Towns of Andover, Belfast celebrating bicentennials in 2024
Joseph Baker, who settled in 1807.
The ACHS notes another great contributor to the growth of Andover was the Erie Railroad, which came through Allegany County in 1851. The Erie Station was the center of Andover activities with everything coming into the town by rail, and a vast amount of farm produce, cattle and ice being shipped from there.
Folks in two Allegany County towns have been fundraising and planning since last year for bicentennial celebrations in 2024.
The town of Andover will celebrate its bicentennial July 5-7 while the town of Belfast will mark its 200th year with events set for Aug. 8-11.
In Andover, organizers behind the “Andover Community Cookbook — Bicentennial Edition” said the book has been sent to the printer and they hope to have cookbooks available to purchase during Andover Lions Maple Festival, April 6-7. The festival, with pancake breakfasts set for 7 a.m. both days, will feature local maple products as well as food and craft vendors.
HISTORY OF ANDOVER
Andover, in southeastern Allegany County, can be traced back to a first settlement in 1796 at Elm
Valley by Nathanial Dyke and Stephen Cole, according to the Allegany County Historical Society (ACHS). Daniel Cole, son of Stephen Cole, was the first white child born in Allegany County in 1797. The first burial was that of Zeniah Dyke at Elm Valley, who died Jan. 21, 1798.
Other pioneer families from this area included the names of Baker, Caple, Adams, Hann, Howland and Williams.
The Town of Andover was formed from Independence in 1824 and a portion of Wellsville was annexed in 1855. It has an area of 23,785 acres.
The name of the town was first suggested by James Adams whose childhood home was in Andover, Vermont. He and his family moved from Vermont the same year this town was formed. As the first town meeting was also called in 1824, the name Andover apparently was adopted then.
A majority of the early settlers came from the New England states.
The Village of Andover was once known as “Bakerstown” — the first inhabitants of the village were Alpheus, Thaddus, and
The dairy farm was backbone of the early settlers, with many farms lasting for more than 150 years. With industruy becoming more prevalent, Andover had two knife factories, an enamel plant, an stamping plant, a soap manufacturer, a tannery,
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The “Andover Community Cookbook — Bicentennial Edition” will be available this spring.
Photos by Kathryn Ross
Members of the Belfast Bicentennial Committee marched in Wellsville’s World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16.
Andover, Belfast bicentennials
a silk mill and a handful of cheese factories. There were three banks, two department stores, four grocery stores, a cigar maker, three hardware stores, two opera houses, three hotels and a china factory along with a numerous other shops and stores.
HISTORY OF BELFAST
Belfast might hold the distinction of being called the most names, according to the ACHS. Various names used in the early years included Orrinsburg, Buttsville, Huddle, Podunk, Poland and Portland.
Finally, the Justice of the Peace, a man named John McKean, a native of Belfast, Maine, suggested
Belfast and it stuck. Rockville Lake is in the town of Belfast and named for the rock quarry in the area. Boulders for the locks on the old Genesee Valley Canal came from this quarry. Formed from Caneadea on March 24, 1824, another portion was annexed from Caneadea in 1831.
Belfast is one of the 12 towns of Allegany County that originally formed a portion of the Holland Purchase. The land was mostly wooded and the early settlers were afforded to make payments on their land-contracts while enlarging their tillable land. Pleasantly situated on the west bank of the Genesee River is the Village of Belfast.
The first sawmill was
erected on the Genesee near the village in 1809 by David Sanford. While timber was at the heart of the early economy, as pastures increased the products of butter and cheese became a leading industry evidenced by the White Creek Cheese Factory, built by Justus H. Neely in 1872, and the Belfast Cheese Factory 1869.
About a mile above the mouth of White Creek is a quarry from which large quantities were taken annually — a grindstone quarry was worked in the vicinity of Rockville where town residents would make grindstones for home use.
According to the history of the Holland Purchase, the first contracts for land in Belfast were issued in
1804 to Benjamin Chamberlain, Calvin T. Chamberlain, Jedediah Nobles, Elisha Chamberlain, William Pinkerton, Marvin Harding, Isaac Sanford and Abraham D. Hendern.
In February 1812, Rockwell Hopper came from Chemung County and the next year Simon C. Moore, native of Oxford, Massachusetts, walked to Belfast arriving on April 13, 1813. Harry Byrnes from Oneida County arrived in 1813 with his father from Scio. The senior Byrnes had the first painted frame house in town in 1929.
The Genesee Valley Canal was completed to Belfast in 1853 and became a point of considerable commercial importance to the town.
Part of Allegany County within ‘path of totality’ for April 8 eclipse
By KATHRYN ROSS
The northwest portion of Allegany County will be in the “path of totality” during the April 8 solar eclipse, but even for the areas just outside the path, the event will be dramatic.
Dr. Dave Toot, a solar physicist and former director of the Stull Observatory at Alfred University, said that the solar eclipse is the result of the moon blocking Earth’s view of the sun and happens only when the moon is in the full moon stage and only rarely and only for a brief time. The next total solar eclipse in the United States will not be until 2044, visible in North Dakota and Montana, and in 2045 crossing from California to Florida.
In addition to New York, the path of totality of the eclipse will travel over 11 other states.
Some of Allegany County is located within
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the the 115-mile-wide path. Those not in the path will see between 88% and 99% coverage of the sun by the moon, while much of Cattaraugus County is in the path of totality.
According to the New York State Department of Economic Development, the eclipse will begin in Western New York shortly after 2 p.m. with full totality at 3:17 p.m.
Toot said Wellsville will see 99.1% percent of the sun covered by the moon and will not witness the awe-inspiring corona. In the county, he said the best place to view the event will be in Houghton.
From beginning to end, as the moon shadow creeps across the face of the sun the total eclipse will last only 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
The event will take place in the southwestern sky at about 45 degrees starting at around 2:05 p.m., Toot said.
It can be watched through special filtered glasses that may be purchased ahead of time. Special filters are also required for telescopes and cameras to avoid damage to one’s eyes, which can occur when watching an eclipse.
When the sun is totally covered it can be seen with the naked eye only for a short time between 2 and 3 minutes.
Toot said that for Wellsville there is only a 15% chance that there will be clear skies for the solar eclipse. For those wishing to see the corona they are advised to go to a location within the path of totality. Several internet sites fea-
ture maps of the path and offer tips on how to plan a trip.
Meanwhile, eclipse watching events were being planned in Allegany County, including:
• Spring Bottom Farm, 7011 Rice Road, Fillmore, will host the Eliptic Picnic on the Farm; call (585) 567-8128 or email springbottomfarm@ hotmail.com.
• Swain Resort will host an eclipse watch; call (607) 545-6511 or email info@swain.com.
• The Inn at Houghton Creek will provide guests with eclipse inspired refreshments, early check-in and eclipse viewing glasses. Call (585) 567-8400.
Photo by Kathryn Ross
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Dave Toot explains the how the moon’s shadow will cover the sun during the April 8 total solar eclipse.
File photo
A view of the partial solar eclipse in August 2017 as seen from Olean. The total solar eclipse coming on April 8 has created excitement throughout Western New York.
Allegany | | County
Allegany County unveils new economic development plan
BELMONT — The Allegany County Board of Legislators, earlier this year, adopted a five-year strategic plan to increase economic development.
The plan serves as a framework for improving economic development using data analysis, local and regional stakeholder engagement and best practices in rural economic development.
“This has been a long time in the making and gives us a road map that all county, local, and regional partners can utilize in collaboration for our present and long-term economic development success here in Allegany County,” said Debra Root, District III legislator and chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee.
The plan, which has already been discussed publicly and could be tweaked in the coming weeks and months with public input, includes strategies and action maps for nine areas to concentrate on. These nine areas are local and regional collaboration, industry
engagement, marketing, opportunity sectors, workforce, site development, community assets, capacity and management and economic development expertise.
The plan is available at www.alleganyco.gov/ economic-development/.
Officials said each of the focus areas has clearly defined initiatives and identified actions so coun-
ty, local and regional partners can collaborate efforts to improve the economic development landscape. Some highlights of the plan include:
• Attracting business growth in target sectors, with it being noted that the county has “unique resources for drawing ceramics, glass and applied materials research and development.”
• Supporting Allegany County businesses by working with chambers of commerce, regional economic development funding resources, IncubatorWorks, ACCORD Small Business Services and the Jamestown Community College Small Business Development Center.
• Expanding collabora-
tion between workforce development partners and economic developers to retain, attract and advance workers in the county.
• Establishing consistent marketing and communications that support the county’s economic development.
• Preparing sites and pursuing investments that attract new business or expansion opportunities.
• Supporting places and events that attract economic opportunity.
• Creating a new economic development organizational structure that avoids duplication, eliminates brand/role confusion, has efficiency of resources and builds partnerships and collaboration.
Full slate of new and existing events in Allegany County
By KATHRYN ROSS
Starting as early as April and running through the summer months there are a variety of activities available for both visitors and residents of the county to enjoy.
In April the annual Andover Maple Festival celebrates the county’s rich maple syrup history. More than 100 food, craft and other vendors, musical performances and much more will take place, courtesy of the Andover Lions Club on April 6-7 on the Andover Central School grounds.
Also in April the 34th annual Lions Club Wellsville Trout Derby is set for April 20-21, starting in Island Park and stretching along the banks of the Genesee River from Yorks Corners to Scio.
Four hundred-fifty tagged fish will be in the river for catching with up to $25,000 in prize money also on the hook. Registration information may be found on Facebook. Non-fisherfolk can also get in on the fun with the purchase of a Community Fish ticket to win prize money.
May will feature longstanding celebrations of Memorial Day with parades and picnics across the county.
The towns and villages across the county originated in the early to mid19th century, as such two communities are celebrating their bicentennials this year.
Incorporating on its an-
nual Fourth of July parade the Andover Bicentennial Committee has developed its 200th birthday party to coincide with the July 4 weekend. From July 4-7 the family-friendly event will feature not only the big parade but also a carnival, musical entertainment, food trucks, yard sales, a car show, walking tours, cornhole and pickleball tournaments, and an old fashioned ice cream social with a movie night.
More up-to-date information can be found at the Andover Bicentennial Celebration on Facebook.
Founded in 1724, Belfast is celebrating its 200th birthday Aug. 9-11 with many activities including a parade, fireworks, food vendors, music, dances and rides for kids. Visit
Belfast New York Bicentennial on Facebook for more information.
For only its second year the Wellsville Development Corporation will host a Taste of Wellsville. This event takes place on Main Street Aug. 24 and will feature a food fest and market with local restaurants offering specialties.
The event will also feature a farmers market and local craft vendors and music.
The county features a variety of traditional events throughout the summer season, including Cuba Dairy Days in midJune and Bolivar Oil Days at the end of the month.
The Angelica Lavender Festival takes place early in July and the Great Wellsville Hot Air Balloon Rally is on the third full weekend in July.
The Allegany County Fair is near the end of July while in August Angelica celebrates the town’s history at its annual Heritage Days.
Throughout the summer from June until mid-October there are a variety of farmers markets that, along with fresh produce, offer a variety of craft vendors and entertainment. Farmers markets can be found in Andover, Angelica, Belfast, Belmont, Houghton and Wellsville.
For a calendar of events taking place in Allegany County during all seasons go to the Western New York Wilds website.
Hot air balloons on the bank of the Genesee River in Wellsville, ready to launch.
File photos
Anglers line the bank of the Genesee River during the Greater Wellsville Trout Derby.
Calamitous day (for me) on the Genesee River
By WADE ROBERTSON
The Genesee River begins as a tiny trickle of water in Ulysses Township, Potter County, Pa. The Iroquois called the important trade and travel route the Cunehstiyu — loosely translated as “pleasant banks” — but the river was also known as the Ge-nesee to the early settlers.
It’s interesting that the Allegheny River’s headwater springs are very close to the Genesee’s sources. A portage from the Genesee watershed to the Allegheny watershed allowed the Iroquois to travel great distances by canoe.
The Genesee River is 160 miles long, dropping 2,250 feet during its long trek from Ulysses, Pa., to the city of Rochester, draining an area of 2,500 square miles, before dumping into Lake Ontario.
Waterfalls just 2-3 miles above the lake provided the power necessary for early Rochester’s many and diverse industries to develop and flourish. Flour mills, shoe factories, manufacturing enterprises and tool and die companies lined the river bank in the 1800s. Products and foodstuffs were transported by water on Lake Ontario to ports in the United States and Canada. When roads were few, land travel difficult and dangerous, small ships were cheap, safe and convenient, allowing the city’s goods to be widely distributed.
The completion of the Erie Canal opened further markets and Rochester became a jumping off point for travel to the Midwest. Even today the Genesee River remains an important energy source, its hydroelectric plant providing electricity to the now modernized city. However, despite the river’s interesting demographics and intriguing history, I discovered something even more exciting about it a few years ago.
A friend informed me at church that the Genesee is open year-round for trout fishing and that they’d be stocking the following week.
As I age, decision-making sometimes becomes difficult, but when it comes to rod and reel there is no hesitation. We immediately planned a trip to the river and an afternoon found Richy Frost, his grandson, Colby Tisdale, and me above Wellsville full of high expectations. Howev-
er, there was a little black cloud hanging over me — I wasn’t aware of it right away, but soon would be!
I’d purchased a long-wanted 7-foot ultralight, fast action rod this spring and was thrilled when it arrived. Impatient to use it, I’d been out in the side yard practicing casting. I loved the rod and couldn’t wait to use it.
Photo by Wade Robertson
There are days when things just refuse to go your way no matter what you attempt to do. Unfortunately I just had one. However, young Cody Tisdale of Olean seemed to have found the luck I lost and landed this beautiful brown trout from the Genesee River a few years back.
WHEN OUR FIRST try at a bridge hole proved unfruitful I’d laid the rod in the truck, the long tip sticking up out of the bed. I gave it no thought. When we hit the second bridge I grabbed the handle, but the rod seemed stuck. What?
To my horror, I saw the rod tip shut in the rear door of the truck. Oh, no! It had slid forward somehow just far enough to allow the last 2 inches to reach the door frame. A sick feeling came over me; I hadn’t even caught a single trout on it yet.
Rich shook his head in disbelief and philosophically told me I’d probably live — but it didn’t feel like I would at the moment. I removed the broken tip and put it in my pocket with a sad sigh.
We went down the bank to the river where we immediately began catching some nice browns and an occasional rainbow. Little Cody had a few tangles and experienced some frustration, but began nailing browns on pieces of nightcrawler and waxworms, landing in fact the biggest trout of the trip.
Despite the fact my rod lacked a couple inches of length and a rod tip guide it functioned well, casting farther and allowing a better drift than a shorter pole. Digging through my vest for the measuring tape I discovered a jar of salmon eggs. I tried them and immediately caught some
small rainbows. A few casts later I felt a sharp tap and set the hook.
Darn, a snag, just my luck.
THEN THE SNAG began moving. Wow, this was a dandy from the feel, and my heart started pounding. After 5 minutes of pulling and tugging, I couldn’t do anything but hang on. How big was this trout?
I kept up the pressure and eventually the fish came in within 10 feet of shore. The river was cloudy; I could only see around 18 inches into it. The fish was so strong and powerful I began wondering if it was really a trout or another species. I lifted up and increased the pressure, hoping to bring the fish to the surface.
unexpectedly swung into shore and swam under an overhanging pieces of concrete.
Rich, who had been watching intently, stepped to my side. “That’s no carp, they don’t turn and dart like that. Probably a giant rainbow, I’ve seen them over 30 inches in this river.”
The unseen fish was only 3 feet in front of me and maybe 4 feet deep. I gently lifted up and the line parted, frayed by the rough concrete block. The fish was gone and my stomach fell sickenly. No, no, no!
Rich patted me on the back, trying to help ease my agony.
“It’s not your night, Bud, is it,” he said compassionately.
Surely, whatever it was should be somewhat tired by now.
I was shaking and couldn’t even answer.
At the additional pressure the fish shot downstream with unstoppable power, ripping line out effortlessly. I couldn’t run down the bank with it, the rip-rap was uneven and slippery, but I hurried as best as I could. In seconds the fish was 30 yards below me.
I FINALLY STUMBLED clear of the jumble of rock to even ground and, running, drew even with the fish, which had
(Wade Robertson is an award-winning outdoor writer whose articles have been published in Pennsylvania Outdoor News, Pennsylvania Game News, Fur, Fish & Game and other publications. His email is wadewrites3006@gmail.com.)
Jones Memorial Hospital sees major milestone in 2024
$25M in upgrades culmination of process that began in 2018
By KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Jim Helms, president and CEO of UR/Jones Memorial Hospital, called it a “momentous day” in February when the hospital celebrated the completion of $25 million in upgrades and modernizations.
The upgrades were the culmination of a process that began in 2018 when Helms and former CEO Eva Benedict first applied for state funding for the effort. The project was nearly completed by the end of 2023 with finishing touches taking place throughout the past month. The improvements were boosted by $17 million in state funding.
Helms also thanked the Cornerstone Donors, who helped to raise $2.2 million to fund increased costs. Guests on that day visited the new operating room suite on the ground floor (the former Walchli Room) and tours of the new medical village, new operating and procedure rooms and the new, permanent MRI tower were given by staff.
Rich Shear, chairman of the capital campaign fund, spoke about the way the community and longtime supporters of the hospital (part of Wellsville since the 1950s) stepped forward to raise the initial $2 million for the project.
“We were extremely happy with the outcome
and the way so many different people stepped up along with lifetime supporters,” he said. “We were very excited when we raised $2.2 million.”
A special donor wall was established in the main lobby recognizing the scores of contributors.
Those who gave $25,000 or more are highlighted at the top of the Cornerstone Donors tablet and include doctors, professionals, businesspeople and more, including the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, which pledged more than
$100,000 for the project.
Karol Marciano, in charge of recruiting medical personnel for the hospital, said, “This transformation and modernization project will ensure the future of Jones Memorial Hospital and help us recruit and retain top notch medical professionals for this top notch facility.”
Helms reemphasized the improvements, saying, “This is a facility to be proud of and proud to be the leading hospital of choice in this area.”
He went on to describe,
“With its 14,000 square feet of medical village offices for local doctors, four major operating rooms and a fixed MRI tower with room to expand, what this project taught me is that you plant the seeds and those ahead will build on it. This is not the finale. There is more to come.”
The Cornerstone Donors, those who contributed $25,000 or more, are: Alco Federal Credit Union, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Axtell, William and Pat
Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital
The third-floor expansion of Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville includes providers from the 127 N. Main St. Women’s Health Clinic as well as the Orthopaedic Clinic and, eventually, Martin Street Primary Care.
Department of Health, nearly 25% of women in the state diagnosed with breast cancers died from their disease. More than 35% of cancers found were already in late stage when diagnosed.
With this initiative, Helms said, Jones Memorial is committed to improving these statistics for our community.
PRIMARY CARE MOVE
Martin Street Primary Care has moved into space at 127 N. Main St. to become UR Medicine | Jones Memorial Wellsville Primary Care.
The space was renovated and offers more exam rooms, better lighting and more space.
Childs, Dr. William Coch and Martha Lash, Community Bank NA, Donald and Jackie Comstock, Luann Comstock, Patrick and Katie Comstock, Bill and Becky Fish, Bill and Jeri Ford, Brandon and Sloan Comstock Gage, Clint and Samantha Gilkey, Jeff Eli and Janine Greene, Gridley and Marsh Trust; James and Dena Helms, Dan and Kim Johnson; Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Charles Joyce, Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Foundation, Erland and Pauline Kailbourne, Dr. Zahi and Rayanna Kassas, Theodor Kaufman and Holly Conway, Dr. Heather Lanphere, Karol Marciano, Northern Lights Candles, the Pike Com-
pany, M. Gretchen Probst, Randy Shayler and Denise Aumen, Rich and Gwyn Shear, Shorts Oil Company, Wayne and Lisa Stephen, the Walchli Family, Sherry Walton, the Whitehouse Family and the L.C. Whitford Family.
MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES BACK
Meanwhile, JMH brought mammography services back to Allegany County, with a new diagnostic machine available in mid-February.
“While we appreciate the support over the last few years form our affiliate and partner, St. James Hospital (in Hornell), together we agree that to maximize
early detection, both facilities need to provide these services,” Helms said.
Both Jones Memorial and St. James are affiliates in the University of Rochester Medical Center system.
In fact, Helms said, JMH intends to make advancements to the prior mammography service and install a 3D tomosynthesis unit.
“This tool improves the ability of mammography to detect early breast cancers and decreases the number of women ‘called back’ for additional tests for findings that are not cancer,” he added.
Between 2017-19, according to New York State
Providers in the new office include Dr. Devin Thompson, Dr. Steven Pinto, physician assistant Cortni Monroe and nurse practitioner Molly Dempsey. The UR Medicine | Jones Memorial Wellsville Primary Care practice is currently accepting new patients.
Martin Street was closed March 14-15 for the move and it was expected to be open for patient care at its new location the following week. The phone number for patient appointments is the same, (585) 593-4250. Current patients do not need to take any action to transfer care to the new office.
The 127 N. Main location was previously Jones Memorial Hospital Women’s & Children’s Clinic, which recently relocated to the hospital’s third-floor medical village.
Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital
Jones Memorial Hospital is bringing back mammography services to its campus. Medical imaging director Jen Frungillo (left) is with lead mammography technician Dionne Rifenburg.
Albums full of photo ops along Allegany County’s trails, roads
By KATHRYN ROSS
Whether you are an aspiring Ansel Adams or Margaret Bourke-White, Allegany County is the place to focus your camera all year long.
It doesn’t matter if you are using a cell phone or a single lens reflex camera — or if you have a pro’s bag full of lenses and filters — the scenery abounds with a variety of subjects worthy of National Geographic or the family photo album.
RURAL LIFESTYLE
Over the last few years, the Amish have moved into the county from north to south and can easily be found on their farms, in their fields or on backroads and at farmstands. Although it is contrary to their religious protocol to have their photos taken, the sensible and sensitive photographer can often find many ways of capturing the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle.
Homes and farms can easily be spotted for their lack of utility poles and wires and oftentimes long lines of blue, black and white clothing suspended on clotheslines give them away. Amish horse and buggies can be found cruising the highways and backroads or parked at farms, schools or even hitched to parking meters and posts in the villages.
The best places to find Amish sites and scenes are along the back roads in and around Belfast, Friendship,
WATER FUN
Water features are often the best subjects of photographs. The county has two lakes — Rushford and Cuba — both manmade, while the Genesee River stretches the length of the entire county (south to north) and there is an abundance of creeks, streams and ponds. Photographers can easily catch the likeness of a trout or a fisherman along any of the banks. Sailboats and watercraft can be found on either of the lakes.
The Andover ponds are bisected by railroad tracks making for scenic views especially if the shutterbug
can capture a train on the tracks. Alma Pond’s steep banks and towering hillsides offer roadway views. Hanging Bog offers a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife along its shores in New Hudson.
Check the state Department of Environmental Conservation website for more waterfront areas to explore.
LOCAL EVENT FUN
A variety of local events from farmer’s markets to firefighters’ conventions to the county fair offer a plethora of subjects for the photographer. Grab a shot of a musician on stage, or a boy riding a calf, or girl
on a horse, or a fireman competing in a hose competition.
There are even antique equipment displays and shows from old tractors to hose carts for those nostalgic photos. The lucky photographer could just capture the likeness of a well-known politician or a famous entertainer if they are in the right spot at the right time during the fair.
For the most colorful of events try the Great Wellsville Hot Air Balloon Rally with its kaleidoscope of balloons — with some shaped like clowns, pirate ships, bunnies or Big Blue dogs. It takes place on the
Wellsville and Whitesville.
Photo provided
On a backroad — anywhere in Allegany County.
third weekend in July, but on any given clear morning or early evening you may be able to catch a lone local balloon floating over a village or hillside.
NATURE
With the county’s thousands of acres of woodlands and miles of trails it’s easy to catch a classic still-life photo. The woodland trails and fields abound with mushrooms and flowers and wildlife. Try the WAG Trail in Wellsville or the trails around Almond or Phillips Creek State Forest for an outdoor experience of walking in the woods and coming face to face with a squirrel, deer, butterfly or dragonfly — even a bear. Check the DEC website for a list of trails.
Any backroad in the county offers the photographer a chance to catch that once-in-a-lifetime shot. That golden hour in the morning or evening one will find fields rolling to the horizon, cows and horses behind ancient wooden fences, colorful or rambling barns. A Mail Pouch barn or old-fashioned square silo can be spotted on Route 19 or the Jericho Hill Road or Route 417.
Each road is rife with photographic subject matter. With its mix of old and new the county offers the amateur, professional or selfie photographer a cornucopia of photogenic opportunities.
For ideas of the best places to take photos check out the Allegany County In Photos site on Facebook.
Ljungstrom part of the future of energy — and taking Wellsville with it
Wellsville, and as the com pany builds momentum in a 21st century industry, it continues to be so.
For decades, the company, known locally as Air Preheater, was a pioneer in heat recovery systems; today it has transitioned itself into the world of off-shore energy production with the manufacture of components for wind turbines.
For months the company has advertised with giant signs at its Andover Road facility and Main Street site its need for welders and offered well-paying jobs for those skilled laborers. Its manufacturing space has undergone renovation as it transformed
signs of reopening.
It used to be said that everything is good in Wellsville when we saw the men sitting outside on the bench at the Air Preheater eating their lunch. That has yet to come, but the scene may be in the village’s future once again.
As recently as last fall, Ljungstrom issued the following press release: “LJUNGSTRÖM continues to support the growth of offshore wind on America’s East Coast.
“LJUNGSTRÖM has signed a contract with Riggs Distler & Company, Inc. to provide specialized structural steelwork for
another offshore wind project. Ocean Wind I, New Jersey’s first offshore wind project developed by U.S. offshore wind leader Ørsted, will be located 15 miles off the coast of Southern New Jersey.”
The project will generate 1,100 MW of energy, which is enough to power more than 500,000 homes and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2025.
“We are thrilled to support our valuable partner, Riggs Distler, with another offshore wind farm project utilizing our strong manufacturing capabilities and highly skilled workforce,” said Matt Ferris, managing director of LJUNGSTRÖM USA. “We are committed to support the growth of offshore wind power in North
Photo provided by Associated Press
The first operating South Fork Wind farm turbine stands east of Montauk Point. South Fork Wind, America’s first
America with our experienced know-how and unique know-why. We are pleased that current orders emphasize the trust in our technology and solutions.”
With this additional project LJUNGSTRÖM has structural component orders for more than 2,800 MW of offshore wind capacity, and these deliveries for the Ocean Wind I project will be made to Ørsted’s offshore wind advanced foundation component center at Tradepoint Atlantic in Maryland, where Riggs Distler will employ more than 125 skilled tradesmen and women from local labor unions to assemble the components.
“LJUNGSTRÖM is making a name for itself as the
first U.S.-based supplier of secondary structural steel components for the U.S. offshore wind industry,” Ferris continued. “Being a supplier to Sunrise Wind, Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and now Ocean Wind I, LJUNGSTRÖM proves its leadership in high-quality fabrication, assembly, coating and shipping components that are essential to the wind turbine foundations. Dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and service, the company continues to further expand its workforce and manufacturing capabilities at its facility in Wellsville, New York.”
America’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm is officially open, helping to pave the way for
a succession of large wind farms.
Danish wind energy developer Ørsted and the utility Eversource built a 12-turbine wind farm called South Fork Wind east of Long Island’s Montauk Point. Gov. Kathy Hochul went to Long Island March 13 to announce that the turbines are delivering power to the local electric grid.
“It’s great to be first, we want to make sure we’re not the last,” the governor told Associated Press. “That’s why we’re showing other states how it can be done, why we’re moving forward, on to other projects.
“This is the date and the time that people will look back in the history of
our nation and say, ‘This is when it changed,’” Hochul added.
AP reported that 2023 brought challenges for the nascent U.S. offshore wind industry, as Ørsted and other developers canceled projects in the Northeast that they said were no longer financially feasible. High inflation, supply chain disruptions and the rising cost of capital and building materials were making projects more expensive as developers were trying to get the first large U.S. offshore wind farms opened.
Industry leaders expect 2024 to be a better year, as interest rates come down and states ask for more offshore wind to meet their climate goals.
Mayor details Wellsville’s economic development outlook
By KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The New York Forward, 4.5 million grant is still the biggest economic development news in Wellsville, according to Mayor Randy Shayler.
“We thought we might hear something in April at a special meeting in Buffalo, but that isn’t going to happen. The meeting is for the state to gather information on how to tweak the application process to make it easier for people,” Shayler explained admitting that he is anxious to hear what projects are going to be getting funding.
Eleven projects were submitted in December for state approval.
“We’ve got to hear something soon,” Shayler said, expressing that he hopes that some of the projects don’t fall apart before the funding recipients are released. The original date for the state’s response was the end of December 2023 or the first of January 2024.
While Shayler said the
New York Forward grant is the big thing, he is also excited about the establishment of the new Economic Development Board under the leadership of Clint Gilkey along with Chamber of Commerce Director Bruce Thomas, businessman Mike Raptis and COO of Northern Lights Amy Bennett.
“Their purpose is to find and be a funnel for new businesses,” he said. The group will also oversee $300,000 in additional economic development funding from the New York Forward Grant. They will also help find additional grants and loans.
Shayler said he really believes that it is up to Wellsville to reach out to potential businesses and that the contact doesn’t necessarily mean industry or big-ticket employers.
However, he is happy to find that Runnings, the agricultural-based business that opened last spring in the former Kmart building in the RiverWalk Plaza in Wellsville is doing well.
“They’ve indicated that
business is good for them,” he said.
Runnings draws customers from both Pennsylvania and counties to the east and west. It also supports local fundraisers and athletic organizations.
Shayler said he is also seeing positive economic growth with the reopening of the Main Sreet Ljungstrom-ARVOS building that has been closed for several years.
He noted that the Wellsville Business Park in the former Dresser-Rand facility is actively marketing the rest of the office and manufacturing space on the site and that Kinley manufacturing company, which moved into part of the building last spring, is also expanding.
Taco Bell is also on its way to the village, Shayler confirmed, as soon as it receives a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning parking.
The site is owned by Indus Hospitality Group which also owns Dunkin and Microtel on the same site. They are also renovating the Microtel, Shayler said.
The mayor is also happy to see the multimillion wastewater treatment plant renovation coming online soon.
“That will enable growth,” he said,
However, Shayler said that he believes that one of the biggest components to economic development for Wellsville is the quality of life the village offers.
“Wellsville is a great place to live,” he said. “I’m always amazed at the number of people who decide to move back here, and I’m encouraged by the number of new people who choose to live here. We have to look at our strengths and our weaknesses and sell our strengths and demonstrate the quality of life we have to offer.”
Photo by Kathryn Ross Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler.
Irish road bowling tournament back in 2024
ANDOVER — It has been 11 years since the Allegany County Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians introduced Irish road bowling to the county with its annual tournament.
This year the tournament is slated for June 8 and, as the event continues to grow — there were a record 88 teams in 2023 — it promises to be bigger and better than ever this spring.
The sport involves a two-person team taking turns hurling, underhand, a 28-ounce cannonball called a bowl down a prescribed course. The local tournament’s course length is 1.25 miles. The team that completes the course with the least number of throws wins. It takes between an hour and an hour and a half to complete.
It is a challenging course as bowls tend to roll off the road and into ditches or bounce into the high
grass. Tournament coordinators have metal detectors to locate the bowls.
There will be food and refreshments available (organizers are seeking donations) and it is also
permitted to bring your own beverages.
Awards classes include a Men’s Division, Women’s Division, Mixed Doubles, Under-16 Division and Over-60 Division. Organizers indicate they are also adding a sixth division to be announced — and also new for 2024 is an award
you may or may not want to win, for “Highest/Worst Score.”
Irish road bowling has its roots in the 1600s when Dutch soldiers brought their version of the sport to Ireland in 1689. Making it their own during the English occupancy, Irish patriots stole English cannonballs and rolled them down a country lane by the light of a full moon, clandestinely minimizing British firepower.
The game came to the United States, historians say, when both Union and Confederate troops, many of them Irish immigrants, played it during the Civil War.
Today, there are road bowling tournaments throughout New York state, Vermont, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina and West Virginia. The largest event in the world is held annually in September in Wheeling, W.Va.
All proceeds from the local event will benefit local charities and student organizations.
File photos
The 11th Irish Road Bowling Tournament is set for June 8 with headquarters at the Andover Rod & Gun Club.
College students will pitch business proposals at AHA! Competition
ALFRED — In the fourth annual AHA!
Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition, scheduled for Saturday, April 6, teams of students from Alfred University and Alfred State College will present their ideas for creating a new business.
Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes, which can be uses to put their business plans into action.
The competition will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and hosted by Alfred University, which also served as host for the inaugural 2021 competition as well as the 2022 event. Alfred State
hosted in 2023. According to organizers, the mission of the competition is to:
• Bring together students from the two colleges to work together to move the local economy forward.
• Cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit in our student population.
• Retain the talent of our young professionals in Allegany County.
• Help the growth of small businesses.
• Provide real-world experiential learning opportunities for students.
Teams of students present their business ideas, with the winning plans determined by a panel of judges. There is $8,500 in cash prizes available; top winners will receive cash toward the launch of their business as well as in-kind donations of professional services. Undergraduate students of any major are welcome to participate.
The competition is a partnership of Alfred University, Alfred State College and IncubatorWorks.
The Alfred State team of Edward Scroxton and Jon Jacobs and their company Pyur Tree Customs won
the 2023 Allegany County Collegiate Competition. Pyur Tree Customs aims to bring uniqueness and personalization into homes and restaurants. The company handcrafts fully customizable cutting boards while allowing the customers to choose from seven different woods. Pyur Tree Customs were mentored by Alfred State alum Reuben Zielinski, co-founder and president of Redux Corporation, and Alfred State assistant professor of marketing Susan Gorman. The pair won the $5,000 grand prize. The product is manufactured and assembled in Western New York and has been sold to several restaurants already. Sales have primarily been from word of mouth thus far with the hope that additional funding will allow for a more complex marketing campaign.
File photo
Pyur Tree Customs was the top winner of the 2023 AHA! Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition. From left are A. Boh Ruffin, a competition judge; Edward Scroxton and Jon Jacobs of Pyur Tree; and judges Amy Bennett and Tom Murdock.
Wellsville Chamber’s new website Community Calendar
WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website, which includes a Community Calendar to keep residents informed of upcoming events.
“People and organizations can list their events on our website and get their message out to the public,” said Karen Kania, membership services coordinator for the Chamber.
The new website can be found at wellsvilleareachamber.com.
Kania said flyers and posters for events may be placed on the site as well as
text concerning the event.
For example, a benefit for cancer patient Danielle Marsh, set for Sunday at the Wellsville American Legion, is listed on the Community Calendar.
The David A. Howe Library, Elks Club and the American Legion have already been using the site, Kania said, while several events have also been listed.
“The community calendar makes it easier for people to
Take the I BIRD NY Challenge in 2024
The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge is underway, providing opportunities to identify birds and learn about birdlife in Allegany County’s woods and fields.
Program finishers will receive commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patches and the chance to win birding equipment.
New York has more than 350 Birding Trail locations and new locations are added often, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started with this fun activity, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge is open to all ages and ends on Nov. 1. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. Challenge sheets may be submitted online via Survey Monkey or sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by Nov. 15.
All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Two youth and
two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience. As an extra bonus, the first 50 participants will receive a special goodie bag of birding swag items.
Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY to access this year’s challenge sheet, as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish) and additional resources.
Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, to have birding tips and tricks, New York State Birding Trail site recommendations, events and more delivered right to one’s inbox.
Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife watchers generated $10.8 billion in New York state in 2022. This is up from an estimated four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion annually in 2016.
Backyard birding, or watching birds close to home, is the most com-
mon way people engage in birding. As a birder’s skill and interest develop, there are several ways to contribute to scientific knowledge about birds and the natural world. Programs like eBird, New York’s Breeding Bird Atlas, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch and the Great Backyard Bird Count rely on volunteer birders to contribute sightings to a centralized database.
The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the state’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. The annual birding challenge saw a 745 percent increase
in participation in 2023, with 1,226 birding enthusiasts completing this fun challenge.
“Early spring is an exciting time to observe birds as they engage in fascinating behavior like establishing territories, finding a mate, and gathering nest materials,” says Michael Burger, executive director of Audubon Connecticut and New York. “Others are just starting to arrive from their wintering grounds, and some will only be passing through. By staying quiet and moving slowly, you’ll maximize your chances of seeing the birds that are around you. We recommend visiting the New York State Birding Trail for its unique and accessible settings.”
Photo by Dan Jordan
A red-headed woodpecker with an acorn in its mouth. The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge for all ages runs through Nov. 1.
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