Allegany County Community Source 04-14-2023

Cuba-Rushford’s Ralston named Middle School Principal of the Year

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

CUBA — A familiar face in both the Cuba-Rushford Central School District and the city of Olean is being recognized for her dedication to her students, school and community.

Dr. Katie Ralston, lead 6-12 principal at Cuba-Rushford, has been selected the 2023 New York State Middle School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The award is given annually to a member of SAANYS who is clearly committed to excellence, has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and has firm ties to parents and the community.

Ralston, an Olean native, was hired as principal for the Cuba-Rushford Middle School for the 2015-16 school year. She previously worked at the Olean City School District, her alma mater, as a middle school special education teacher, substitute teacher and STEM program coordinator.

“Cuba-Rushford Middle School is committed to a culture in which positive relationships are valued, growth of the whole child is a priority, lifelong learn-

ing and growth are cultivated and modeled and all members are consistently challenged to achieve lifetime success,” she said. Among her many accomplishments, Ralston is a dedicated leader at the state level. She has served as the NYS Middle School Association regional director, NYS Middle-Level Liasons planning committee, NYS Rural Schools Association research partner, NYS Middle School Conference presenter and the Sweethearts and Heroes Principal Presentation keynote speaker.

“Dr. Ralston continues to be an innovator in education as well as someone who works hard and excels at the day-to-day tasks,” said Christopher Fee, associate principal. “She puts students first and certainly challenges

her staff by not only being an example but also someone they can talk issues through for answers.”

At the regional level, Ralston has served as the Western New York EdChat co-founder and moderator, appeared as a guest on several educational podcasts, presented at the Catturaugus-Allegeny County BOCES and served as the fundraising chair for the Genesis House Homeless Shelter.

She has also been honored as the recipient of multiple awards including the Genesis House of Olean Marion B. Scott Award, NYS English Council Educator of Excellence Award

and the ACCORD Partners and Collaboration Award.

Ralston is wellknown as a leader and has been appointed as a mentor for new administrators within the district. She meets with her mentees on a bi-weekly basis and helps the administrative team meet their goals.

Superintendent Carlos Gildemeister said Ralston’s impact on teachers’ professional growth is outstanding.

“She has the ability to bring groups of teachers into consensus and supports each one with an individualized approach,” he said. “She managed to lead the re-opening plans during

the pandemic and established effective practices within the hybrid model adopted by the board of education.”

Ralston received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, her School Building/School District Leader Certification from Canisius College and her Doctor of Education in Learning and Leadership in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.

Ralston and fellow 2023 award winners will be recognized at SAA-

NYS’s annual awards celebration on May 5 at the Crown Plaza Albany – the Desmond Hotel.

SAANYS represents nearly 14,000 school administrators, supervisors and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Student thespians ‘get’ ‘Cinderella’ in Wellsville High production

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

While one might think Cinderella started with the animated Disney film, the fable predates the Greeks and was popularized in the French Court in Charles Perrault’s ‘Histoires ou contes du temps passe’ published in 1697. Grimm’s tales included a Cinderella story, as early as 1812.

Throughout all the accounts, including the Rodgers and Hammerstein 1957 television version, the moral, the message, is the same — be hopeful, gracious, and grateful. According to the director Matt Warren and producer Diane Willard of the Wellsville High School production, the students have learned the same message.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Wellsville High School auditorium a cast of 17 students will be trodding the boards, many for the first time in a musical. General admission is $10 and students and senior citizens pay $5.

With detailed sets designed and constructed by STEM students under the

direction of Maranda Carman, lavish costumes from the hands of Amy Thomas and Sue Ralyea, choreography by Kate Martelle and a 13-member pit orchestra directed by Aaron Wixson, accompanying the singers, this musical promises to be not only pleasing to the eye, but also the ear.

‘Cinderella’ continued on PAGE 4

Dr. Katie Ralston

2023 Southern Tier Biennial juried art exhibition now accepting applications

OLEAN — The Tri-County Arts Council invites all visual artists who live in New York’s Southern Tier — encompassing Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties — to apply to the 2023 Southern Tier Biennial art exhibition.

Accepted works will be exhibited Sept. 17-Nov. 4 in the Peg Bothner Gallery at the Tri-County Arts Council in Olean.

“The Southern Tier Biennial was founded

in 2003 with a bequest by Olean native, philanthropist, and art lover F. Donald Kenney, managed through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, to create an opportunity for regional artists to exhibit in a professional gallery and be seen by jurors that can help further an artist’s career,” said Sean Huntington, STB Exhibition coordinator. “Every two years, the Southern Tier Biennial gives us a glimpse into the wonderful creative talent that this region has to offer. It’s truly an incredible show. I encourage every visual artist, including those working in craft media, to apply.”

In addition to the op-

portunity to show their work, accepted artists have the chance to win one of five awards totaling $5,250 — $3,000 to the Best of Show winner ($1,000 cash and $2,000 stipend towards a solo show in Fall 2024 at the TCAC); a $750 Juror’s Choice Award; and $500 for three Honorable Mention winners.

Each biennial is juried by new jurors, this year’s jurors are Andrea Alvarez, PhD, assistant curator at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum

(formerly the AlbrightKnox Art Gallery) in Buffalo; Judy Barie, director of the Chautauqua Visual Arts Galleries in the Chautauqua Institution; and Tullis Johnson, curator and manager of exhibitions and collections at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo. The deadline for entering the Southern Tier Biennial is June 17. For full information and the online application, visit www. southerntierbiennial.com.

32nd ANNUAL SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA ALLEGANY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 15 NORTH STREET ANGELICA, NY 14709

SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd 9AM

This is advance notice for the 32nd Annual Spring Extravaganza Auction at the Allegany County fairgrounds. Rich and James are on the road every week getting consignments for this auction, keep watching the ads and the website for the additions as the auction continues to grow. Here is a few tractor highlights NH T4.95 with cab, heat, air & loader; NH 8670 4x4 w/ cab/heat air. A few vehicle highlights 07 Dodge 2500 w/ aluminum flatbed; 2015 Ford Transit Van w/ shelving; We will be accepting consignments of tools, equipment, vehicles, lawn and garden, utv and atv - and more; there will be no household accepted at this auction. Consignment will be accepted April 11 & 12 for large items and 13th – 15th for all items from 9am to 5pm; April 17th – 20th, 9am to 6pm. NOTE THE CUTOFF TIME FOR SMALL ITEMS IS WEDNESDAY APRIL 19th AT NOON; THE CUTOFF FOR LARGE ITEMS IS THURSDAY, APRIL 20th AT NOON. For advertising call 585-567-8844. For more details go to www.rgmasonauctions.com.

Five injured in fire at historic hotel in Potter County

COUDERSPORT, Pa. — Five people were hurt but no lives were lost during a threealarm fire the morning of April 5 at the Hotel Crittenden in downtown Coudersport.

More than 100 firefighters — including several from Wellsville — responded to help fight the blaze, which appeared to have started on the third floor of the historic building, according to a social media post from the hotel’s ownership:

“We had a terrible fire on the third floor of

‘Cinderella’

our hotel. Thankfully everyone escaped with their lives, and their pets lives. Our local fire departments did a fantastic job containing the fire and we appreciate them so much. We will be closed until further notice as we clean up and assess the damage. We hope to be back as soon as possible.”

Around 6:30 a.m., Port Allegany’s Star Hose Company indicated Rescue 3 was dispatched to a working commercial building

One of the reasons the director and producer decided on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical version of the tale is, “Because we knew we had a lot of good singers in this group,” said Willard who has worked on the high school’s plays for over 20 years.

Some of those singers include the lead players, Cinderella Hayden Waldon, Prince Keenen ‘Lamar’ O’Connor, King August Sparatta, Queen Katelynn Roulo and Godmother Ashton Hyslip. Also raising their voices in song are Maddie Muurisepp as the stepmother along with Cloud Baker and Aniela Acampora as the stepsisters. Vocal Coach Eric VanDruff has been stretching their vocal cords.

Other members of the cast include Zoey Heisel as Herald, Alexa Stuck as Chef, Natilee Baker as the Coachman, Alyson Middaugh as Footmen 1, Tapanga Cook as Footman 2, Kennedy Ewing and Audra Black as guards, McKenna Wonderling as the minister and Sierra Caruso as a clumsy man.

Rehearsals for Cinderella started Jan 17th under the direction of Matt Warren who said, “The students have worked very hard on this production and from that hard work they have bonded and become a family and it is

dining & Entertainment

important today to have people you can depend on.” He went on to say that the production is family friendly and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

To further cement the family relationship, Willard put out a call in February for students across the school to enter a coloring contest based on Cinderella. “We got over 300 entries and some of them are really pretty good,” she said.

The winning artwork will be on display in the auditorium lobby during production.

Willard wanted to thank the school district for providing a bank of new lights, and the Wellsville Lions Club for their help with the staging.

We slice to your specification!

Photo by Jay Bradish

At the corner of Main and Second streets in downtown Coudersport, Pa., an engine from Coudersport and aerial apparatus from Coudersport, Emporium and Galeton were all used to fight the April 5 fire at the Hotel Crittenden.

Photo by Kathryn Ross Blessed by Godmother Ashton Hyslip, Cinderella Hayden Waldon and her Prince Keenen O’Connor live happily ever after at the end of Wellsville High School’s production of “Cinderella” this weekend.

New fire chiefs in Wellsville

➡Hotel Fire

fire on Main Street in Coudersport, with reports indicating people may be trapped inside the three-story brick structure. As soon as they arrived on scene, they upgraded to a second-alarm, calling for a full-company response.

“Originally designated for the (Rapid Intervention Team) assignment, the Rescue Company arrived on the scene and was put to work conducting searches on the second and third floors. Several occupants were rescued via ground ladders and the fire escape by first due companies,” Star Hose Company reported.

Radio reports had indicated some people were trapped on the fire escape, while

continued from PAGE 4

others were inside on the second floor, where heavy fire was showing. It was declared a mass casualty incident about 8 a.m. — not meaning a loss of life, but meaning an event where the capabilities of emergency personnel may become overwhelmed with the number of potential patients. The fire was declared under control about 11 a.m., according to a social media post by Coudersport Fire Chief Bryan Phelps. The American Red Cross Disaster Team responded, helping three families in need.

McKean County departments on the scene included Smethport and Bradford Township as well as Port Allegany, and Mount Jewett was

automotive

on standby in Smethport while Eldred Township was on standby in Roulette.

All McKean County units were back in service by 2 p.m.

Aerial trucks were on scene from Coudersport, Genesee and Galeton in Potter County, Emporium in Cameron County and Wellsville, N.Y. Fire departments included Roulette, Genesee, Shinglehouse, Ulysses, Harrison Township, Westfield, Austin and Wellsville, N.Y. Ambulances present were from Coudersport, Roulette, Genesee and Port Allegany.

The Hotel Crittenden was built in 1891 and the majority of the building is original. It operates as a hotel, restaurant and taproom.

Commons symptoms of engine control module problems

The notion of vehicle maintenance often conjures images of greased-stained hands and car hoods propped up. While professional and amateur mechanics are still no strangers to getting their hands dirty, vehicle maintenance in the 21st century also involves diagnosing issues that might arise with a car’s engine control module.

What is an engine control module?

An engine control module, or ECM, serves as the primary computer system for many critical components in modern vehicles. ECMs essentially serve as the brains behind the engines, controlling everything

from fuel mixtures to emissions controls. Sensors within the engine send signals to the ECM, and the ECM then uses that information to help the car run smoothly. Issues that arise with the ECM can make driving difficult and, in some cases, impossible.

What are some potential signs of ECM issues?

The automotive service provider Aamco notes that a faulty or failing ECM will exhibit various symptoms. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms are not always indicative of issues with the ECM, so when they arise drivers

may want to schedule appointments with their mechanics so the true culprit can be identified and the problem can be fixed.

• Check engine light comes on: Many drivers have experienced the dreaded check engine light, which indicates some type of issue with the engine. That issue can be a failing engine component, or it may indicate a failing or bad ECM. A mechanic can determine why the light has come on.

• Engine performance issues: Even though the ECM is a separate entity from the engine itself, a bad or failing ECM can affect engine

performance. That’s because such ECMs throw off the timing and fuel settings of the engine, leading to a sudden and noticeable reduction in engine performance. Engine power may be affected, and the vehicle may experience a drop in fuel efficiency and issues with acceleration.

• Vehicle will not start: A failed ECM means the vehicle won’t start, as there’s nothing controlling the engine to tell it do so. Failing ECMs may lead to struggles starting the vehicle, and whenever drivers experience these issues, they should consult

their mechanics immediately so the issue does not escalate to the point where the engine won’t start at all.

• Erratic engine behavior: A malfunctioning ECM can lead to stalling or misfiring. These issues are often sporadic, which may give drivers the impression

that nothing is seriously wrong. However, erratic engine behavior is a strong indicator of problems with the ECM, and these issues should be addressed immediately. Identifying ECM issues and promptly addressing them can help drivers keep their vehicles on the road.

Photo by Kathryn Ross Wellsville Village Clerk Wendy Seeley (left) administers the oath of office to recently elected fire personnel Chief Rod Winans (center) and First Assistant Chief Bill Day Jr. The chiefs’ election was held April 6 and Andy Havens was elected second assistant fire chief. He was not present for the ceremony at the village board meeting on Monday. Tenure for the three starts with the oath of office and they serve for two years.

home improvement

The many benefits of houseplants

The lines between the outdoors and indoors are being blurred.

Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture and even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor three-season rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between outside and inside.

For those working with limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enjoy the majesty of natural landscapes indoors. Houseplants can be used to improve indoor spaces, and they also provide various health benefits.

Help with allergies

According to WebMD, rooms with houseplants tend to have less dust and mold in them than those without any foliage.

Leaves and other parts of the plants serve as natural filters, catching airborne particles and allergens. Plants with textured leaves might be especially effective at trapping particles.

Put more oxygen into the air

The human respiratory system works by bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide and then release oxygen. Plants can put much more oxygen into the air, improving indoor conditions.

Increase indoor humidity and reduce illness

Studies from the Agricultural University of Norway found that indoor plants can increase humidity in indoor spaces, which decreases the incidences of sore throats, dry coughs, dry skin, and the common cold. Higher absolute humidity can decrease the chances of survival and transmission of the flu virus.

Filter the air

Researchers who presented their work at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society found certain

houseplants can combat the potentially harmful effects of volatile organic compounds. Plants may help filter out VOCs like benzene, acetone and formaldehyde, which can enter indoor air via cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, furniture, printers, and paints.

Improve interior atmosphere

Prevention magazine says plants can be used to screen unattractive

areas, moderate room temperature by shading spots from the sun and even reduce noise.

Plants also can improve ambiance and create a pleasing atmosphere in a room.

Can improve mood

Growing and caring for plants can alleviate everyday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine Gardeners World found 80 percent of gardeners declared themselves satisfied

with life compared to 67 percent among non-gardeners. Gardeners were more positive mentally. Greenery can help people feel more at home and improve mental health. A rehab center in Norway found patients reported a greater increase in well-being four weeks after having greenery added to their surroundings. Houseplants can improve indoor areas and positively affect personal health.

Bolivar-Richburg’s Sibbles repeat a sibling wrestling sweep

BY SAM WILSON

Trent Sibble capped his senior season with the highest honor for a high school wrestler: a state championship.

But Sibble was far from finished with the sport, and neither was his younger sister.

From March 24-26, Trent and Teegan Sibble competed in the NHSCA Wrestling Nationals in Virginia Beach and both came home with firstplace medals: Trent in the 285-pound senior division and Teegan in the 107-pound girls division.

For Trent, the Virginia Beach championship was a rematch of his state title pairing, and again he defeated Tristen Hitchcock (Warrensburg/Lake George).

Sibble won the state championship by 4-2 decision and took the rematch 3-2.

Teegan, meanwhile, beat a participant from Maine, Maddie Ripley, who had won a state championship in open competition — a tournament mostly against boys — winning 9-3.

BEFORE EITHER Bolivar-Richburg wrestler took to the national mats in Virginia, both had collected some local hardware: for the second year in a row, the Sibble siblings earned the Big 30 Most Outstanding Wrestler awards for male and female competitors. Bolivar-Richburg was also the Team of the Year and coach

Andrew Taylor also

repeated as the Coach of the Year.

Trent made the 215-pound state championship (Division II) as a junior, but lost the title match. It motivated his drive to the top at 285 as a senior.

“It’s crazy,” Sibble said. “Just wrestling all throughout high school trying to achieve that goal and trying to be able to do it. Last year

was kind of bittersweet losing in the finals in overtime. So this year felt pretty good.

“I thought about (the loss) all the time. It’s constantly on your mind just because you

only have one more shot and if you get caught on your back then it’s kind of over. So I just worked as hard as I could all throughout the summer.”

TRENT WENT 52-1 as

a senior, improving his career record to 191-27, winning first-place medals at the Section 5 Class B3 tournament, Section 5 Division II state qual-

B-R Wrestling continued on PAGE 8

ifier and NYSPHSAA championships. He will continue his wrestling career in NCAA Division I at Binghamton University.

Trent said he’ll continue seeking out high-level tournaments this year to prepare

himself for the collegiate level.

“Just trying to get as strong as possible and pack on as much weight as I can while still being pretty active and feeling good,” he said. “Just trying to get the best competition I can to at

least compete and be up there with those guys at the new level.”

TRENT enjoys watching his younger sister wrestle at a high level just like he has, but the two have a healthy sibling rivalry.

“It’s pretty cool watching her wrestle all the way up through, but it’s also annoying because if you lose at a tournament and she does better, then you’ll never hear the end of it,” he admitted.

And his little sister knows it.

“It’s kind of fun, because if Trent doesn’t do good, and I do good, then the team’s picking on Trent,” she said.

Teegan went 35-12 as a sophomore in B-R (90-22 career), primarily competing against the boys. She was third in the Section 5 Class B3 tourney (118 pounds) and second in the state girls invitational (114 pounds).

Of the Virginia Beach Nationals, Teegan said

her plan was “just to win every single match, one match at a time. Going for first like always.”

She did just that, of course. She’ll try to top that win by competing in Fargo in July for a spot on the worlds team.

“It felt amazing,” she said of the win in Virginia. “Right when I won I had to look for my dad.”

While opportunities for girls to wrestle are slowly rising, Teegan said she enjoys going against the boys as

a chance to improve herself.

“I feel like it makes me 100 times better and then going into wrestling the girls it’s a different mindset,” she said.

health & Wellness

Pears

THURSDAY 4/20

Beef Stew over WG Biscuit, California Blend Tropical Fruit, Chocolate Chip Cookie

5 ways to make your diet more nutritious

Healthy eating should be a goal all year long. Choosing nutrient-rich foods at the grocery store is a great way to accomplish that goal.

The American Heart Association says research suggests the standard American diet is energy-rich (calorically heavy) but nutrient poor. And according to Canada-based registered dietician Nicole Osinga, though Canadians are making smarter food choices, room for improvement remains, especially in regard to limiting consumption of red meat.

Nutrient-rich foods are those that are high in minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that are vital for health without too much added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. Such foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein sources that can serve as the building blocks of a nutritious diet. These tips can make incorporating nutritious ingredients even easier.

1. Read nutrition labels

sold in North America is a significant source of information. Consumers may only read the first few lines, but it’s best to read the entire label before deciding whether or not to purchase a given product.

Some foods may feature endorsements on their packaging and the inclusion of such labels indicates they’re healthy choices. For example, the American Heart Association’s HeartCheck mark indicates the product aligns with their recommendations for an overall healthy eating plan.

2. Choose more whole grains

Whole grains are low in fat and high in fiber. They’re also a smarter source of carbohydrates because they contain complex carbs that keep a person feeling fuller longer. Try to avoid products labeled as “enriched,” as they’ve had the germ and bran removed from the grain to produce a smoother texture, which means they need to be refortified with nutrients.

3. Eat dark, leafy greens Green vegetables are

rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Kale, spinach and collard greens can be added to soups, stews, scrambled eggs, and salads for a powerful punch of nutrition.

4. Pick pulses

Pulses are essential to plant-based diets, but they also can be enjoyed by meat eaters. The Global Pulse Federation says pulses, which include foods like lentils and chickpeas, are rich in protein and fiber and low in fat. They also contain complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down. Research shows pulses can lower blood cho-

lesterol, reduce blood pressure and help with weight management.

5. Go with skim or low-fat dairy

Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D, but those nutrients may come at the cost of saturated fat. Choose reduced fat

dairy options in recipes and when snacking. These are just some of the ways individuals can make their diets more nutritious.

Photo provided

Bolivar-Richburg sophomore Teegan Sibble and her brother, senior Trent Sibble, hold their medals and brackets after winning championships at the NHSCA Virginia Beach Nationals on March 26. The Sibble siblings both won Big 30 Most Outstanding Wrestler awards for the second consecutive year.

Photo by Jerry Trass

Pictured is the 2022-23 Big 30 Wrestling All-Star team. Front row (from left): Teegan Sibble (Bolivar-Richburg), Andrew Coriaty (Oswayo Valley), Gary McDowell Jr. (Bolivar-Richburg), Trey Buchholz (Bolivar-Richburg), Konner Spring (Salamanca). Back row: Xander Kirsch (Pioneer), Tayvn MacDonell (Bolivar-Richburg), Brady Heckathorn (Pioneer), Caden Allen (Bolivar-Richburg), Trent Sibble (Bolivar-Richburg). Missing from the photo were Ian O’Shea (Port Allegany), Jordan Thompson (Bradford), Rylan Arnold (Port Allegany) and Shane Davidson (Wellsville).