JUNE
22 2021
Final Old Home Days to honor longtime pyrotechnician
Era file photo Some local residents have started a Facebook group in hopes of returning services to Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Grassroots effort launches to ‘Save Bradford Hospital’ BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER Some things are too important to lose. That’s the message from a group of local women who started a Facebook group called “Save Bradford Hospital.” It was started by Betsy Costello of Bradford, Marty Wilder of Marshburg and Harriet Nevil of Eldred — just a sampling of the communities impacted by the consolidation of services in the Upper Allegheny Health System. “Our goal is to investigate the loss of our hospital,” Costello told The Era. “I think everyone’s curious about information that wasn’t shared with us.” A statement from the group indicated it was started out of frustration. “Our hospital was closing without so much as a fight. This isn’t the Bradford we know. We are fighters!”
In January, officials with Upper Allegheny Health System announced plans to move surgery and critical care services from BRMC to Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital, while moving services like occupational health and the sleep lab to Bradford. The plan would create Centers of Excellence in each community without duplicating services. Jeff Zewe, president and CEO of Upper Allegheny Health System, explained, too, that BRMC and OGH are two campuses of the same hospital. The parent company is UAHS, and its parent company is Kaleida Health. The Bradford campus will continue to offer emergency care, outpatient services, behavioral health and long-term care/rehab (Pavilion services). BRMC and OGH will also continue to grow their expansive network of primary
care and specialty providers. Essentially all services with the exception of surgery and the CCU will continue at the BRMC campus. The Olean campus will continue to provide its interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory — which operates jointly with Kaleida Health’s Gates Vascular Institute — as well as its neurology program and stroke center, ICU intensivist program, radiation oncology, vascular services, orthopedic surgery, dialysis services and wound care, including hyperbaric therapy. Plans were nearly completed by the time the information went public, which is a point of contention with the online group. UAHS officials were unavailable for comment on Monday. Costello said, “We know there were efforts made by local government
officials to either delay or completely stop what was happening with the closing.” However, she said, it all seemed to vanish and the hospital changes went through. On Monday, Bradford Mayor James McDonald posted a lengthy comment on his Facebook page regarding the city’s efforts. He and city administrator Chris Lucco met with UAHS officials last year. They also reached out to UPMC, with no response. “Private entities and private businesses call their own shots,” McDonald said. He added that while he and Lucco voiced strong concerns about the consolidation, the decision had been made. “They have obtained millions in state grants for
Grassroots continued on ........ page 2
The 2021 event will be the final Otto Township Old Home Days. Organizers made the announcement this week, days after the unexpected death of one of the men responsible for the event’s popular fireworks show. This is the 29th year of the event. “We’re going to dedicate the entire event to Greg English,” explained Mat Coast, member of the Old Home Days Committee. Each year, English and his crew not only shoot the fireworks display — a major draw for the visitors to the festival for the township of less than 1,500 people — but also spend the year assembling many of the fireworks from scratch. English died June 7 at the age of 61. “You just can’t have (Old Home Days) without the fireworks, and you can’t have the fireworks without Greg,” said Coast. He said attendees can expect to see “the biggest fireworks display,” then
“See you later, we’re done.” Ending the event was not an easy decision for the Old Home Day’s Committee. On Monday, the committee took to Facebook to explain the thought that went into the decision. “Yesterday, the Otto Township Old Home Days Committee held what was undoubtedly the toughest meeting of the past 29 years,” the committee stated. “Mr. Gregory English, along with his dedicated crew, has provided this Community with the region’s most incredible fireworks display since the second year of this event.” Coast noted there are plans to create a permanent memorial for English at the park, and they are looking for anyone who wishes to donate or support the project. The 2021 event will be held from July 23-25 at
Old Home Days continued on .. page 2
HOME & GARDEN Make Health a Priority When Remodeling (Family Features) When you tackle a remodeling project, there are many unknowns, including what types of materials you might uncover. Hazardous materials must be addressed, and possibly removed, if exposed during a remodeling project. There are also some materials that should be removed to create a healthier home environment. Whether materials “must be” or “should be” removed depends on several factors. It is always wise to consult with trained professionals, such as members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, when you encounter hazardous materials. The complete removal of all hazardous materials is the preferred approach, but budget is often a hindrance. Thoroughly exploring your options may reveal a lower level of acceptable and more affordable mitigation. Demolition Most common residential hazardous materials are not hazardous if they remain in a dormant
or undisturbed location. Typically, they become hazardous during the demolition phase when they are ground, cut, bumped, scraped or disturbed in some way, causing the materials to become airborne and inhaled. Examples of common hazardous materials include: * Lead-based paint, which can be found on be anything that is painted or varnished such as windows, millwork, cabinets, siding, walls and other surfaces. * Lead water lines, which are primarily hazardous after water sits in the lines for some time prior to consumption, although contamination still occurs during normal flow rates. * Asbestos, which was once commonly used in a wide range of materials such as pipe or duct insulation; flooring tiles or sheet goods; ceiling tiles and plaster; wall and attic insulation; and plaster used as a binder. * Silica, which is exceptionally dangerous during
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saw cutting processes where dust is created. * Mold, which is not hazardous until the spores are disturbed, become airborne and are inhaled or ingested. Any visible or detectable mold should be removed, and the surfaces cleaned or removed. High concentrations of mold should be addressed by trained professionals, as it can be hazardous if not handled properly. * Dust, which can be hazardous to some individuals who are sensitive or have breathing-related issues. Dust barriers and negative air enclosures can help minimize, but not eliminate, dust contamination to the rest of the home. Commercial dust “scrubber” filtering systems can significantly reduce dust contamination. Installation Once the existing hazardous materials are
appropriately addressed, new materials will be placed in your home to replace or enhance the project. Due to strong demand by homeowners, you’re likely to find many options for healthy products. For example, prefinished materials (that can be painted, stained or varnished off-site) aid in the reduction of on-site fumes and vapors. Other products to look for when you’re remodeling with health in mind include: * Low volatile organic compounds, which limit the amount of off-gassing of the materials used in the manufacturing process. Typically, these are paints, stains, varnishes, carpeting and vinyl products. * Renewable products, which can be replenished quickly. * Heat recovery ventilation systems that exchange
the thermal qualities of the interior air with fresh air brought into the home. * Air purification systems, which may involve ozone, pleated filters, high-micron filters, electrostatic filters or UV light systems, among others. * Dehumidification systems designed to keep the relative humidity levels in a safe range to prevent mold growth. * Exhaust fans in baths,
kitchens, lower levels and workshops, installed to discharge smells, smoke, fumes and humidity. * Radon systems designed to exhaust radon gases to the exterior. Find more advice to navigate a health-conscious home remodel at remodelingdoneright.com.
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Grassroots continued from 1 the facility but apparently there were no long-term requirements to continue operations after the grant funding was received,” the mayor continued. “This entire situation is extremely concerning to all of the city officials.” McDonald added, “One thing that the city has been told is that ultimately someone would have to ‘buyback’ the hospital from Upper Allegheny Health Systems and Kaleida, and that if they would even consider selling it, the price would probably be extremely high, if an unlikely sale was even to take shape. “Without a full service hospital it most certainly has a potential to impact future economic development in the area and will probably lead to a continued decrease in population,” he said. Costello agreed. “Without a hospital, we are going to be fighting an uphill battle about trying to grow,” she said of the community. “We know it’s going to take a lot of partners to work with us — governments, physicians, nurses, community members. We want a healthy and vibrant hospital in McKean County.” The online group burgeoned to 3,000 members in 24 hours. What is the best-case scenario for the group? “To get our management into Pennsylvania and into a not-for-profit health care system,” Costello said. Kaleida has been involved in similar situations with smaller hospitals in
JUNE 22, 2021 New York state, she said, citing Lakeshore hospital in Irving, N.Y., and Brooks in Dunkirk, N.Y., both of which were downsized under Kaleida management. Lakeshore was closed. “What they are doing to BRMC is a playbook,” Costello alleged. “They have great ideas and all of a sudden the tables are turned and you’re losing the hospital.” Circling back to the problems with putting critical services in Olean rather than Bradford, the group’s statement said, “The people who made this decision obviously never considered — or cared — that many served by Bradford hospital live miles away in the smaller communities that make up McKean County. And they also apparently never considered the lack of decent roads and the impact of horrifying winter weather on any commute to Olean, N.Y.” Zewe said earlier this year that the hospitals have made Area Transportation Authority buses available for transportation by reservation, 10 hours a day, seven days a week, between BRMC and Olean General. But that is no substitute for having a full-service medical center. “We used to say it takes a village. It takes a community here,” Costello said. She mentioned the BRMC School of Radiology and the nursing program at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and asked if this consolidation might have an impact on education, too. “Our goal is we will be able to deliver a full range of medical and healthcare services to the communities in McKean County,” Costello said. “Let’s talk about ‘how can we do this?’ not ‘we can’t do this.’”
DOH Confirms Decline In Local New Cases Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH) reports a continual reduction in the number of new COVID-19 coronavirus cases in the region. This could reflect a steep decline in the number of people being tested, an increase in the number of residents who are inoculated, and/or a decreased presence of the virus. There were no new cases confirmed in Potter County between Tuesday and Thursday. Case count has been holding at 1,206, with 25 COVID-related fatalities. Entering Friday, some 5,059 Potter County residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Some 3,784 have been fully immunized. Potter County’s vaccination rate remains far lower than the statewide figure of more than 74 percent, despite widespread availability of the
Old Home Days continued from 1 Otto Township Memorial Park in Duke Center. After Old Home Days was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, fans will be happy to hear organizers are planning an event with all the normal activities. Coast said the Otto Township Fire Department will kick off the event July 23 with a steak bake starting at 4 p.m. There will be live entertainment that evening, with Drunkin Grownups playing at 6 p.m. and County Lines at 8 p.m. On Saturday, the parade will begin at 11 a.m.
vaccine. Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport administers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-2748660. UPMC Cole offers two options for residents to set up vaccination appointments. One is a telephone hotline, 814-274-5460. The other is an online resource, vaccine.upmc.com. Rite Aid pharmacies continue to book appointments. To access the online reservation form, click here. Requests for COVID-19 tests at three sites in Coudersport have been sporadic, at best. In addition to the testing available at UPMC Cole for physician-referred patients, tests are also being administered at Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy (visit the website or call 1-800-635-8611) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website or call 814-2740439).
on Main Street. There will be a car show by the Street Dreams Car Club, too. The Southern Tier Mini Tractor Pullers and the Redneck Olympics will both begin at 1 p.m. The headliner will be Darkwater Duo at 7 p.m. Saturday, and other entertainers will take the stage throughout the day. The McKean County Fair queen candidates will perform at 1 p.m. There will be various craft and food vendors, as well as amusements on site for the children. On Sunday, the Otto Township Fire Department will hold a chicken barbecue. As organizers put it on Facebook: “Please join the Committee for what will be the ‘Grand Finale’ of Old Home Days, as we send off this incredible event with a ‘Bang.’”
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Pauline Bauer argues with Metropolitan police officers who are trying to block the public in the Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6.
Judge orders Capitol riot suspect from Kane to appear in person A Kane woman charged in the U.S. Capitol riots was ordered to appear in person for her arraignment due to her alleged behavior toward the judge hearing her case. Meanwhile, her co-defendant entered a not guilty plea. Pauline Bauer of Kane and William Blauser Jr. of Ludlow were scheduled for arraignment June 11 before Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui. Bauer and Blauser are facing federal charges for allegations that they entered the east Rotunda door of the Capitol on Jan. 6, disrupting the certification proceeding for the presidential election. Bauer and Blauser are charged with entering any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Additionally, Bauer is charged with obstruction of official proceeding and aiding and abetting. The pair appeared by video for their initial appearance/arraignment on June 11. However, “Ms. Bauer was removed from the video proceeding due to her inability to show qualm and decency to the Court,” the case docket stated. Due to her alleged behavior, Bauer was ordered to appear for an in-person initial appearance/arraignment June 18 — an order to which she objected, according to the docket. Though Bauer waived her right to counsel, Public Defender Carmen Hernandez was appointed as stand-by counsel. Meanwhile, Blauser pleaded not guilty to the
charges against him, and he was released on his own recognizance. He is being represented by Washington, D.C., attorneys David Benowitz and Rammy Barbari. As part of his conditions of release, Blauser must stay out of Washington, D.C., except for court business and meetings with the attorney. He must notify authorities any time he travels outside the Western District of Pennsylvania, and any travel outside the continental U.S. must be approved by the court. Blauser has a status hearing at 3 p.m. June 18. The statement of facts alleges that Bauer organized a bus trip to Washington, D.C., for a rally to support former President Donald Trump that was held Jan. 6 during the certification proceeding for the presidential election. According to court records there was video footage of Blauser and Bauer entering the Capitol building at 2:43 p.m. as police officers tried to stop the crowd from coming in. “As he entered through the doorway, William Blauser walked backwards, pushing his way through the crowd and police to enter,” the statement of facts stated. According to court records, there was a bodyworn camera recording of Bauer demanding that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi be brought out to be hanged. There was also footage that appeared to show Blauser and Bauer in a “brief skirmish with law enforcement,” according to the statement of facts. The pair appeared to exit the building at 3:21 p.m., court records stated.
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AUTOMOTIVE How to maintain a car that’s rarely driven Driving habits changed significantly in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced many professionals to work from home full-time. Just because a car is not being driven very much does not mean its owner can forgo vehicle maintenance. Drivers can take these steps to ensure their vehicles stay in shape even as they’re primarily staying in the driveway. • Adhere to recommended maintenance schedules. Auto manufacturers typically recommend maintenance schedules based on the number of miles a car is driven or the length of time since its most recent maintenance appointment. “Whichever comes first” may be recommended for fluid changes and routine tuneups, and this rule of thumb should still be followed. Even if a car has barely hit the road in recent months, its fluids,
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