb to the temptation of less heart-healthy foods may pay a considerable price for such indulgences. The World Health Organization reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death across the globe, and poor dietary choices are among the handful of variables contributing to those high mortality rates. While the following popular foods might be delicious and tough to avoid, they also have a reputation
for compromising heart health.
• Bacon: The sizzling sounds and enticing aromas of bacon, not to mention its flavor profile, make this a hard-to-resist food. However, health care experts note that bacon is high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Saturated fat can be especially bad for heart health, which is one reason why the American Heart Association advises individuals aim for a dietary plan in which less than 6 percent of
calories come from saturated fat. That makes bacon a no-go for individuals interested in a heart-healthy diet, as a single slice of uncooked bacon typically contains 110 calories.
tend to be higher in saturated fat, and thus less heart-healthy, than leaner cuts like sirloin and extra-lean ground beef.
• Baked goods: Baked goods may be irresistible, but that status might change when people recognize that regular consumption of cookies, cakes and muffins has an adverse effect on heart health.
• Red meat: Red meat is another appetizing but heart-unhealthy food. Like bacon, red meat tends to be high in saturated fat, though that content varies depending on the cut and the type of meat chosen. For example, grass-fed beef contains less saturated fat than grain-fed beef. In addition, cuts that are not considered lean, which include beef short ribs, rib-eye steaks and T-bone streaks, also
WebMD notes that baked goods have been linked to elevat-
ed triglyceride levels. That’s significant, as the Cleveland Clinic reports that high triglyceride levels in the blood can lead to a condition known as hypertriglyceridemia, which can harm the heart and blood vessels. Eating too many baked goods also can lead to weight gain and potentially overweight or obesity, each of which the AHA identifies as a significant risk factor for heart disease. Processed meats: Fans of deli meats may insist there’s no better midday meal than a sandwich, but their hearts might beg to differ. Processed meats, which include deli meat but also foods such as sausage and hot dogs, contain high amounts of salt and are often loaded with saturated fat. A 2021 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a little more than five ounces of processed meat per week increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease by 46 percent. Five ounces equates to roughly five slices of deli meat cut 1⁄8-inch thick.
Certain foods like bacon and red meat are hard to resist. However, those who want to preserve their heart health are advised to eschew these fan favorites and replace them with alternatives that help to lower their risk for cardiovascular disease.