JULY
06 2021
Coudersport ambulance in dire need of funding
Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London is set to retire July 9.
Smethport school superintendent to retire July 9 BY FRAN DE LANCEY SMETHPORT — After serving students in Pennsylvania’s public schools for 35 years as a teacher, coach, principal and chief school school administrator, Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London will retire July 9. Following his graduation from The Pennsylvania State University in 1986, he began his teaching career as a mathematics instructor at Redbank Valley, where he also served as student
government advisor, assistant football coach and head baseball coach. His educational administrative experience includes being principal at Punxsutawney High School from 1997 to 2016, when he was named district superintendent in Smethport. In an interview with The Era, London reflected on the many changes he initiated during his five years as superintendent. His 2020 Vision for the Schools included the Support for Our Children
and Development for Our Students initiatives. Besides technological and facility upgrades, the addition of a social worker and career counselor, improved financial status, curriculum alignment, behavior management and support and leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic are among his many achievements. “In addition to realigning the curriculum to Pennsylvania State Common Core Standards, we completed major
building renovations for energy savings in lighting, HVAC and restrooms, as well as improving the security of the entrance to the elementary school,” London said. With the updating of the district’s safety and security plan came much improved safety and security capabilities with cameras, building security and a new approach to managing visitors.
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Without more funding, Potter County residents will lose some important services. The board of directors for Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association and Medic 7 said if they don’t receive more support — and soon — the non-profit will be forced to close. If that happens, all of Potter County will lose Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, and Coudersport Borough and several nearby townships will lose Basic Life Support (BLS) services. The association is currently seeking an annual funding commitment from Potter County and the municipalities that receive service. The need is urgent, with the board saying it may have to close within a couple of weeks if nothing changes. Michele Mather, president of the ambulance service board, explained that the agency has been struggling since 2004, when Charles Cole Memorial Hospital disbanded the ambulance program. At that time, Coudersport took on the ALS coverage for all of Potter County. Mather talked about some of the factors that have made the struggle harder. The cost of equipment and medications “has skyrocketed.” At the same
time, “Insurance payments have gone down,” she said. Adding to the problem has been a lack of volunteerism, according to Mather. The department now has paid EMTs on staff, though there are still some volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused additional hardships. And while the ambulance did receive COVID-19 support, it was for supplies; it was not money that could be used to operate the service. Mather took over as president this past fall. “At that time it was pretty bad,” she said. “We’ve inched it through the winter; now we’re broke.” She invited anyone who has concerns about CVAA’s spending to come look at the ambulance service’s finances, explaining there is no extra money to be wasteful. “We’re an open book,” she said. Mather is hopeful the local communities will work with the association to keep it open. “None of us want to see this end,” she said. The CVAA has not been without its supporters. Mather said Coudersport borough and a couple of townships already do support the Coudersport Ambulance,
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USDA reminds producers to file crop acreage reports COUDERSPORT — Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after spring planting should make an appointment with the Potter/ McKean/Cameron County Farm Service Agency (FSA) before the applicable deadline. The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Potter/McKean/ Cameron County: July 15 for corn, soybeans, perennial forage, CRP/CREP, hemp and all other crops and Aug. 15 for beans and cabbage. “In order to comply with USDA program
eligibility requirements, all producers must file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said Megan Zylinski, FSA’s County Executive Director in Potter/ McKean/Cameron County. “Our FSA staff is available to assist producers in completing acreage reports, including providing maps.” An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch and its intended uses. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits.
Contact the Potter/ McKean/Cameron County FSA office to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Some service centers are open to limited visitors. Staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone or email. To file a crop acreage report, you will need to provide: Crop and crop type or variety, intended use of the crop, number of acres of the crop, map with approximate boundaries of the crop, planting date(s), planting pattern when applicable, producer shares,
Crop Acreage continued on .....page 3
JULY
06 2021
Coudersport ambulance in dire need of funding
Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London is set to retire July 9.
Smethport school superintendent to retire July 9 BY FRAN DE LANCEY SMETHPORT — After serving students in Pennsylvania’s public schools for 35 years as a teacher, coach, principal and chief school school administrator, Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London will retire July 9. Following his graduation from The Pennsylvania State University in 1986, he began his teaching career as a mathematics instructor at Redbank Valley, where he also served as student
government advisor, assistant football coach and head baseball coach. His educational administrative experience includes being principal at Punxsutawney High School from 1997 to 2016, when he was named district superintendent in Smethport. In an interview with The Era, London reflected on the many changes he initiated during his five years as superintendent. His 2020 Vision for the Schools included the Support for Our Children
and Development for Our Students initiatives. Besides technological and facility upgrades, the addition of a social worker and career counselor, improved financial status, curriculum alignment, behavior management and support and leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic are among his many achievements. “In addition to realigning the curriculum to Pennsylvania State Common Core Standards, we completed major
building renovations for energy savings in lighting, HVAC and restrooms, as well as improving the security of the entrance to the elementary school,” London said. With the updating of the district’s safety and security plan came much improved safety and security capabilities with cameras, building security and a new approach to managing visitors.
Smethport continued on .........page 3
Without more funding, Potter County residents will lose some important services. The board of directors for Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association and Medic 7 said if they don’t receive more support — and soon — the non-profit will be forced to close. If that happens, all of Potter County will lose Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, and Coudersport Borough and several nearby townships will lose Basic Life Support (BLS) services. The association is currently seeking an annual funding commitment from Potter County and the municipalities that receive service. The need is urgent, with the board saying it may have to close within a couple of weeks if nothing changes. Michele Mather, president of the ambulance service board, explained that the agency has been struggling since 2004, when Charles Cole Memorial Hospital disbanded the ambulance program. At that time, Coudersport took on the ALS coverage for all of Potter County. Mather talked about some of the factors that have made the struggle harder. The cost of equipment and medications “has skyrocketed.” At the same
time, “Insurance payments have gone down,” she said. Adding to the problem has been a lack of volunteerism, according to Mather. The department now has paid EMTs on staff, though there are still some volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused additional hardships. And while the ambulance did receive COVID-19 support, it was for supplies; it was not money that could be used to operate the service. Mather took over as president this past fall. “At that time it was pretty bad,” she said. “We’ve inched it through the winter; now we’re broke.” She invited anyone who has concerns about CVAA’s spending to come look at the ambulance service’s finances, explaining there is no extra money to be wasteful. “We’re an open book,” she said. Mather is hopeful the local communities will work with the association to keep it open. “None of us want to see this end,” she said. The CVAA has not been without its supporters. Mather said Coudersport borough and a couple of townships already do support the Coudersport Ambulance,
Ambulance continued on .........page 2
USDA reminds producers to file crop acreage reports COUDERSPORT — Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after spring planting should make an appointment with the Potter/ McKean/Cameron County Farm Service Agency (FSA) before the applicable deadline. The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Potter/McKean/ Cameron County: July 15 for corn, soybeans, perennial forage, CRP/CREP, hemp and all other crops and Aug. 15 for beans and cabbage. “In order to comply with USDA program
eligibility requirements, all producers must file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said Megan Zylinski, FSA’s County Executive Director in Potter/ McKean/Cameron County. “Our FSA staff is available to assist producers in completing acreage reports, including providing maps.” An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch and its intended uses. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits.
Contact the Potter/ McKean/Cameron County FSA office to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Some service centers are open to limited visitors. Staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone or email. To file a crop acreage report, you will need to provide: Crop and crop type or variety, intended use of the crop, number of acres of the crop, map with approximate boundaries of the crop, planting date(s), planting pattern when applicable, producer shares,
Crop Acreage continued on .....page 3
2
JULY 6, 2021
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Virus still here; Vaccine ‘Traffic’ slow POTTER COUNTY — Just 50 more Potter County residents were inoculated against the COVID-19 coronavirus over the past week, according to the Pa. Dept. of Health (DOH). Potter County’s vaccination rate (31 percent) remains far lower than the statewide figure of more than 62 percent, despite widespread availability of the vaccine. Entering Wednesday, 5,155 have received at least the initial dose of the vaccine. Of those, 4,010 are fully immunized. Buchanan
were 15 “active” COVID-19 cases in Potter County: seven in the Coudersport area, three in the Galeton area, two each in the Shinglehouse and Ulysses areas, and one in Harrison Township. DOH considers a case to be active, and the victim contagious, if a positive test result occurred over the past 14 days. DOH advises that the actual number of COVID-19 infections in a locale is likely four or more times higher DOH also reported that, than the detected cases. entering this week, there Because fewer people are Brothers Pharmacy in Coudersport administers the vaccine by appointment; call 814-274-8660. 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.
being tested for the disease, it is impossible to assess its current rate of penetration. Since the pandemic was declared, some 1,221 county residents been infected and there have been 25 COVIDrelated deaths. 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 here or call 1-800-635-8611) and Rite Aid Pharmacy (visit the website here or call 814-274-0439).
Sustainable Eating for a Better Earth
(Family Features) Although good nutrition is essential for human life, food production has a significant impact on the environment. Taking a more sustainable approach to sustaining your body can help protect the Earth and its climate. Food production accounts for more than onefourth of all greenhouse
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but they are asking for Potter County and other ownships to follow suit. “God bless the people of Potter County. They’re struggling” — yet still sendng the ambulance service checks for any amount they can afford, she added. CVAA has received support from UPMC Cole, and he regional and state offices have helped as far as connecting the ambulance service representatives with whom to speak to about the ssue. Since they made the announcement, people seem o be listening. “A lot has happened as far as people getting in
gas emissions, according to a report compiled by “Our World in Data.” Learn how you can fill your plate with more earth-friendly foods by practicing these sustainable habits: Grow Your Own Food Gardening offers many benefits beyond the bounty of your harvest. Spending time outdoors in the sunshine is good for the soul
while the foods you raise provide a convenient source of nutrition. Picking fresh produce from your backyard means you’re bypassing transportation, packaging and many of the other aspects of food production that are detrimental to the environment. What’s more, you get to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re personally responsible for
the food on your plate. Reduce Food Waste An estimated 30-40% of the United States’ food supply goes to waste each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Not only could this food be helping hungry people, it’s taking up valuable space. USDA data shows food waste is the single largest category of material in U.S. landfills. There are numerous easy ways you can do your part to ensure food is being used wisely. Be sure food is stored properly to prevent it from going bad before you eat it. At the grocery store, select “ugly” foods that may be misshapen or look unusual but are still fully edible. Plan your meals so you use ingredients (across multiple meals, if necessary) and either avoid leftovers or repurpose them into another meal. Avoid overeating, which has a negative impact on your health, wastes food resources and increases environmental impacts from processing and
touch with us. The commissioners are listening,” said Mather, who added she is hopeful the townships are considering the problem, too. She said the commissioners are talking about the problem now, and the association is waiting to hear back from Commissioner Barry Hayman. Mather explained, “I don’t think it hit home to (the commissioners) until we said we’re closing our doors and filing for bankruptcy.” She said the county commissioners are currently working to schedule a session with the local municipalities so everyone can discuss the problem at one time rather than the ambulance representatives trying to attend all the township meetings. “We’ll see what we can
do to make EMS viable in this area,” she said. Mather is hopeful that community members who want to support CVAA to talk to public officials. “It’s going to take the public to put pressure on the supervisors and commissioners,” she explained. She encourages residents to attend township, borough and commissioners meetings, write letters or make phone calls to make sure officials know what they want. “We’ve made our voice heard, but we need support,” Mather said. According to Mather, she wants this cause to be
something that brings people together to fix a problem that affects everybody. “We want this to be a positive thing. There’s always critics. We want this to be the beginning of everybody getting what they need in Potter County as far as ALS and BLS services.” It is not just Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association that is struggling financially; ambulance services all over are having staffing and money problems, she said. Mather is hopeful that by discussing the financial struggles of CVAA, it will shed light on the struggles that all are facing.
transportation. Buy Climate-Friendly Foods Choosing snacks that share your commitment to the climate can make a big difference. Not only does it help you feel better about the foods you eat, supporting brands that make the environment a priority can raise the bar for others. One example is Airly crackers, which are made with 100% wholesome oats and grains, and grown through a farming process that removes carbon dioxide from the air. The company also invests in agricultural and forestry projects by purchasing carbon credits to offset its production and transportation footprint. The carbon footprint is on the back of each box, so you can see how many grams of carbon dioxide you are helping to remove from the air while satisfying a snack craving. Look for four flavor varieties packed with sweet and savory notes including cheddar, sea salt, chocolate and salted caramel.
Be Conscious of Processing and Packaging In general, foods with more packaging have a bigger impact on the environment. While some degree of packaging is necessary to safely preserve and transport food, choosing options with minimal recyclable packaging is a step you can take to help reduce how the food you eat affects the Earth. Know Where it Comes From Locally produced foods travel a shorter distance, which means they require less handling and transportation. That’s good news for the environment and it’s a simple way to support your community, too. Knowing more about the sources of your food goes beyond eating local. You can also make purchases from brands that promote sustainable agriculture and take meaningful steps to protect the environment, animals and natural habitats. Learn more about foods that make a difference at airlyfoods.com.
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JULY 6, 2021
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Want to get a great massage while exercising? Try Goat Yoga! BY KATE DAY SAGER Kathy Wright admits that she got into the Goat Yoga craze “a little late” but it didn’t make the recent session any less fun. Wright, who has conducted yoga classes in the community the past 15 years, held her first Goat Yoga session last week and found the recipients very receptive to the idea of the little critters literally walking all over them. Wright said the next hour-long session is at 10 a.m. July 11 but space will likely be limited for the outside event, weather permitting. Therefore those interested in the $20 session should contact Wright early for more information. “The goats are something new for the adults, they’d been asking for this,” Wright said of why she introduced the new format. With that in mind, she lined up visits from the “Sweet as Sugar Goats” farm in West Clarksville,
N.Y., with the owner expected to bring about three of the animals to each session. Wright said everyone enjoyed the furry little visitors, as they create a calming atmosphere for new participants who might be reluctant to try the exercise. “It’s more relaxing and (helps participants be) a little bit more mindful,” she explained. “Laughter is the best medicine, and I think everybody must have laughed for the entire hour. And it’s a really good way to introduce yoga to people who are hesitant to do yoga. It takes away the stigma that they have to do everything perfectly, or that they’re not flexible.” She said the goats will be used monthly if there is good attendance at the events. Wright also noted she will be conducting Goat Yoga sessions at other venues, such as the UPMC Kane hospital in the future. The instructor also
provides yoga for kids, and has conducted wellness sessions for employees at Zippo Manufacturing Company. “I also teach addiction yoga out at Maple Manor (in Bradford) and I do private yoga out at Glendorn” lodge, she added. “I am at (Bradford Area Public Library) for sessions, too, so I am busy.” One of the participants of Goat Yoga, Stacy Williams, said she thoroughly enjoyed the new type of exercise. “The class was fun and relaxing,” Williams said. “Our yoga poses invited the goats to take part by climbing on us and providing a mini massage. I loved it and would participate again!” For more information on Goat Yoga or any of Wright’s other sessions, message her on Facebook at Yoga with Kathy or send emails to ommykathy@ gmail.com.
HOME & GARDEN
Further, London stated, “We have improved our financial position with grant writing, sound decisions and some creative ideas for savings. “COVID-19 has set us back a little bit, but the pandemic did assist us in making substantial improvements in our technological capabilities and we are now a oneto-one technology school in grades K-12.” At the same time though, London noted, the pandemic has reinforced the belief that having schools open for in-person instruction is so important for the students’ common good. “The ‘premium product,’ learning package is still in the classroom with a teacher.” What does London consider his biggest achievement? “I would like to think that I was instrumental in instituting change and bringing Smethport up to date in current educational trends in curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology, while also updating facilities for safety, security and energy savings,” London said. “I could not have done that without the support of the school board, faculty and community. I am very thankful to have served as superintendent in Smethport. “Education is the number one institution that helps people rise above their circumstances or improve their situation to be successful,” London remarked. “Public
Crop Acreage continued from 1 irrigation practice(s), and acreage prevented from planting, when applicable. Other information may be required. Certain exceptions apply for these reports, including the following: — If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported
education provides every child the opportunity for success.” London lauded the faculty for the excellent work they have done at using technology for in-person instruction as well as at-home distance learning. “I’m hopeful that the foundations we laid down in Smethport the past five years will provide a strong structure to build increased academic student achievement and growth in the coming years,” he added. How has education changed since he entered the teaching profession? “The age of technology and accountability has created so much more work for our folks in public education,” London stated. “The unfunded mandates and high number of social issues that we are expected to address have increased.” While many of the changes are for the better as they have certainly helped make schools safer, improved education and helped to provide better care and attention for children, London said these requirements come at a price. “Schools in Pennsylvania remain underfunded and the current funding system is not equitable across the Commonwealth,” said London. “Pennsylvania needs major public educational reform, and that will not be easy as the 500 school districts across the state are very different and have different needs and socio-economic situations.” London had high praise for the Smethport community’s support of education, saying, “It’s been a great place to be an educational leader.”
no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed. — If a producer acquires additional acreage after the acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office. Producers should also report crop acreage they intended to plant, but due to natural disaster, were unable to plant. Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form CCC-576,
Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA’s Risk Management Agency. Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policyholders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins. Contact the Potter/ McKean/Cameron County FSA office at 814-274-8522 ext. 2 with any questions.
Gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation noticeable in area BY JIM ECKSTROM Gypsy moth caterpillars are chewing their way through forests throughout the region as significant defoliation can be found in the Olean area. Leaf debris — particularly from oak leaves — has covered the ground in spots along the Allegheny River Valley Trail near the river and adjacent to St. Bonaventure University. High on Mount Hermanns above the City of Olean on Sunday, many oak trees were all but defoliated by the voracious chewers. Last week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reported that gypsy moth caterpillar damage is widespread throughout the state. The caterpillars are particularly populous in Clinton, Warren, Saratoga, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Yates and Orleans counties, Rob Cole, a forester with the DEC, said last week. He said they’ve damaged a number of oak trees in those counties. Gypsy moth populations peak every 10 to 15 years, and then boom for about two or three years, until they’re struck down by viruses and bacteria that infect the caterpillars, Cole said. He noted that New York state is only in year one of that two- to threeyear cycle. The administration of the Allegheny National Forest also reported seeing abundant populations of the invasive caterpillars — particularly across the northern half of the Bradford Ranger District, which runs along the state line shared by New York. “The (Pennsylvania) DNCR, Bureau of Forestry, has received similar reports about gypsy moth caterpillars defoliating trees on private lands in the region,” said Cornplanter District
Forester Cecile Stelter. Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), an invasive species from Europe, has been in Pennsylvania since 1932 and, as Cole mentioned, is notorious for occurring in boom and bust cycles, the U.S. Forest Service said. “When populations are high like they are this year, large quantities of foliage are consumed and complete defoliation of forested areas may occur,” ANF Silviculturist Josh Hanson said. “Most healthy trees will grow new leaves in response to the defoliation, but some trees that are already weakened by other stressors, may not withstand severe defoliation.” Although oak trees are preferred, gypsy moth caterpillars will feed on numerous other tree and shrub species. Other species on their menu include alder, apple, aspen, maple, basswood, birches (gray, white and river) boxelder, hawthorn, larch and witch-hazel. To limit defoliation, and the negative impacts associated with it, the Forest Service and Pennsylvania forest officials completed aerial suppression treatments across portions of seven ANF recreation areas totaling 2,850 acres. Hooks Brook Boat Access Campground, Tracy Ridge Recreation Area, Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground, Hopewell Boat Access Campground, The Trails at Jakes Rocks, Rimrock
Hiking Trail and Overlook and the Morrison Hiking Trail were all treated with Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) — a naturally occurring soil bacteria and insecticide that is commonly used in organic agriculture. The ANF said these treatments were part of the Bureau of Forestry’s 2021 gypsy moth suppression program that treated a total of 203,569 acres of state forests, parks and game lands across Pennsylvania. Spray treatments are conducted in spring when the caterpillars are small and before extensive defoliation damage occurs. Two diseases can affect older gypsy moth caterpillar populations and have caused prior outbreaks to collapse. One disease is a nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) which is naturally present in gypsy moth populations and generally causes high mortality only when the gypsy moth populations are at very high densities. The other disease is a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga is native to Japan and was introduced to the northeastern United States in the early 1990s as a biological control for gypsy moth. The ANF said weather plays an important role in determining how effective E. maimaiga will be. Like most fungi, the spores need moisture and high humidity to germinate. Frequent rain and warm
Photo by John Ghent, Bugwood.org
temperatures in May and June can contribute to the fungus becoming active during gypsy moth outbreaks. Caterpillars folded in half, like an upside-down “V” are killed by the virus, those hanging head down are killed by the fungus, and caterpillars with their heads up are still alive.
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JULY 6, 2021
Mount Jewett’s Swedish Festival set for August BY JOELLEN WANKEL
Photo provided Viking ship races are part of the entertainment at the Swedish Festival. This year, they are set for Sunday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m.
MOUNT JEWETT — The 50th annual Swedish Festival is scheduled for Aug. 13-15. With a mix of old favorites and new fun planned, the festival will be ready to welcome visitors after skipping a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event will kick off Friday, Aug. 13, with opening ceremonies, which have been relocated from previous festivals in recognition of social distancing efforts. The opening ceremonies will move to the Center Street stage. “We thought we would be more comfortable that way,” said longtime Festival Chairperson Beth Carpenter. New events at the festival include a Strongest Swede contest, axe throwing, a bigger and better parade and a breakfast at the Mount Jewett Veterans
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Memorial Club on Saturday morning, sponsored by the Smethport Trap Team. Meanwhile, old favorites in the form of Minute to Win It and Children’s Bike races, among others, are on tap as well. This year, the Swedish smorgasbord has been expanded to include American fare as well (look for Swedish American smorgasbord on the festival event schedule). For some history and entertainment, the Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen are making a return. This group was in action at a previous festival. They have a one-quarter scale viking ship, dress in Swedish garb and are ready to share facts and information about the ship with visitors. “It is interesting and fun,” Carpenter said. “They come from down by Philly, so it’s quite an adventure for them.”
(Family Features) Taking care of your health, especially over age 65, requires an understanding of your personal needs. Proper medical care isn’t one-size-fits-all, so finding the right services and providers may take some research and thoughtful consideration as it relates to your unique circumstances. Consider these tips from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to find the right care for you: Stay on top of your health. An important part of managing your health is being aware of any current medical concerns or those that might affect you in the near future. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your health care needs - like preventive services that could help identify any issues early. Arming yourself with knowledge can help you be better prepared to make decisions about the type of doctors or health care providers you need and how they work with your health insurance. Shop around. Choosing a health care provider can be time consuming and confusing. Medicare.gov makes it easy to find and compare providers like hospitals, home health agencies, doctors, nursing homes and other health care services in your area that accept Medicare. On your laptop, tablet or mobile device, enter your location to search for local health care providers and services. A clean and uniform design makes it easy to review and compare providers.
Know what to look for. It’s important to understand everything you’re considering when searching for care for yourself or a loved one. Search filters allow you to personalize your search based on what’s most important to you, like services offered, quality ratings, inspection reports and doctor affiliations. Other features include suggested next steps and checklists to help choose the best provider for you. Knowing what providers accept Medicare can also give you peace of mind. Plan ahead. Don’t put off researching your health care provider options. When you’re feeling well is typically the best time to consider your health care needs. With a clear mind, you’ll be able to thoroughly explore pros and cons about providers and facilities and get the information you need to find the best fit for you, such as practice
locations, specialties, contact information and more. You can also save your favorite health care providers to refer to later when you’re logged into your online Medicare account. Make your wishes known. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or finding care for a loved one, it’s important to share your preferences with others who are part of your care team. This might include sharing which doctors you like, what hospital you prefer or selecting a nursing home close to family and friends. Planning for medical care can seem like a challenge. By keeping tabs on your health and using available tools to research your options and compare providers, like the resources at Medicare.gov, you can create a plan that best fits your needs. Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Show, the Kinzua Bridge Challenge, the Bike and Pet Parade, Viking Ship Races, a Jeep Cruise In and Human Foosball. “Human foosball is on Sunday, which is absolutely hilarious to watch,” Carpenter said as she mentioned the various other additions to the Sunday schedule. She explained the committee worked to expand the activities list for Sunday and provide a variety of options to cater to a broader range of interests. Carpenter explained the committee was grateful to Seneca Resources Co. LLC for sponsoring the parade and Georgia-Pacific for sponsoring the fireworks display. In addition, Carpenter added a special shoutout to her committee for their hard work. “I just want them to know they are awesome,” she said.
Amazon bringing 600+ acre solar farm to Sergeant Twp. BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
Navigating Your Health Over 65
A car show is scheduled in memory of Patrick Moffett, a Marine and car and bike enthusiast. The show is sponsored by Leslie Moffett and A. Jason Clemons Salon in Olean, N.Y. Carpenter said the committee is excited for that part of the three-day festival as well. Music, entertainment, amusement rides and fireworks are all part of the festival this year. The pie auction Saturday typically draws a large crowd, Carpenter said, as those in attendance get to compete to purchase the pies following the announcement of the winners of the baking contest. Pies for the contest, which anyone is welcome to enter, are to be dropped off Saturday morning for judging. Sunday’s events list has been expanded this year and includes an Art
More than 600 acres in a wooded area of Sergeant Township will be the future home of an Amazon solar farm. The giant Seattle-based e-commerce company plans a similar, but smaller, project in Potter County, according to a press release issued Wednesday. A map available on the company’s website appears to indicate the solar farm would be in the area of Hebron Township. In McKean County, planning director Jeremy Morey explained, “This solar farm will be along the Clermont-Wilcox Road in Sergeant Township. The size will be 618 acres of solar panels and construction was to begin later this year, I believe.” All of the solar panels will not be located in a giant clump on the property, but spread out in smaller parcels. Morey said the farm will be located “around 11 miles as the crow flies from the airport,” but it is not expected to cause issues for airplanes with glare or reflection. “We were told by the company that typically solar panels do not produce glare, since they want to capture that solar energy and not deflect it.” These two solar farms are part of a total of 14 renewable energy projects Amazon is undertaking in the U.S., Canada, Finland and Spain “to advance its ambitious goal to power 100% of company activities with renewable energy by 2025 — five years ahead of
the original target of 2030,” a press release from the company read. A spokesperson for Amazon told The Era Thursday how much energy is expected to be produced at the local farms. “The Potter County project is 30 (megawatts), which when enabled will produce 57,205 (megawatt hour) of energy, and it’s scheduled to come online in 2023,” said Lauren Lynch, head of global sustainability and infrastructure PR for Amazon Web Services. “The McKean County project is 90 MW, which when enabled will produce 175,575 MWh of energy, and it’s scheduled to open in 2023 also.” One MWh is about the equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 330 homes in one hour. “The new projects bring Amazon’s total renewable energy investments to date to 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity production capacity — enough to power 2.5 million U.S. homes,” the press release stated. “Amazon is now the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in the U.S. and the world.” The release explained why Amazon was undertaking the projects. “The latest utility-scale solar and wind projects will supply renewable energy for Amazon’s corporate offices, fulfillment centers, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers that support millions of customers globally,” the release read. “These projects will also help Amazon meet its commitment to
produce enough renewable energy to cover the electricity used by all Echo devices in use. These new projects support hundreds of jobs while providing hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in local communities.” Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos was quoted, too, speaking about the importance of renewable energy. “We’re driving hard to fulfill The Climate Pledge—our commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Our investments in wind and solar energy in the U.S. and around the world send a signal that investing in green technologies is the right thing to do for the planet and citizens — as well as for the long-term success of businesses of all sizes across all industries everywhere,” Bezos said. Amazon will now have a total of 232 renewable energy projects globally, including 85 utility-scale wind and solar projects and 147 solar rooftops on facilities and stores worldwide. As for Sergeant Township, the 2000 Census reported 176 residents with a population density of 2.2 people per square mile. Nearby Olean, N.Y., has several solar farms, including a 17-acre former brownfield site between Interstate 86 and Homer Street called Homeridae. Olean Mayor Bill Aiello said in 2019 that the 11,800 solar panels generated enough electricity to supply 652 typical New York homes with power for a year.