Allegany County Community Source 03-17-2023

Allegany Co. honors Fogarty for 40 years of public defense, community service

BELMONT — Patricia “Pat” Fogarty was recognized by the Allegany County Board of Legislators for her legal work on behalf of families and indigent defendants.

The board chairman, Brooke Harris, detailed Fogarty’s expansive contributions to her clients, her co-workers, and the community.

“Since 1983, Ms. Fogarty has demonstrated great skill in all types of representation including in matters regarding custody, neglect, abuse defense, parole violations and the most challenging, violent felonies,” Harris said. “Ms. Fogarty’s value (to Allegany County) is extraordinary. She

has consistently carried heavy caseloads, has always been willing to cover appearances for her colleagues, and has been instrumental in the training of new attorneys.”

Fogarty’s contributions extend far beyond her work in the public defender’s office. She has served with Catholic Charities of Buffalo since 2007, has served on the Allegany County Bar Association and the Grievance Committee of the Eighth Judicial District, and on the Boards of the Allegany County United Way, Southern Tier Travelling Teachers, the Education Foundation of Alfred, Inc., and Southern Tier Legal Services.

Fogarty currently chairs the Alfred State College Council. serving in that capacity since 2008.

Public Defender J.R. Santana Carter applauded Fogarty’s life-long commitment to service.

“When I hear and see all the things she’s involved with in the past and currently, I realize that while the law may be her passion, her true calling is service, service beyond the law,” Carter said. “The law has been a vessel that got her involved in so many organizations. Whenever asked, she always answers the call. ... I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition.”

Shortest ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade coming Friday in Wellsville

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — Organizers have heard nothing but positive comments about their plan to stage the Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the World on Friday as they hope to set a world record.

“We have had nothing, but positive feedback and that Wellsville and Allegany County need a latewinter event like this,” said Brian Cannon of

the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who came up with the idea. He went on to say, “Everyone feels we need something like this at this dreary month of March time in our area. Allegany County has a high percentage of people with Irish ancestry as Irish immigrants helped build the Erie Railroad and other major industries in the mid-1800s throughout our county. Our Ancient

Order of Hibernians Division members all thought it was great to sponsor our own local St. Patrick’s Day parade to celebrate our Irish heritage.”

The idea of staging the shortest parade route came about because many parades on St. Patrick’s Day have a very long parade route and take hours to line up, sometimes in cold and sleet.

“Ours is about 12 feet and user-friendly

for those marching and those watching,” Cannon explained. The parade route may be only 12 feet, but the parade lineup is going to be many times greater than the length of the route.

Brian Cannon said they have had a great response from people for participation in the parade. Locally beloved Sister Alice Roach, herself, will be the

Photo provided

Patricia “Pat” Fogarty (right) was recognized by Allegany County lawmakers this past week for her work with the county’s public defender’s office. At left is Public Defender J.R. Santana Carter.

Photo by

parade marshal when the parade steps off at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Lineup starts at 4:15 p.m. Friday along the second block of North Main Street between Fassett and Madison streets.

The American Legion Auxiliary Color Guard will lead off the event followed by the grand marshal, who will be escorted along the 12-foot route by the Ancient Order of Hibernians led by a bagpipe-playing Steve Walker of Andover.

Some new groups making their worldwide debut in the parade

include the Shenanigan Sisters and the Choir Boys. Village and Town officials are expected to be in the parade as Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler has

been very supportive. The Emerald Hook and Ladder Fire Company will bring up the end of the parade with their emerald green fire truck and members marching in their traditional green jackets.

Cannon said, “We will have 15 to 20 units, so if it grows next year we may need the village to block-off another block for more staging purposes.”

Organizations which want to be in the parade need to contact Cannon at aohcannon@gmail. com.

About the world record, held for the last 20 years by Hot Springs, Ark., for its 98-feetlong St. Patrick’s Day parade, Cannon said, “I contacted Guiness a few months back and they need a lot of forms and documentation and there are costs involved. Our AOH Division may submit in the future, but if it comes down

to paying to have a world record certified, or donating that money say to a local food pantry, we would donate to fight hunger in Allegany County.”

Shayler and Trustee Mike Roeske will certify the distance of the parade route. Roeske is a New York state-certified surveyor. Genesee Valley Media will be filming the event with its drones.

“We hope this becomes an annual event,” Cannon said. “I distributed our parade posters to most of the Main Street merchants, restaurants and shops and they are very excited about our AOH Shortest Parade bringing a large group of potential customers into the business district both before and after the parade.

“Where else would anyone rather be on St. Patrick’s Day than in downtown Wellsville?”

Belmont man faces sentencing for incident in jail

BELMONT — A

Belmont man faces a sentence of one year in the Allegany County Jail on a conviction of criminal mischief for an incident that occurred — in the county jail.

Dylan Perkins will be sentenced in Allegany County Court to the one year, the maximum penalty allowed by law, for the class A misdemeanor, according to District Attorney Keith Slep’s office. Perkins had originally been charged with third-degree criminal mischief, an E felony, and third-degree criminal tampering, a B misdemeanor. In another case,

Michael S. McDonald of Bolivar was convicted earlier this month of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property-a firearm, a class E felony. Prosecutors said McDonald, also originally charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class A misdemeanor, was originally charged with possessing a stolen firearm in Bolivar. Assistant District Attorney Ian Jones has insisted on the maximum penalty, and McDonald is scheduled to be sentenced to the 2-to 4-year maximum on May 23.

Sister Alice Roach

dining & Entertainment

Friday, April 28th

Wellsville Municipal Airport 7:30 pm sign-in · 8:30 pm start

• To register, scan QR code at right OR go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Wellsville/ GLOW5KRunWalk

• Register by April 10th and get a 2023 GLOW Shirt

• Prizes for most festively dressed individual or group

• Computer Chip Timing by Happily Running, Inc.

All proceeds from the GLOW will be used for projects that benefit community wellness.

Rare book of Irish art and poetry makes its way to Andover

ANDOVER — In the month of March, the shamrock-ery of the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities tends to overshadow some of the more sophisticated aspects of Irish Culture. The Emerald Isle has long been a haven for artists, poets and writers.

A rare book that is a fine example of Irish artistry and scholarship has been acquired by Walker Metalsmiths in Andover. The Cromlech on Howth is a beautifully illustrated and illuminated poem published in 1861.

Stephen Walker will feature this book in a lecture on the Folklore of the Celtic Revival this June in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. The Cromlech on Howth book is a time capsule that informs of the attitudes and imagination that inspired the revival of medieval Celtic art in the middle of the 19th century.

Walker, founder of the Andover-based Celtic jewelry business, used images from The Cromlech on Howth in previous presentations on Celtic art. In 2006, Walker was invited to speak on the subject at the University of Melbourne in Australia. That lecture and several publications about authenticity and meaning in the reuse of medieval Celtic art themes in modern times will be continued this spring in Downpatrick.

This famous book is difficult to find in

well-preserved, intact condition. Few were printed and some of those have been dismembered so that their most beautiful color plates can be sold individually.

“I have been looking for a complete copy of this book for many years,” Walker said.

“The one I finally was able to purchase had been in the library of a Highland Scottish gentleman who recently passed away.”

Three generations of Irish antiquarians and artists collaborated to create this book.

The book combines the talent of poet Sir Samuel Ferguson, 1810-1886, with that of artist Miss Margaret Stokes, 18321900, and Dr. George Petrie, 1790-1866, who provided antiquarian commentary.

Ferguson was a barrister and poet with antiquarian interests.

The poem in this book is typical of his interpretations of the Irish mythological and Bardic tradition. The subject of the poem is the Cromlech, a neolithic massive stone monument that is recorded to be the tomb of Aideen, wife of the great warrior

MONDAY 3/20 Chicken & WG Biscuit, Petite Peas, Peaches

TUESDAY 3/21

Applesauce, Stuffed Shells, Green Beans, WG Roll, Sugar Cookie

WEDNESDAY 3/22

Baked Ham w/Raisin Sauce over Stuffing, Au Gratin Potatoes, Harvard Beets, WG Roll, Pineapple

THURSDAY 3/23

Sweet & Sour Pork over Brown Rice, StirFry Vegetables, WG Bread, Tropical Fruit

Fridays: 4:00-7:00pm

Every Friday Feb.17thApril7th

Donation:

Adults: $14.00

Children: $9.00 Choice of fried or 4 kinds of baked fish.

Photos provided

Stephen Walker, of Walker Metalsmiths in Andover, with his copy of the Cromlech on Howth, a rare book of Celtic art and poetry from 19th century Ireland.

chief Oscar. Legend has it that Aideen died of grief at the news of her husband’s death at the Battle of Gavra.

Interest in Ireland’s legends and mythology was gaining popularity among Ireland’s literary and cultural leaders as the country was recovering from the horror and humiliation of the Potato Famine of the 1840s.

Petrie is credited with the “revised” notes on Celtic ornamental art in the book. Petrie was a prominent artist and antiquarian. Under his leadership, he transformed the collection of the Royal Irish Academy into the National Museum of Ireland.

It is unclear who wrote the notes before they were revised as both Ferguson and Stokes also did write on antiquarian subjects. In 1861, Petrie’s status as the leading expert on Celtic art would have brought considerable prestige to the project.

The book is created as an art object in itself, what we would today call a coffee table book. The poem would have easily fit on one or two pages, had it been set in standard type. The poem is instead written out in beautiful calligraphy, illuminated with Celtic designs over 14 pages along with a fully decorated title page adapted from the famous 9th-century Irish

manuscript, the Book of Kells. The Celtic art — along with seven fullpage, color landscape paintings — were all created by Miss Margaret Stokes.

Interestingly, Stokes is only mentioned by a monogram of her initials on the title page, as it was not considered appropriate for a woman to endeavor in such a professional project in those days. Although much of what she did as an antiquarian and artist was done anonymously in her younger years, by the time of her death in

1900, she was famous. Her talent and expertise were acknowledged in an obituary stating, “Never again will

ancient Irish art have a truer or more painstaking historian; and never again can any other pen so faithfully illustrate the glorious remains of

How to make early retirement a reality

Retirement is something millions of professionals aspire to. Retirement isn’t necessarily when a person stops working forever. In fact, many retirees continue working as part-time volunteers and consultants.

Individuals have traditionally retired at the age of 65. However, the United States Social Security Administration indicates the normal retirement age (NRA) is the age at which retirement benefits are equal to the primary insurance amount. Primary insurance amount is based on a certain formula that includes year of birth. For most people born in 1960 and later, NRA is 67. Choosing to retire earlier may result in reduced

benefits. But people who have financially planned for an early retirement may not view a decline in SSA benefits as a deterrent. If early retirement is a goal, these strategies could make it happen.

• Use a retirement formula. The retirement planning resource New Retirement says that the basic formula for retirement is to accumulate 25 times your annual expenses and then plan to draw down no more than 4 percent of that value every year. For example, if you spend $50,000 per year, then you need to have $1,250,000 in savings to be able to retire. Budget

to realize that savings goal. For those who have trouble calculating retirement figures, utilize this planner: www. newretirement. com/retirement/ planner-signup/, which offers various retirement strategies.

• Trim extra expenses. Reduce your spending to put more cash toward your future. Comb through credit card statements and look at various bills to see where you can save.

Reduce your biggest expenses. Food, transportation and housing comprise most people’s largest expenditures.

pre-Norman Ireland.”

Walker’s lecture will be part of the Second International Day of Celtic Art Conference hosted by the Saint Patrick

Centre in Downpatrick. Artists and scholars involved in the study and creation of Celtic art will meet from June 8-11 to share information and encouragement of this ancient art form.

Local audiences have two opportunities to enjoy Walker’s presentation ahead of his trip to Ireland.

On the evening of May 3, Walker will offer a preview of his presentation at the Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, and again on June 1 at the Allegany County Historical Society Museum on East Greenwood Street in Andover.

Instead of routinely buying new cars, look for certified pre-owned models, which are equally reliable. Carpool to save money on commutes. Reduce food expenses by shopping sales and making eating out a luxury and not a regular thing. Downsize your home, or rent out a room (or apartment if it is a two-family) to offset mortgage costs.

• Consider a government gig or another pension-backed job. Pensions used to be part of many companies’ benefit packages, but now they’re harder to come by.

as much personal scrimping and saving for an early retirement. With the right savings strategies, early retirement can be a reality. Deborah Didion 5857 Hilltop Road, Cuba, NY 14727 Phone & Fax: (585) 968-2621

One of the beautifully made pages of the Cromlech on Howth book showing the art and poetry of 19th century Ireland.

home improvement

Don’t skip these 4 important spring home maintenance steps

(BPT) — Maintenance is an important part of home ownership, but many people delay tasks, thinking a few weeks or even months won’t do any harm. However, putting off home maintenance is risky because small issues that are simple to fix now can quickly lead to complex problems that are expensive to fix later.

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a once-over both inside and out to flag any issues and create a maintenance to-do list. According to the experts at State Farm, here are some top spring maintenance tasks to help protect your home:

Roof and gutters

Your roof provides fundamental protection of your home from the elements in all seasons. Inspect your roof at least once annually for damage, discoloration, loss of granules and missing, worn or curling

shingles. If you have the skills, you can do this yourself, or, call a qualified contractor who can come and do an inspection.

Some additional things to keep in mind, especially during rainy spring months: Gutters and downspouts should be safely attached, clear of leaves and other debris, and have no leaks. Position downspouts to direct water away from the home so it doesn’t impact the foundation. Also, check that flashing is secure - the thin, metal material that’s around windows, vents and chimneys to direct water away.

HVAC systems

HVAC stands for your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These systems work together to keep your home comfortable throughout the seasons. Regular maintenance helps keep them working well today and extends their life in the

future while also saving on energy costs. Start by setting a reminder every few months to replace filters. Dirty filters can block airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Then, schedule a spring maintenance check with a local HVAC professional. Pros will often check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils, and investigate unusual noises.

Garage spaces

Garages can quickly become cluttered and certain items pose risks, such as fuel that can start a fire or items that can be attractive to pests. Embrace spring by planning a day to clean out the garage so it is organized and safe.

If you store any fuel in the garage, use dedicated, leak-proof containers out of the reach of children and pets, and away from potential sources of fire ignition such as water heaters or power tools. Be smart about paint and home-improvement chemicals, too. A shed away from your home may be a better storage

spot for combustible items. Many people also store furniture, clothing and food in their garage, but these are all tempting to insects and rodents. Clothing and furniture can also soak up dust and fumes that destroy their integrity, even if pests don’t. As for food, it’s just too risky to store any in the garage. Even nonperishables like canned goods can spoil due to temperature fluctuations in garage spaces, so opt to store extra food elsewhere.Smoke detectors

Get in the habit of checking your smoke alarms on a regular basis, such as at the start of every season. Do this by hitting the test button on each device. If you don’t already have them, make sure a smoke detector is located in every bedroom and living space. This small investment and maintenance step can help save lives.

Additionally, don’t wait until the alarms chirp at you to tell you batteries are low. Once a year, replace all the batteries in all the alarms to give you peace of mind that these critical devices are set up to work

well in an emergency. If you need assistance with any of these spring home maintenance tasks, consider hiring a qualified, insured contractor in your area. Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of trustworthy professionals who can help.

Wellsville varsity cheer team wins Sec. 5 title

WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville varsity cheer team had a successful season this year.

On Feb. 18, the cheer team traveled to Rochester to compete in Section 5 Competitive Cheerleading Sectionals, placing first in its division. The team was crowned Division 2 Large Section 5 Champs, the first sectional title for Wellsville in cheerleading.

Not only did the team win a sectional title but it qualified to move

on to the New York State Competitive Cheerleading Championship held at Visions Arena in Binghamton on March 4. At the state championship, the varsity team competed against 11 other teams from around the state in its division. After performing their routine, the Wellsville team was selected as “Top 5” of the preliminary round. The team performed a second time in a final round and placed 5th in

automotive

the state.

The cheer team includes Alyssa Dorrough, Bella Sparatta, Ashley Whitney, Emma Dunaway, Madison Thompson, Lily Ball, Kyleigh Morris, Marissa Weinhauer, Skylar Shutt, Eryn McDowell, Carissa White, Abbie Lanphier, Morgan Mattison, Lizzy Seely, Grace Howe, Ava Cole and Addy Clark.

The team is coached by Liz Huyler.

Vehicle maintenance tasks drivers don’t want to overlook

Savvy drivers recognize that maintenance is essential to keeping their vehicles running strong for years on end. Such maintenance ensures vehicles are safe to take out on the road, and basic upkeep also protects drivers’ financial investments in their cars and trucks.

Drivers who are not mechanically inclined tend to put their ve-

hicles in the hands of a trusted mechanic to perform routine maintenance like oil changes. But there’s a host of simpler vehicle maintenance tasks that drivers don’t want to overlook, some of which can be performed without visiting the auto body shop.

• Brake inspections: Brake inspections are best left to

the professionals, who can check the thickness of brake pads and look for other indicators of excessive wear.

The automotive resource Cars.com recommends having brakes inspected during routine tire rotations, which many automotive professionals suggest should be done every six months.

• Car wash: Car washes might not be the first task drivers associate with vehicle maintenance, but they can prevent long-term damage to cars and trucks.

Damage from bird droppings and road salt and

ice melt products in the winter can damage a vehicle’s paint job and its undercarriage. Wash the car on your own at home or visit a professional car wash to perform this simple yet vital maintenance at regular intervals and whenever you notice significant buildup of dirt and grime on the car’s exterior.

• Air filter: The air filter on a car or truck prevents debris, dirt and other contaminants from getting into the engine. The auto insurance experts at Allstate® advise drivers to inspect their vehicle air

filters once a year. Air filters in need of replacement may appear dirty, and reduced fuel economy, unusual engine sounds and reduced horsepower are some other potential indicators that an air filters needs to be replaced.

• Windshield wipers: Windshield wiper blades are easily overlooked, but various automotive experts recommend replacing wiper blades every six to 12 months. Old wiper

blades won’t perform at peak capacity, dramatically reducing visibility during heavy rain and snowstorms. Anyone can replace their own windshield wiper blades in a matter of minutes, and new blades won’t break the bank.

Vehicle maintenance is not exclusive to tending to what’s under the hood. Keeping a car running smoothly for years involves routine tasks that many drivers can perform without professional assistance.

Photo provided

The Wellsville varsity cheer team won a Section 5 title and placed 5th at the New York state competition.

NYS Maple Weekends are March 18-19, 25-26

Three maple producers in Allegany County are participating in the upcoming Maple Weekends, March 18-19 and 25-26.

They are Hint’s Red Roof Maple in Friendship, Campbell Maple in Cuba and Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn, Angelica.

The 2023 Maple Weekend is sponsored by the New York State Maple Producers Association. Participating producers will be open to the public for tours on both March 18-19 and 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Statewide, there are 110 participating maple producers. Visitors have the chance to tour sugar shacks and immerse themselves in the smells and tastes of the boiling down the sap — from the burning firewood in the evaporator in most cases, to the smell (and

taste) of maple syrup. In Portville, Sprague’s Maple Farm not only participates in the two Maple Weekends, but runs its own tractor-drawn wagon ride to its sugarhouse and tours. Hot chocolate and maple donuts await visitors at the top of the hill. Sprague’s pancake breakfasts are served with their own maple syrup daily.

1553 Olean-Portville Road • Olean, NY 14760

Mon–Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 8am–Noon 716-372-0565 www.beseckerandcoss.net

health & Wellness

Multiple Myeloma Month: A Ceres woman’s journey to treatment

WELLSVILLE — March is designated Multiple Myeloma Month — MM, the second most prevalent form of blood cancer, causes malignant plasma cells to accumulate in bone marrow.

To raise awareness and put a face behind the statistics, the theme for Multiple Myeloma Month this year is #MYelomaStory.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 34,470 people living in the United States were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2022. This number includes Kimberly Miller of Ceres, who is the receptionist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute Oncology and Infusion Center at Jones Memorial Hospital.

Miller’s story began in August 2022, when she started experiencing intense pain in her low-

er back, hip and groin. After a phone call to her Olean-based primary care provider (PCP), she was told it sounded like diverticulitis and she was advised to go to the emergency room.

“That was frustrating because even with my limited medical knowledge, I knew I did not have diverticulitis,” she said. “I decided to wait a week and see if it got better.”

The pain did not get better; it continued to get worse. When it reached the point that she could barely lift her leg to get up into the car, she called her primary care provider again, requesting an appointment to discuss her symptoms. She was again advised that she had diverticulitis; however, her PCP ordered an x-ray of her hips and spine. When the results came back, the nurse

told her the images showed “no acute findings.”

Seeking relief from the agonizing back pain, Miller decided to seek out a chiropractor. She took the x-ray results to her appointment, and was surprised when the doctor explained in detail that what was stated as “no acute findings,” was actually more acute than was reported.

The chiropractor would not treat her until she had an MRI, so she called her PCP and finally got the appointment she had been requesting. She would see her primary care provider on Sept. 29.

However, on Sept. 25, the pain became so unbearable that her husband, Ed, took her to the closest emergency room, where she had an abdominal CT and a spinal CT. With no family history of cancer, she was shocked when the results came back and she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

“It has settled in my spine,” she said, noting that the cancer “eats holes in bone.”

From Olean, she was taken by ambulance to Buffalo General Hospital where she met with the Great Lakes Cancer team. To make her treatment more convenient, Miller was referred to Dr. Yasar Shad, an oncologist at the Wilmot Olean Oncology and Infusion Center on West State Street.

Miller’s treatment so far has included four cycles of chemotherapy, five sessions of radiation, and a spinal surgery.

“I began radiation treatment in Olean, in mid-October, and chemotherapy on Nov. 9,” she said. “Dr. Shad and his staff have been a huge blessing to me

through chemotherapy, and countless doctor appointments in Rochester.”

She also met with a neurosurgeon, Dr. Pierre Girgis, to deal with the brittle bones and spine fractures. She had kyphoplasty surgery on her spine on March 1.

Now in her fifth cycle of chemo, Miller is anticipating an appointment with the UR Medicine Stem Cell Transplant Team to prepare for a stem cell transplant in April.

“Because stem cell transplants take the immune system back to that of a newborn baby, recovery includes at least 90 days of quarantine at home,” she said. “I have heard very good things about the SCT process and how many patients go into remission afterward.”

She said she is thankful for all of the support she has received from staff at Jones Memorial Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital and the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong.

“I know I have many, many people praying for me, and being able to get the treatment I need closer to home has been a blessing,” she said.

Kimberly Miller

File photo These maple sap buckets are symbols of a bygone age in maple sugaring.

Servicing Cattaraugus, Allegany, McKean and Potter Counties