Allegany County Community Source 12-16-2022

Red Kettle Campaign helps the needy

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — For the 116th year the bells are ringing, but they aren’t playing carols, they’re calling people to show the spirit of Christmas by dropping donations into the Salvation Army’s red kettles.

Emily Stothart, who has been overseeing the local office of the Salvation Army for the last two years, said this year’s campaign started three weeks ago and will end around 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Bellringers are located in just four places this year — Tops, Giant, Save-ALot and Tractor Supply — and tabletop kettles are located in several local businesses.

The goal this year is set at $30,000, slightly higher than in recent years. All donations from the Red Kettle Campaign stay right in the Wellsville community, Stothart said, and help in the purchase of food for the food pantry, overhead and pays the staff of two.

“This is our major fundraising effort, and it helps to keep the place running and maintain the building,” she said.

The 2021 campaign fell short of its goal, but that didn’t stop the Salvation Army from maintaining programs, camp, and services. They just did what everyone does in the same situation, she said, they tightened their belts.

“Like everyone else we’re seeing the trickledown impact of inflation and we’re seeing an increase in the number of people coming into the food pantry,” Stothart said.

From last January until November the number of people coming into the pantry has increased by more than 100 and it has been serving an average of 35 households per month.

“Over 6,000 meals per month have been going out of the food pantry,” she said, explaining that ingredients for five days’ worth of meals are supplied at each visit. “The number of people who come in has been steadily increasing throughout the year.”

The Salvation Army based in Wellsville serves the entire county providing rental assistance and help for people under the threat of eviction. It also provides gas cards for those who have to travel for medical reasons and helps with heating assistance. They also help the homeless.

The Salvation Army also sends children to summer camp and operates vacation Bible school and provides programing for children, such as their recent Halloween block party.

“We’re trying to restart some programs that were shut down because of Covid and we hope to restart our women’s program and

our children’s musical program. We’re looking for an instructor,” she said.

While the local Lions Club, Rotary, Methodist and Assembly of God churches and the elementary school are already signed up, volunteer bellringers are always needed to fill the shifts. The kettles are set up indoors (except at Central Tractor) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’ll man the kettles for as long as we have volunteers to fill the shifts,” Stothart said.

Individuals or groups that would like to help or to make a donation may call the Salvation Army at (585) 593-2640 or email Stothart at Emily.stothart@ use.salvationarmy.org.

Alfred State students present downtown redesign for Wellsville

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — A dedicated bicycle lane, diagonal parking, historic restoration of Main Street buildings, waterfront parks and walkways and bringing the village together over the Genesee River are just a few of the ideas architectural students have in reimagining the village.

Fourth-year students

at Alfred State College presented their plans for “A Modern Connection to a Historic Village” Dec. 6 in the David A. Howe Library. More than 45 students were involved in development of plans for downtown Wellsville — from the Genesee on the west side, the railroad tracks to the east side and the intersection of Main Street and Route 417 North and South

— as well as the WAG trail.

The project was under the direction of Alfred State’s William C. Dean, chair of the Department of Architecture and Design, along with professors Matt DiRado and Alan Vlakancic.

Hosted by the village planning board, the meeting was attended by the students involved, some current

and present county, town and village officials, business people and several curious members of the public. The plans will become the property of the village to be used for grant applications. A video developed by the students concerning the plan is also available on YouTube.

What piqued imme-

Photo by Kathryn Ross

The Salvation Army’s Emily Stothart has the tripods but needs volunteers to help ring bells for the annual Red Kettle Campaign in Wellsville.

Wellsville Redesign on PAGE

Wilder and Linneball Hall of Excellence dedicated on Alfred State’s Wellsville campus

WELLSVILLE —

Alfred State College celebrated the ribbon cutting of a second Hall of Excellence made pos-

sible by contributions from J. Joseph Wilder, class of 1977, and his wife Laura Linneball. The newest Hall of

Excellence, located in the entryway of the Workforce Development Center on the Wellsville campus, showcases achievements and contributions of ASC alumni and friends.

“We have all these great alums that have accomplished magnificent things and wanted to get their stories out there,” Wilder said. “We wanted to showcase the results of an Alfred State education but also display these individuals for current students to aspire to. We intend for the Hall to be vibrant, and we look forward to adding new inductees. We want to showcase that Pioneer pride.”

Director of Development Jason Sciotti is thankful for the support from the couple.

“They are great supporters of the school and friends of the college,” he said. “He made a big push to have this not only on this campus but previously championed a similar project constructed in the Student Leadership Center.”

Dr. Steven Mauro, president of Alfred State, said, “Jay and Laura have contributed to the college in so many ways. We are beyond

grateful for their contributions. I really look forward to getting to know you even more in the years to come. They are such a special part of Alfred State College.”

When viewing the Hall of Excellence in person or online, Wilder knows visitors will see a pattern of traits.

“People that prepared and planned, people with substantive knowledge of their field,

people that are engaging and kind, and people that are honest and transparent,” he said.

“All these traits students are learning at Alfred State now like I did 40 something years ago.”

The first Hall of Ex-

cellence was dedicated in April 2021 in the Student Leadership Center. The Hall of Excellence also incorporates the Shay Family Athletic Hall of Fame which opened in July 2020.

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Photo provided by Alfred State J. Joseph Wilder and his wife Laura Linneball cut the ribbon at the Hall of Excellence located in the Workforce Development Center on Alfred State College’s Wellsville campus. Joining them are director of development Jason Sciotti (far left) and Steven Mauro (far right), Alfred State’s president.

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Wellsville village weighs restrictions on camping in public places

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

With the mayor saying the village is “getting out ahead of a problem,” the village board is considering new restrictions on camping in public places.

Mayor Randy Shayler said Monday evening he had been talking with someone who had recently returned from California and told him about the problem he saw there. The newly elected mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has declared a state of emergency with more than 400,000 homeless people living in encampments on the streets of the city.

Not wanting a similar problem to arise in Wellsville, Shayler proposed new restrictions concerning camping in public areas, where a problem arose this past summer concerning indigent and oftentimes intoxicated individuals harassing residents in public areas and sleeping on Main Street benches.

“We’re getting out ahead of a problem that exists in other communities, people camping in public areas,” Shayler said.

The proposal reads, “The purpose of this local law shall be to prohibit camping and lodging on public streets, publicly owned or leased property, public parks, and other prohibited public spaces. People camping on public property and on public right of ways

creates a public health and safety hazard because of the lack of proper electrical and or sanitary facilities for such campers. Use of public property for camping purposes or storage of personal property interferes with the rights of others to use the areas for which they were intended.

“Moreover, it is probable that large numbers of transient people camping on public streets or public property would strain current village police, fire, and disposal facility resources.”

It goes on to explain camping as “residing in or using any public street, publicly owned or leased property. public park or other prohibited public space as determined by the village board of trustees or those charged with the authority to enforce this local law for living accommodations, lodging or sleeping purposes as exemplified by remaining for prolonged or repeated periods of time (but in no instance overnight) not associated with ordinary use of the street, property, park or public space with ones possessions or while storing ones possessions including but not limited to clothing, sleeping bags, bed rolls, sheets, hammocks, or other sleeping implements, luggage, backpacks, kitchen utensils, cookware and food or beverages, cooking or consuming meals or lodging in a parked

vehicle, tent or other structure or accommodation not suited for permanent living as defined by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code or by any local law adopted as permitted by Executive Law Section 379.

“These activities constitute camping when it reasonably appears, in light of all the circumstances, that a person (or group of persons} is using the public street or right of way or other public property or place as a living, lodging, or sleeping accommodation regardless of his

intent, or the nature of any other activities in which he might be engaged without a permit from the Village.”

Shayler said this new local law will not impact camping during events such as the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally and the annual Lions Club Trout Derby, when people routinely camp along the Genesee River within village limits.

A public hearing regarding the new no-camping law will take place at 5:45 pm. Dec. 27 for review, before any action is taken by the board of trustee to sign it into law.

WEDNESDAY 12/21

TUESDAY 12/20

THURSDAY 12/22

Christmas Meal

diate interest was when the students announced that their Main Street plan would increase the number of parking spaces from Fassett to Pearl from 60 to 100.

The Main Street plan includes the addition of trees and greenspace park-like seating; the addition of a safe, dedicated bike lane; and diagonal parking on only one side of Main Street. Visually, the Main Street plan includes, from the west side, a 12-foot-wide sidewalk, a 7-foot-wide bike lane, 4-foot-wide median with trees and shrubs, a 20-foot-wide roadway, 17-foot-long parking area and 12-foot-wide sidewalk.

Traditionally, Wellsville has faced a parking problem, with too few parking places. Dar Fanton, former town supervisor, advised the students that in the future they should look into the needs of providing emergency access to downtown buildings.

The architectural plans are based on the village’s plans for development, as stated in the 2016 comprehensive plan. The students spent six weeks developing their ideas. Along with visiting the village

several times they spoke to residents about what they would like to see take place in the village. The two main demographics they dealt with were those under age 20 and those over 70 years of age.

Along with the proposed Main Streetscape, the students suggested that the façades of Main Street buildings should be historically renovated and that more murals should be added to buildings with exposed walls. They also suggested developing more alleyways with seating and dining areas and more crosswalks and park-like seating along Main.

The students also favored reducing the Arterial to just two lanes and using the former roadway for parks and recreational areas along the river. They advised turning bridges into walkways for easier access to the west side of the village and building a visitor’s center and concession stand in Island Park.

The aim of the project, they stated, was to revitalize Wellsville in keeping with its smalltown character.

They also developed plans for low-income

housing, a community garden and greenhouse to bring the community together and for a railroad plaza addressing the area near and around the former Erie depot.

The students suggested a three-stage development plan starting with the addition of murals and greenery to

Main Street, continued with securing funding and concluded with the construction of new buildings and changes to the Arterial.

Those attending the meeting generally approved the plans.

“I think the students did a superb job,” Texas Hot owner Mike Raptis said. “Every aspect of

their designs is feasible.”

Kier Dirlam of the county planning department said, “I’m impressed with the project” and added that he is amazed at how well it was exhibited.

“With the technology developed over the last few years they’ve come a long way from the first

plans that were offered for development.”

Alfred State Architecture and Design students last developed plans for Wellsville in 2016. They have also developed plans for Andover in 2018, Bolivar in 2019, Caneadea in 2020 Belfast, Belmont and Fillmore in 2021.

Allegany County legislators to town, village officials: Do the work

BY KATHRYN ROSS

ANDOVER — In the end, “It is up to you to get your fellow officials in other towns and villages to get their legislators onboard for sales tax revenue sharing.”

Two concerns dominated last month’s meeting of Allegany County District IV legislators with local officials and constituents — sales tax revenue sharing and the Medical Transport Service bailout. In the end, the three county legislators at the table — James Rumfelt of Andover, and Steve Havey and Gary Barnes of Wellsville — turned the onus to act back on the town and village officials.

When Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler blurted out, “Where’s our sales tax?” Havey replied with figures.

“Regarding sales tax revenue sharing,” he said, “I have found that across the state, all counties except 11,

including Allegany County, do share sales tax. They all have weird ways of calculating the distribution, however.”

For instance, Havey said, Cattaraugus County, with a 4% sales tax, divides it this way: The first 3%, the county

retains half and distributes half. The last 1%, the county retains half and distributes the rest.

“You would think there would be some support for this here, but unless the constituents from other districts start pushing their legislators, it will never pass,” Havey said.

Wellsville Town Supervisor Shad Alsworth contended, “It is the people’s money.”

Shayler said, “We have to take a hard look at the way we frame this. It’s the citizen’s money and not

A digital rendering of Alfred State College students’ redesign of Wellsville’s Main Street with diagonal parking on one side, adding additional parking spaces, and a bike lane and greenery.

Photos by Kathryn Ross

Isabelle Popoff, an Alfred State College Architecture and Design senior, explains changes to the village of Wellsville’s Arterial during an exhibition Dec. 6.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

The Allegany County District IV meeting was attended by (from left) Legislator Gary Barnes, Sheriff-Elect Scott Cicirello and legislators Steve Havety and James Rumfelt.

Legislators

mine or the legislators. The community is a source of that money.

… When we don’t give back the money they’ve given us, then there is something wrong with the way we’re doing things.”

Allsworth added, “We’re asking for a pittance.”

Andover Supervisor Gus Weber commented that with the state’s 2% cap on raising property taxes, the towns are hurting and having to cut services to make up the difference.

The group went on to discuss the impact of internet sales on the sales tax revenue generated in the county as well as the closing of brick-and-mortar stores, which could potentially also affect property tax revenue.

But Rumfelt pointed out that whenever shar-

ing sales tax revenue is discussed with the county administrators, “They strike back,” meaning the discussion is coupled with what the county will take away from its support of the towns and villages, if they were to share sales tax revenue. He said such items as the cost of community college (each county across the state is assessed for the cost of community colleges) and maintaining bridges and roads are called into question.

“I don’t want to see that happen,” Rumfelt said. “I don’t want to see anything being taken away from the villages and towns if we share sales tax.”

He also noted that across the county there is no support for an amendment to share sales tax revenue.

“There are maybe five

supporters including your District IV legislators, “he said.

There are 15 legislators.

Both Rumfelt and Havey urged Shayler, Alsworth, and Weber to talk to their fellow mayors and supervisors across the county to generate more interest in the matter, and to impress upon them the need to encourage their legislators to take up the banner for sharing of sales tax revenue.

After that discussion,

Alsworth brought up the matter of the county’s $600,000 bailout for the Medical Transport Service, located in Scio, but serving the entire county.

Rumfelt said that only $100,000 has been expended to date. He explained that several ambulance companies across the county have had to close their doors due to a combined cost of services and lack of volunteers and that MTS serves those communities.

“MTS was within a few days of having to close down, when we stepped in. The county doesn’t desire to be in the ambulance business, but we weren’t prepared to have them shutdown either,” he said.

Rumfelt explained that a committee has been organized to study the problem to deter-

mine what can be done. He is heading up the committee which hopes to have a plan ready in the early part of the new year.

As the meeting ended, Havey said the next Dist. IV meeting will take place in February in Wellsville and future meetings will alternate between both villages and towns.

health & Wellness

Give blood ahead of hectic holiday weeks

As more people make travel plans to celebrate with family and friends this year, the American Red Cross

asks donors to set aside a time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays.

Throughout the season, several factors can disrupt the ability of the Red Cross to collect enough blood for patients across the country.

• Travel: According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holidays this year, which may negatively impact the blood supply if fewer people come out to donate.

• Seasonal illness: The U.S. is seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, which can decrease the availability of healthy donors.

• Weather: Parts of the country have already seen storms bring several feet of snow

this year. Winter weather often leads to hazardous road conditions, canceling blood drives and making it dangerous for donors to venture out to give.

Red Cross officials say it’s important for donors — especially type O blood donors and platelet donors — to give now to ensure hospitals have the blood they need through the end of the year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.

As a thank you, all who come to give blood through Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon. com gift card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 16-Jan. 2 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through December: ALLEGANY COUNTY

• Belfast, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Belfast Town Hall, 9-13 Merton Ave.

• Canaseraga, Dec. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion, 83 W. Main St.

• Fillmore, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fillmore Community, 104 W. Main St.

• Friendship, Dec. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friendship Central School, 46 W. Main St.

• Little Genesee, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main St.

• Wellsville, Dec. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson St.

home improvement

Shedding some light on home solar

Consumers shopping around for home improvement projects may be leaning toward overhauls that can reduce

energy consumption and save them money in the long run. This is a driving factor behind a growing number of homeowners investigating solar energy for their residences.

How does solar power work?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovol-

taics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers. Another solar technology, known as concentrating solar power, is primarily used in large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use, according to Energy.gov.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have

been put in use across the United States since 2008 .

Costs associated with solar

The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $14,000 for initial installation. However, comparatively speaking, homeowners can spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.

How much electricity can I expect?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors:

1. The average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year;

2. The pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces;

The size and strength of your system; and

4. Environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system.

Save even more money

Consumers can contact their utility companies to find out if

they provide homeowners who produce solar power with “net metering.” This program pays the homeowner money or gives credit for excess power the system produces and returns to the electric grid. Individuals

also may be eligible for energy tax credits or other benefits.

Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume a high amount of electricity.

home improvement

automotive

Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise.

Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running.

The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to

power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired.

There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery. No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement.

• Slow turnover: If

a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail.

• Frequent, short trips: Drivers who make frequent, short

trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.

• Low battery fluid levels: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat.

• Corrosion: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life.

• Odors and leaks: Battery leaks can pro-

duce a sulfur odor similar to the smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery.

• Age: Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably.

• Bloated or cracked battery case: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.

Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.