Allegany County Community Source 12-23-2022

Wreaths Across the Twin Tiers

Hundreds of

BY KATHRYN ROSS

Volunteers throughout the region turned out Saturday to place green tokens of grace and honor at the graves of veterans during Wreaths Across America Day.

In Belmont, the day turned out better than expected for organizers. Suzie Thomas, who coordinated Belmont’s first Wreaths Across America event after attending Allegany County’s first event in Cuba last year, was pleased with the results when scores of volunteers turned out.

“It was a great day. The weather was better than we expected. It was a beautiful day,” she said.

And so agreed both Dominic and Donna DiGirolamo, who both said, “It’s a beautiful day for this,” as they watched a brief ceremony in Forrest Hills Cemetery where the wreath-laying began.

The ceremony was conducted by members of the American Legion 808 of Belmont and the American Legion Family organization. Among the speakers were commandant Scott Feness and Meredith Chilson of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR brought the event to Cuba in 2021.

A resident of Belmont, Chilson said she was happy to be part of the event in Belmont

and hopes that other communities across the county will take up the standard.

“We had the first event in Cuba last year and this year we had three communities taking part.” Whitesville was the third community.

Feness told those gathered, “This is the kind of thing that can happen when the community comes together.”

Through fundraisers over several months, Belmont raised more than $7,500 to sponsor 504 wreaths.

The ceremony included an American Legion color guard, which placed four wreaths for the branches of the military and a bugler who played taps. The volunteers were then directed on how to place the wreaths, bows up and to identify the veteran in the site by announcing his/her name and offering a salute and brief moment of silence.

placed at veterans’ graves

20 people gathered in Sacred Heart Cemetery to do the same for veterans buried there.

A total of 504 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in Belmont proper and at two cemeteries on the south side of the town of Amity. Wreaths were placed in over 23,000 domestic cemeteries and military cemeteries across the nation and abroad from the Wreaths Across America project.

support the Belmont Wreaths Across America group as well as those in Cuba and Whitesville.

A few over 35 people showed up at Forrest Hills where the event got underway. both grandfather and grandmother aged and teenagers gathered wreaths under their arms and trekked across the snowy, hilly lawn. Across town, about

Thomas said it took Belmont’s 55 volunteers less than an hour to complete the wreath laying. Afterwards many of them showed up at the Legion for much welcomed hot chocolate and cookies and camaraderie.

Individuals may still

Starting now, through Jan. 15, any wreath sponsored ($15) through a sponsorship group will be matched. Go online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to sponsor a wreath or go to one of the organizers of the local events Mary Lindquist in Cuba, Jan Talbett at (607) 356-3214 in Whitesville or Thomas at suzie73@roadrunner.com.

In Olean, more than 100 pine wreaths were placed at veterans’ graves in the Mount View Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor.

In McKean County, Pa., in Bradord, Smethport and the Kane and

Residents object to gas station/ coffee shop in town of Wellsville

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — It wasn’t all coffee and “Welcome to the neighborhood” when town of Wellsville residents told the town board Dec. 14 they don’t want a Quicklee’s/Tim Hortons in their backyard.

The board’s agenda, published prior to the meeting, called for discussion of the Quicklee’s site plan, a

response to the findings of the Allegany County Planning Board and a negative declaration to the environmental impact statement. That brought out about a dozen area residents who stated they object to the location of a gas station in their mixed residential/business neighborhood, known locally as Morningside.

The planned location of Quicklee’s and Tim

Hortons is on the former site of a manufacturing facility off Route 417 and across from the Wellsville Plaza.

Numerous stores and fast-food restaurants are presently located in the plaza. On the same side of the roadway as the proposed Quicklee’s, a Walgreens Pharmacy drive-thru was recently constructed and opened, and several other businesses are

located in the vicinity. The mixed-use area is not zoned because there is presently no zoning throughout the town of Wellsville, except in the village proper, which lies within the town.

The group, led by one of the business owners, objected to the installation of inground fuel tanks that could

Mount Jewett areas, hundreds of wreaths were placed at veterans graves as well.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

American Legion 808 in Belmont conducted a brief honor ceremony prior to placing wreaths as part of Belmont’s first Wreaths Across America event.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Billy Edwards carries wreaths Saturday as part of Belmont’s Wreaths Across America event.

Quicklee’s

Town of Wellsville loses another council member

WELLSVILLE — The town board seems to have a difficult time when it comes to seating a full slate of members — four councilmen and one supervisor.

It labored without one councilman for several months after a resignation until Jeff Ormsby was approved in September for the position. But he, too, has turned in his resignation, citing the reason as his departure from the town as a resident.

So it was with some relief when Supervisor Shad Alsworth, after recognizing Ormsby’s departure, announced last week that Greg Day expressed interest in filling the vacancy until the November 2023 election.

Alsworth asked Day, who was present at the meeting, two questions: “Are you a registered Republican and will you primary as a Republican?” Day answered affirmatively to both questions.

Council member Patty Graves noted that there will only be a primary should another Republican seek the nomination. If no one comes forward, she said, Day will have to run for a full term in November.

Making a motion to

approve Day to fill the unexpired term, Alsworth said, “I’ve known Greg (Day) for 20 years from his coaching, and as a fireman and serving with the ambulance corps. He grew up in this town and he is raising his family here. He is employed at Alfred State College in the electrical department. I can’t think of anyone better to serve on this board.”

Day was approved, and will be sworn in at the Jan. 3 meeting of the board.

In another matter, Alfred State College’s Dan Helveston, who is overseeing the building and trades students constructing the town’s new municipal building, said the project is 75% complete. He updated the board on the progress of the combined town hall and garage structure.

“The concrete has been poured and much of the interior work has been completed,” Helveston said. “The garage doors are due to be installed next week before the students leave for the winter break. The man doors will be installed later.

“The electrical plan is on the desk for consideration and we’re ordering materials.”

He added that the building is not being heated at this time and that students will be installing insulation that will be purchased from South Main Lumber.

Graves asked if there are any holdups on the project.

Helveston said that he is just trying to keep students working on site

while the department strives to complete other projects on its agenda.

The foundation for the building was dug in the spring of 2021 and Alfred State building and trades students have been working on it when school is in session.

In other action, the board approved the expenditure of $14,587.74 to pay its share of the

mil-

The board will convene its end-of-the-year meeting on Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The official reorganizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 3.

Weidrick Road Bridge project, which was completed last year by the L.C. Whitford Company. The total cost of the new bridge was $1.95

lion, which was shared between the county and state.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Students are at work completing the interior of the new Wellsville Town Hall/garage structure on West Hanover Street.

Tractors: Ford 7700 2wd w/ cab very clean; Oliver 1800 diesel; Cockshutt 1600 diesel; Agco Allis 6680 2wd w/ cha very clean, sharp tractor; Fordson Major; AC 5050 4x4 w/ loader; Compact Tractors: New Mahindra Emax 20S HST 4x4 w/ Ider; Kubota B21 w/ Ider; MF 1734E 4x4 w/ Ider 600 hrs; Kabota BX2200 4x4 Ider & belly mower - nice; Kabota B21 TLB; Construction New AGT H-12 mini excavator; Bobcat 650 skidsteer; Kabota SSV65 mechanic special- (eng); Bradco 509 SS backhoe; 5110 DD ditch witch Vermeer 935 wood chipper w/ deutz diesel; Assortment of skid steer attachments ( snow pushers , pallet forks; buckets; cement mixers , preperators, PHD, trencher; grapples-rock & log) ; Farm Equip: case IH Rb 454 silage rd baler w/ net - very nice; JD 457 rd baler; IH 9 shank disc chisel; Case 9 shank disc chisel; Bush Hog 10’ transport disc; New mahrinda loader; gravity wagons; We have a good amount of 3pt hitch items; Lawn/Garden: UTV& ATV: Ferris Procut 61” ; JD 445;05 Polaris Fusion 700 snowmobile W/BLADE, 21 CF Moto Cforce 600 4 wheeler w/13 miles-same as new; Polaris mini 4 wheeler 90cc; Articat Kittycat snowmobile; Mahrinda 1000 retriever ; Kawaski Mule 610 4x4 ; EZgo gas golf cart, gas w/ dump cart; Rollback: 10 4550 rollback 83k; Vehicles: 14 Chevy Cruze; 14 Chevy Silverado;05 Chevy silverado; 18 Subaru Forrester; 16 Ford escape; Classic Car: 1990 Chevy Corvette Convertible; Repos & Auto: 14 Ford F150 w/cap Trailers: 1995 Jayco camping trailer- 27 ft 5th wheel w/ slide out; 2018 Triton T/A aluminum trailer; 2019 Cam 20ft deck over trailer 2005 16’ cattletrailer; Support Items: 20x30 hoop buildings; Amish sheds , Amish hunting blinds; pressure washers, generators; trailer load of tongue & groove pine and composite decking; cattle corral; cattle gates; this is a skeleton ad, for more info go to www.rgmasonautions.com and check our facebook ads also. All items are subject to consignor delivery, Terms: 10% buyers premium with a $500.00 cap per item, cash, good check w/ proper id and credit card w/ additional fee.

possibly rupture and contaminate local water wells. There is a village water district in the area to which many Morningside residences are connected.

Increased truck traffic was also a concern, while opponents also argued that procedural regulations had not been followed by the board.

Led by Town Supervisor Shad Alsworth, the town board defended against allegations that it had turned a deaf ear to residents’ concerns. He said the board had listened, which result-

ed in a planning board study, a traffic study, and several changes to the site plan.

Quicklee’s first approached the town in early 2020 about building a gas station and coffee shop on the Babbitting Service site, which was for sale at the time. Plans called for the demolition of the buildings then on the site, including a residential building. Construction was to begin in late summer 2021.

In Wednesday’s discussion, the board learned that Quicklee’s

ALLEGANY COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING SR. NUTRITION PROGRAM

ALFRED: UNION UNIVERSITY CHURCH AMY ACTON, (585) 808-5201

CUBA: AA ARNOLD COMMUNITY CENTER JANICE RUPRECHT, (585) 808-6405

WELLSVILLE: GRACE UNITED CHURCH MARJORIE SMITH (585) 593-6985

FRIDAY 12/23

Fruit Cocktail, Spanish Rice, Seasoned Black Beans, Garlic Cauliflower, WG Roll, Chocolate Pudding

MONDAY 12/26

Apple Slices, Pepper Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, WG Roll, Pumpkin Bread w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

TUESDAY 12/27

Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli, Succotash, WG Roll, Tropical Fruit

dining & Entertainment

WEDNESDAY 12/28

had submitted a new site plan that shifts the development 20 feet east, closer to the Walgreens building, and moved the plan for the underground pipes. The New York Department of Transportation will be contacted about the location of pipes next to a residence.

Alsworth said the county planning board addressed four concerns and concluded that there is negative environmental impact. It addressed:

• Safety of bike and pedestrian traffic along Route 417. A sidewalk will be installed.

• Narrow egress for trucks entering Quicklee’s. The company will not sell diesel fuel for tractor-trailer rigs. Existing traffic turn lanes should address the problem of entering the lot.

• An existing manufacturing facility near the rear of the property will not be impacted.

• Floodplain. After consulting with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and DOT it was determined there will be no significant impact on the floodplain.

As for procedur-

al matters, while the citizens objected, the board contended that the protestors misunderstood the requirements and that all procedural requirements had been followed according to law.

“We wouldn’t have looked into addressing these concerns if you hadn’t brought them to us,” Alsworth told residents. “I want to commend you for doing that.”

While opponents of the project asked the board to declare a moratorium on construction to allow the board to look into zoning the area, board members declined. A plan to bring zoning into the town would require a public hearing and vote, to which former town supervisor and long-time town board member Dar Fanton, now an advisor, said, “I would not support putting zoning in the town of Wellsville.”

As the Quicklee’s discussion subsided, Alsworth told the concerned residents that all the information from the site plan to the findings of the county planning board and the town board’s decisions are available to them.

When departing one of the protestors muttered, “This isn’t over yet.”

THURSDAY 12/29

New Year’s Meal Cranberry Sauce, Roast Turkey w/Gravy over Stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean, Casserole, WG Roll, Blueberry Crisp

Cinnamon Applesauce, Roast Pork, Sauerkraut, Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes, WG Roll, Bran Bread w/Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo by Kathryn Ross

The proposed site for a combined Quicklee’s and Tim Hortons is located in an unzoned, mixed-use residential and business area along Route 417 in the town of Wellsville.

Borrello: Too many unknown costs in NY climate plan

State Sen. George Borrello said plans to phase out “reliable sources of energy” by New York state will force consumers to face unknown costs for questionable benefits.

“With today’s vote by the Climate Action Council to approve the ‘Final Scoping Plan,’ New York state has taken another step away from the affordable and reliable sources of energy that power homes, businesses and automobiles across our state and towards an energy future clouded by unknown costs and questionable benefits,” the Republican senator from Chautauqua County said in a statement Monday.

He was responding to the Climate Action Council’s 19-3 vote approving the Final Scoping Plan, the blueprint for achieving the transition to a carbon-neutral economy as mandated by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Borrello said the core of the plan are bans

on the most common energy sources used by New York consumers and businesses. Bans on new natural gas, propane and heating fuel oil systems will start as soon as 2025 for new construction and in 2030 for existing buildings.

Starting in 2035, consumers will no longer be able to purchase natural gas, propane or fuel oil appliances for heating, cooking or clothes drying. Gasoline-powered automobiles will be banned for sale in New York starting in 2035.

“These are just a few of the changes coming down the pike for taxpayers and ratepayers in New York,” Borrello said.

The timelines don’t

account for legislative actions that could be required for measures in the plan, nor are possible legal challenges calculated.

Left unaddressed in the 445-page plan are the costs of “this massive conversion,” the senator said. “None of these mandates should move forward until a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is completed and made public. Legislation that I co-sponsor with many of my Republican colleagues would require this.”

Borrello cited estimates on the conversion to all-electric as costing as much as $40,000 to $100,000 per household.

“Leaving New Yorkers in the dark on these costs and many others buried in this plan is simply unacceptable,” he said.

The senator said reducing emissions is an important goal and one that the state should

continue to pursue. But he insisted the path “should be responsible, achievable and cost-effective. Racing headlong into a complete overhaul of our energy sector without full transparency and clarity on the costs to New York residents and businesses is a dereliction of duty and an economic disaster in the making.”

He added that New York is increasing reliance on importing power from other states and nations to meet its energy needs, while claiming to be pursuing a zero-emission goal.

This is nothing but a costly and fraudulent shell game that will not reduce global emissions and may actually increase them,” he said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt of Niagara County, the Republican leader in the Senate, many of his constituents work in energy-intensive industries like agriculture and manufacturing — in a

region where cold winters are the norm.

“The scoping plan ... will negatively impact my constituents, and millions of other New Yorkers, by making life more expensive and putting their livelihoods in jeopardy,” he said.

David Fisher, president of the New York Farm Bureau, said his organization is reviewing the plan.

“At first glance, the report recognizes important strides New York’s farmers and foresters have made to reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and sequester carbon,” he said. “We have long believed that agriculture is part of the solution to mitigate climate change.

An incentive-based approach for farms that

invests in research, new technologies, and education will be key for farmer adoption and the plan’s success.”

But Fisher said major concerns remain including the push for electric, zero-emission agricultural vehicles when the technology does not exist for such equipment.

“The future commercial viability of the equipment must also be affordable and accessible for the state’s farmers,” he said. There must also be a power grid in every region of the state that can handle the electrical demand that the Climate Action Council is seeking today.”

He said NYFB also supports renewable natural gas and biofuels as part of any climate smart plan.

State Sen. George Borrello

home improvement

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Interior designers know that strategic updates can revitalize a space without extensive construction. The key is to choose fea-

tures with designs that speak to you. These items must have provenance and presence to create an atmosphere the moment you enter the room.

Curated design

The preferred design aesthetic of a room is highly personal, but all good design follows certain principles. Take cues from experienced designers who know that by selecting a few well-chosen products, you can create ambience that impacts

an entire space. The design of the elements should be memorable and draw the eye without being overwhelming.

For example, the Occasion Lighting Collection from Kohler is a simple yet elegant way to transform any space. This elegant collection of impeccable craft combines sculptural metal frames with light-capturing ribbed glass shades that draw inspiration from the transformative designs of the early 1960s. This

is a period of time when interiors were an intercontinental mix of bold color, tapestries, Japanese screens and other treasures to showcase the owner’s travels and interests.

This unique collection is engineered with the same precision as that of fine jewelry making. The interplay between the faceted frames and the sparkling, multi-dimensional display of light as it cascades through the crystal ribbed shades results in forms that are

bold yet sensual, with an undeniable presence.

Strategic updates

Lighting is an accessible and high-impact way to transform a room and stay on budget. Whether it’s an eye-catching chandelier, pretty pendants, perfectly placed sconces or functional and fashionable flushmount lighting elements, there’s something for every space.

Beyond lighting,

there are other strategies that can help you achieve an updated effect without taking on a renovation. Some other methods designers use to transform a room include thoughtfully selecting pieces such as a beautiful area rug, stunning wall art, graceful mirror or tabletop objet d’art.

You can add sophistication, create visual tension and add dramatic impact through color or sculpted form. Keep in mind, the provenance of the pieces selected can be anything from where each was found or made, the artist behind the design, the

materials the piece is made from, or the craft employed to create the piece.

Above all else, it’s important to be selective. An artful form that has meaning or a story behind it elevates and redefines a space, allowing you to achieve a lot of impact without spending a lot of money. Whether curating the family heirlooms of tomorrow or simply giving your home a refresh by purchasing a pivotal piece, products that make a statement can take your interior to a whole new level in design.

State: Area sales tax figures improved in November

BY BOB CLARK

Local municipal sales tax receipts climbed for all local reporting agencies in November, the state’s fiscal watchdog reported Dec. 14.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a report detailing local sales tax receipts in November, with local municipalities generally reporting higher returns than in some other regions of the state.

“November marked another solid month for sales tax collections for local governments,” DiNapoli said. “Although many forecasters are predicting that national retail sales will be strong this holiday season, local officials should continue to monitor the economic factors impacting sales tax when estimating their own revenue projections for the remainder of the year.”

Allegany County saw sales tax collections of $1.99 million, up 7.2% from November 2021.

Since Jan. 1, receipts total $26.11 million, up 8.1% from the first 11 months of 2021.

The county’s partial sales tax exemption on gasoline ended Aug. 1.

Cattaraugus County

saw sales tax receipts of $3.79 million, up 9% from November 2021.

Since Jan. 1, receipts total $44.91 million, a 5.6% increase.

The county’s partial sales tax exemption on gasoline ends Dec. 31.

Western New York as a whole saw sales tax receipts of $106.5 million in November, up 10% from November 2021. So far this year, receipts rose 7.3% over 2021, with $1.22 billion in collections reported.

Across the state, DiNapoli reported that local sales tax collec-

tions in New York state increased by 8.8% in November compared to the same month in 2021, and all local collections totaled $1.72 billion, up $139 million compared to the same time last year.

New York City’s collections totaled $770 million, an increase of 10.7%, or $74 million, over November 2021.

All but a handful of counties experienced some year-over-year growth in November collections, with Wyoming County seeing the largest increase at 17.5%,

followed by Lewis and Delaware counties at 14.9% and 14.7%, respectively. Rockland County had the steepest decline (-11.3%).

Monthly sales tax distributions made to counties and tax-imposing cities are based on estimates by the state Department of Taxation and Finance. In the third month of each calendar year quarter, these distributions are adjusted upward or downward, so that the quarter as a whole reflects reported sales by vendors.

Wellsville village weighs restrictions on camping in public places

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 Dec. 12 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 will take place at 5:45 pm. Dec. 27.

health & Wellness

Kassas named Rural Health Care Provider of the Year

WELLSVILLE — Dr. Zahi Kassas, a Wellsville pediatrician, has been named the 2022 Rural Health Care Provider of the Year by the New York State Association for Rural Health.

A long-time member of the medical staff at Jones Memorial Hospital, Kassas was recognized for his dedication to the community, the hospital, and his patients. The award is presented annually to a direct service provider who has demonstrated leadership in bringing health services to citizens of rural New York.

“Dr. Kassas is a valuable member of our medical staff and we at Jones are thrilled that he has received this award and the well-deserved recognition that comes with it,” said Jim Helms,

CEO at Jones Memorial.

“We are proud of the commitment to care and caring that he demonstrates every day, with every patient.”

When he arrived in Wellsville in 1998, Kassas was eager to locate his new practice in a small, rural area.

“Knowing not just my patients but their parents and grandparents by name and — more recently — provid-

ing care to the children of my former patients is what practicing rural medicine is about,” he said, noting that he receives hundreds of invitations to graduations and weddings because a pediatrician becomes part of the family. “I often feel like being the other parent, or more accurately now, the other grandparent.”

In accepting the award, Kassas credited and thanked the hardworking colleagues he works with. These individuals include Monica Acomb, PNP: Dr. LuAnn Kaye; Neonatologist Jessica Strassner, PNP; Dr. Heather Lanphere, and Dr. Nishit Shah and Dr. Shachi Shah.

He also noted his appreciation for his office team: Laura Knapp, Stacy Ordway, Melissa Walsh, Kelly Matteson, and Katelyn Syska.

“They are the hardest working people I have ever met,” he said of his staff. He also thanked

Dr. F.C. Miller and Dr. William Coch for serving as role models and mentors.

“I am a reflection of what they have achieved and taught me,” he said.

Kassas noted that rural healthcare has unique challenges that urban doctors do not face.

“For one thing, there are not as many of us so we often lean on each other for support and

assistance,” he said.

“For that reason, especially on a difficult case, the credit for treatment is usually shared among several providers.”

The completion of the Jones Memorial Transformation and Modernization project which brings new services and improvements to the building will go a long way in attracting the next generation of doctors and providers. Dr. and Mrs. Kassas

have been generous donors to the hospital fundraising campaigns and this one is no exception. The Kassas family has led the way as a Corner Stone donor to this new capital project.

“A hospital must continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the patients it serves,” Kassas said. “Supporting it financially is vital to the future health of this community.”