Allegany County Community Source 11-18-2022

Unfinished no more: Fillmore wins first state title

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MIDDLETOWN

After an overtime thrill er Nov. 12 in the state semifinal, the Fillmore boys soccer team still had to finish the job the next day.

The Eagles had been in this exact spot a year ago and came up a game short of their first-ever state title in boys soccer. They didn’t let the second chance go by this season.

Knotted at 0-0 at halftime of the Nov. 13 NYSPHSAA Class D state championship against Chazy (Section 7), a pair of seniors — defender Brent Zubi kowski and attacking forward Mitch Ward — scored to deliver Fillmore a 2-0 victory at Middletown High School’s Faller Field.

Fillmore finishes its perfect season at 23-0, winning the program’s first state title in its third chance after previous tries in 2000 and 2021.

Coach Jarrett Vosburg, a former Fillmore play er and assistant coach under longtime coach Jamie Mullen, led the program to its first state title in his first season as the head man in charge.

“It’s difficult for me to try to put into words what today’s win means to this team, this pro gram, and this commu nity,” Vosburg said. “I can’t say enough about the way these guys bat tled this weekend. They left their heart and soul on the field in both the semi-finals and finals

games this weekend. We have preached all year about leaving no regrets, and at a perfect 23-0-0, it’s safe to say they have done just that.”

Zubikowski gave the Eagles the lead just 10 minutes into the second half with a long ball out off a direct kick of reach for the goalkeeper. It was just the third goal of the season for the defender, but no doubt the biggest.

After scoring twice on Nov. 12, Ward netted his 47th goal of the season on Nov. 13, a penalty kick for a 2-0 lead with 14 minutes remaining.

Fillmore goalkeeper Luke Columbo manned the net again, making 13 saves to earn his 17th shutout out of 23 wins this season.

“The defense is ridic ulous, nine goals scored on (us) all year, 115 or so scored for us,” Ward said in an NYSPHSAA interview. “It’s a broth erhood. We all care about each other, love each other and that’s the biggest thing.”

Last year, Fillmore beat Chazy in the state semifinal but lost to Mount Academy in the Class D title game. The Eagles spent a year motivated to finish what they couldn’t last time.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about it since that day,” Ward said. “I have the poster on my wall of ‘Fillmore loses in state championship’ and this is what I wanted

right here.”

Fillmore will gradu ate 12 seniors, including Ward, Zubikowski and Colombo.

“All of them have played an important role in this season,” Vosburg acknowledged. “Everyone knows the role Mitch has played statistically. He’s an incredible player. But his leadership is what will be missed the most next season. Similarly, Brent commanded a defense which allowed only nine goals on the season, and only two in the entire postseason. He is the commander of our defense, and

Langworthy thanks supporters after win for Congress

BY RICK MILLER

Nicholas Langwor thy was still on a high from his landslide win in the 23rd Congres sional District Tues day night when news organizations called the New York governor’s race for Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Langworthy, the state Republican chair man, had invested a lot of time and resources to help elect Rep. Lee Zeldin of Long Island as the next governor of New York.

Soon after claim ing victory in the 23rd Congressional race over Democrat Max Della Pia at 9:15 p.m. in Buffa lo, Langworthy flew to New York City to Zeldin headquarters for what he hoped would be a victory party.

Zeldin, he believed, would be the first Republican governor in the state since George Pataki.

It was not to be. Trailing Hochul by 5%, Zeldin conceded the race Wednesday after noon. Hochul, a Buffalo

native, is the state’s first woman to be elected governor.

Langworthy’s August Republican primary victory over Carl Paladino set up the contest with Della Pia, a retired Air Force colonel who is chairman of the Tioga County Demo cratic Party.

Della Pia lost in the special election to Republican Joe Sempo linski, R-Canisteo, who is now serving the re mainder of former Rep. Tom Reed’s term.

In remarks to report

ers in Buffalo shortly after the polls closed and before any results had been reported, Langworthy said, “I am very proud to be the congressman-elect from this district. But I also am very proud to be the chairman of the New York Republican Party here tonight. And I made a promise to our next governor. I wouldn’t be stand ing by his side tonight when we announced that he has become the

portville

shinglehouse

The Fillmore boys soccer team celebrates after defeating Chazy in the NYSPHSAA Class D state championship game on Sunday in Middletown.

Fillmore Wins continued on PAGE 6

Langworthy

Veterans urged to tell their stories in Wellsville ceremony

WELLSVILLE —

Dreary skies and black clouds on the horizon moved Wellsville’s Veter an’s Day service indoors at the Legion Post 702.

Despite the move, more than two dozen people still showed up for the ceremony to hon or Wellsville’s veterans. Ironically, the event was held in the communi ty room at the Legion which is decorated with commemorative bricks honoring individual veterans from not only the country’s most recent wars, but also soldiers

who fought in the Rev olutionary War and the Civil War.

Among those gath ered to pay their respects and tagged to say a few words were Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler, Town board member Patty Graves, Distirct 4 Legislator Steve Havey, Elk’s Club Represen tative Shane Scott and Brent Roberts, post com mander who led off the comments. He welcomed the group saying, com menting on the rain and the fact that the 21-gun salute would be staged in the parking lot along with Taps played by a

lone bugler. The Ameri can Legion Color Guard stood at attention inside the hall.

Scott Spillane was the first to speak. During his speech he emphasized the debt owed to the military. “Please take a moment and perhaps tell a soldier sailor or airman thank you for all your sacrifices. It was not easy for them or their families to give up that part of their lives and some times even their lives, for us to be able to be who we are and what we have. The debt America

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Wellsville Town Trustee Patty Graves and Mayor Randy Shayler place a wreath for veterans at the Veterans Day service at the Wellsville American Legion Friday.

Veterans continued on PAGE 4

owes its veterans, those who offered their lives so that others might be free, has never been clearer than it is today.”

Addressing the group Shane Scott reminded the crowd who veterans are and talking about the scars veteran’s bare. “There are veterans who suffer daily whether you can see it or not. Please take the time to reach out to the veterans you may know. Due a buddy check. Invite them to lunch or coffee, any thing. According to the most recent statistics vet erans are at a 57-percent higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t

served. Honoring vet erans shouldn’t happen just one day a year. Let’s do better to honor and connect with veterans throughout the year.”

Havey told the group our veterans have never let us down. “You know that we just had an election. Our veterans are the ones that have protected our right to free and fair elections. Politicians, however, make promises and at some point, will let you down. A coworker at some point will let you down. Even your favorite sports team will at some point let you down. Do you know

who has never let you down? That would be our veterans, the ones that have served as the first line of defense when bad actors have tried to take our rights away. Our veterans have never let us down.”

Shayler honored all veterans, saying, “Today we salute the service of all veterans, and we keep in our thoughts prayers for the fallen, the missing, and those who right now are serving in harm’s way.

Veteran’s Day is a special holiday that honors all those who have served and serve in the United States military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma rines, Coast Guard and Space Force.”

Reading Town Super visor Shad Alsworth’s remarks, Graves recited, “I grew up in this coun try at a time when those of my generation all had a grandparent, uncle, sibling, or close family friend that had served the armed forces in one of the many global con flicts since 1900. Veterans were our teachers, our coaches, our political leaders, and the most respected individuals in our society.”

The indoors Veterans Day ceremony continued with the displaying of wreaths presented by the town and village boards, Elks Club, VFW and the Legion. It concluded with a 21-gun salute and “Taps.”

next governor of the state,” he said, accord ing to WIVB-TV.

Langworthy also told the media, “To night I will pledge to the people of the 23rd Congressional District that I am with anyone in Washington, D.C. who is committed to common sense agenda that puts American back on track for Western New York and the Southern Tier. I will fight for an econo

my that’s strong. A na tion that’s safe. A future that’s built on freedom and a government that’s accountable to the peo ple that it serves.”

Langworthy isn’t sure yet whether he’ll be serving in the majority in the House, where a projected red wave of Republican votes failed to materialize. Some House elections are so close they will be deter mined by absentee votes

that were still being counted.

Midterm elections are often a referendum on the president and party in power. Tuesday seemed to many ana lysts pretty much of a draw as the millions of absentee and mailed bal lots were being counted across the country. The Senate majority may rest on a runoff election in Georgia.

In a telephone interview with Lang worthy on Wednesday, he acknowledged that while early voting in Erie County gave Della Pia an early lead, he was also aware that 60,000

more Republicans than Democrats had voted across the district.

“I spoke with Max today. We had a very nice talk,” Langworthy said. “I thanked him for running a nice, clean campaign.”

Langworthy said his approach to the general election was the same as in the primary where he outpolled Paladino in the six Southern Tier counties while losing in the part of Erie County in the new 23rd District.

“The Southern Tier wants their representa tive to show up,” Lang worthy said. “That’s the way I handle myself.

My roots are deep in the Southern Tier. No one should worry that their concerns are not my concerns. I am ex

tremely grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Asked which House committee he would seek a seat on, Lang worthy indicated his preference would be the Energy and Commerce Committee, despite a history of freshmen congressmen not getting that assignment. It could all rest on whether Re publicans or Democrats control the House.

Langworthy said the district can expect “world-class constitu ent service” and he is already assembling his staff.

In the seven-county district, Langworthy polled 189,022 votes to 101,643 votes for Della Pia.

In Cattaraugus County, Langworthy outpolled Della Pia 17,676 to 7,087, or 68.8% to 27.6%.

Allegany County voters gave Langworthy a wider margin, 11,321 to 3,567, or 73,8% to 23.2%.

File photo

Nicholas Langworthy, elected Tuesday in the 23rd Congressional District, is shown during a campaign stop in Olean on Oct. 26.

we couldn’t have had the season we’ve had without him. Colombo made six or seven saves this weekend that saved our season. He’s quietly accumulated a school re cord 17 shutouts on the

season, and was always there for the big save when we needed him.”

Vosburg credited per formances in all aspects of the field to deliver the historic state title.

“Our center-mids

elevated their play, and every single player on the field upped their game with heart, energy, grit, and courage to get us over the hump and help us defeat an in credibly solid, perennial

SMALL

powerhouse in Chazy,” he said.

Vosburg made sure to thank his assistant coaches, Mike Witkow ski and Jordan Mullen as “one of this could have been accomplished without their contribu tions,” along with his predecessor, Jordan’s

father Jamie. “He’s been instru mental this year, helping with the transition and offering his support and guidance every step of the way,” Vosburg said of the elder Mullen.

“This is every bit as much his team as it is mine, as he’s instilled

this drive for excellence that I’ve simply tried to uphold this year.

“Today’s title is one earned by hard-working players, but celebrated by an incredibly sup portive community. I feel incredibly blessed to be along for the ride.”

5

Reasons to Shop Small Versus

The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated. Though national chains often garner publicity, local businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention.

What defines a small business as “small” varies significantly, but these businesses are generally privately owned and generate far less revenue than big corporations. General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Here’s a deep look at why small businesses

Big Box

are so vital, and why consumers should direct more of their purchasing power to smaller companies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains.

1. AUTONOMY AND DIVERSITY

The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come at the cost of variety.

On the other hand, an independent business

offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve.

2. LOCAL HIRING STRATEGY

Certain big box retailers will hire local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area - something that keeps more resources and money in the community.

3. ADAPTABILITY AND CHANGE

Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on

the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings and updates to corporate policies. Changes also can be customized to the local community at large.

4.

INVESTING IN THE TOWN

According to the financial resource Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps

more money in the community. Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police, fire and school departments functioning properly.

5. TURNOVER

IS GREATER

WHILE NO ONE wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes

unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity and competition that keeps prices competitive. The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently.

car

The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups. Though each of those things are vital components of automo tive maintenance, it’s important that drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well.

Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good, and that’s not untrue. An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot. But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic. According to Consumer Reports, a thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the car’s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Though late model vehicles aren’t as susceptible to rust, fading and peeling as cars made decades ago, they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt, grime and bird drop pings that, over time, can adversely affect the paint job and, if left unchecked, eat away at the metal.

Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent dam age related to seasonal issues. For example, individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted. Deicing the roads makes driving safer, but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion. Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash, but it’s import ant to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has been washed away by rain. Most car washes now offer high-pressure un dercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent corrosion and the formation of rust.

But it’s not just the exterior of the car that can benefit from routine washing. When taking their cars to get washed, many motorists pay a little extra to have

their vehicle interiors cleaned. Sometimes referred to as “interior detailing,” cleaning the cabin of the car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer.

Routine interior clean ing also can remove dust and other particles that can serve as irri tants if allowed to build up over time.

Resale and tradein value is another factor to consider. The automotive experts at

Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $25,410, which marks a 21 percent in crease over the year pri or. Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturers’ ability to produce new automobiles, and that led many motorists to the preowned vehicle market. Dealerships also offered incentives to

to

drivers willing to trade in their late model cars.

By taking care of a ve hicle’s interior, drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reli ance on the preowned market. Prospective buyers, whether they’re private citizens or deal erships, will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained interior than one with a cabin that’s seen much better days.

Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmet ic form of vehicle main tenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

home improvement

7 tips for boosting indoor air quality

(BPT) — The arrival of autumn is a good time for homeowners to replace batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide

alarms. And as winter approaches, it’s also a good time to make sure that a home’s heating comfort system is in good working order and ready to support indoor air quality.

Given that Amer icans, on average, spend 90% of their time indoors, the air inside a home should not be taken for granted.1 As October is Indoor Air Quality Month2, the following tips can help support indoor air qual ity, while also helping to boost comfort and conserve energy bills.

• Change the furnace air filter: Not only will changing the filter monthly or as directed by the manufacturer reduce stress on HVAC equipment, but a

dirty filter may also increase a home’s energy bill and lessen indoor air quality.3

• Don’t overlook the attic: An average home loses about 20% to 30% of the air that moves through the duct system due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts.4 In addition to allowing air moving through the ducts to escape, these gaps can reduce energy efficiency and lead to higher energy bills. Such breaches can allow dust and particulates in the attic to infiltrate and circulate throughout the home.

• Care for the air: Regular service of a home’s HVAC

equipment can help detect problems that may reduce indoor air quality.

An Owens Corning AirCare™ contractor can inspect a home’s attic using tools that may suggest a problem with indoor air quality.

For example, thermal imaging technology allows the contractor to visually show the homeowner where energy is being lost and areas where pollutants or contaminants may be entering ductwork.

• Assure attic ventilation:

Ventilation supports the flow of air into and out of the attic space. Balanced intake and outtake vents in the attic along with proper air sealing support effective moisture management throughout the home.

• Manage moisture: Activities in the home like cooking and showering can raise humidity levels in the home. Turning on cooking vents and bathroom vents helps draw moisture out of

a home’s conditioned space. Beyond creating potential conditions for mold or mildew to grow, allowing moisture to sit on metal surfaces such as ductwork and other HVAC equipment can cause them to rust and corrode.

• Insulate unconditioned spaces: The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association has reported that 90% of homes are underinsulated, wasting

money, energy and decreasing comfort.5 Adequate levels of insulation can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment.

• Stay alert to signs of a potential problem: Several clues can suggest that a home’s ductwork may be reducing indoor air quality. Signs of a problem may include musty smells, mold or mildew around vents, condensation on HVAC equipment, hot or cold spots throughout the home, and an increase in dust in the indoor environment.

Centerville man facing multiple weapons charges

CENTERVILLE —

New York State troop ers, Amity, announced Nov. 10 the arrest of a Centerville man on doz ens of weapon charges after responding to a report of a domestic dispute.

Responding to the 10:19 p.m. call and after troopers attempted to make contact with

Jacob J. McCowen, 39, of Centerville, who had barricaded himself and others in a residence on Findlay Road, McCow en “menaced” troopers with a firearm.

Throughout the evening, troopers were assisted by NYSP hos tage negotiators, Special Operations Response Team members and

the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and at approximately 6:25 a.m., McCowen left the resi dence and attempted to leave in his vehicle.

McCowen was charged with second-de gree criminal posses sion of a weapon for a loaded firearm and second-degree criminal possession of (five or more) weapons, both class C felonies; five counts of third-degree criminal possession of an (assault) weap on, a class D felony;

fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a class E felo ny; five counts of endan gering the welfare of a child, two counts of sec ond-degree menacing, 26 counts of unlawful possession of ammu nition feeding devices, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree ob struction of governmen tal administration, all class A misdemeanors.

McCowen was remanded to Allegany County Jail on $25,000.

health & Wellness

Daisy Award: Nominate a Nurse Who Made a Difference

WELLSVILLE, NY

(November 15, 2022)

– How do you thank a nurse who gone above and beyond all expectations to provide care – and caring – not only for the hospital ized patient, but for the patient’s family? One way is to nominate that nurse for the DAISY Award for Extraordi nary Nurses.

An international recognition program, the DAISY Award was inspired by the nurses caring for 33-year-old J. Patrick Barnes during the eight weeks he was hospitalized before passing away in 1999 from an autoimmune disease. His family wanted to find a way to recognize the provid ers of the skillful and compassionate care Patrick received and the kindness shown to his family during that time. The name DAI

SY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

The nomination period for the 2022 DAISY Award at Jones

Memorial will be open until mid-December. Nominations can be submitted electroni cally using the link on the hospital website: jones.urmc.edu. Paper nomination forms can be found throughout the hospital.

“Nominations are open to staff and the public,” explained Ms. Draper. “All nomina tions must tell a story that includes why you are nominating the nurse and include as much detail as pos sible about how that nurse went above and beyond expectations and how that made a difference.” Inpatient nurses and outpatient nurses are eligible for nominations.

Here is an example of a winning nomi nation for University of Iowa transplant nurse Kaitie Luitjens, BSN RN, who won the award in 2021:

“My sister passed away from cancer six weeks before I entered the hospital for my transplant. Because of COVID-19 restrictions and my disorder, I was unable to attend her funeral or to even visit her graveside, which is out of state. In talking with Kaitie about every thing, she told me she is from a town very near to where my sister lived and is now buried. On one of her trips back to her hometown, Kaitie offered to stop by the cemetery and take a picture of my sister’s graveside for me. That has touched me in so many ways, that someone would do that for me and for my sister. It doesn’t seem like “thank you” is enough, and I want Kaitie to know her kindness will never be forgotten by me or my family.”

“All nominations received will be re viewed by a committee and the selected nurse will be announced in May during the Hospital Week festiv ities,” explained Ms. Draper, noting that all nominees will receive a DAISY pin. “This is a very distinguished award with the winner recognized nationally and presented with a unique sculpture called The Healer’s Touch.” The winning nurse is also eligible for edu cational opportunities and grants from the DAISY Foundation.

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11/22