OCTOBER
12 2021
McKean County School Districts experience food supply dilemma
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Students wait for food during the summer lunch program at Bradford Area High School cafeteria. School districts are adjusting school lunches as needed for the 2021 school year as food shortages crop up.
BY JOELLEN WANKEL
Boy Scouts to turn over Elk Lick Scout Reserve as part of national settlement
BY JOELLEN WANKEL
SMETHPORT — The Elk Lick Scout Reserve will be turned over as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy and abuse settlement. The Allegheny Highlands Council, which serves Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties in New York and McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania, made the decision after extensive consideration of the options available.
“Through the creation of a local Ad Hoc Committee, we have spent months analyzing all possible options to fulfill our portion of the settlement,” AHC Executive Nathaniel Thornton said. “Our finance committee reviewed budget forecasts for the next several years and deemed it necessary to retain as much of our endowment as possible, which is where any cash contribution would have come from.”
Elk Lick Scout Reserve (ELSR), located at 2420 Bordell Road in Smethport and valued at $950,000, will be turned over, with the proceeds going directly to the Victims Trust. According to the October 2021 newsletter for the AHC, the option was unanimously approved by the board of directors on Sept. 28. The reserve is 1,500 acres of heavily wooded land that includes several lodges, a central dining
hall, a small lake, a modern swimming pool, rifle and archery ranges and a climbing/rappelling tower. Thornton explained that there is an alternative location, which will be the designated location for future outdoor activities for area scouts. “Camp Merz located in Mayville, New York will be the host for all summer camping activities within our council,” Thornton
Boy Scouts continued on ........ page 2
Recent stories have warned of potential shortages of canned foods or meats due to increased prices for aluminum and processing plants operating at less than full capacity due to COVID. On Oct. 7, the impact of these situations came to light in the food service for local school districts. Smethport Area School District posted a notice to social media that shortages with suppliers are impacting the planned menu for October. Specifically, the pizza and fish sticks scheduled for Oct. 8 and 12, respectively, have to be replaced. The district’s Food Service Director and Business Manager assured parents that the students will be provided a hot lunch option each day. However, due to these concerns, the
menu will be announced a week at a time, rather than for the entire month. In Bradford, the potential for shortages is on the radar but has not yet become a concern. “Bradford has had minimal disruptions to our deliveries and supplies to this point. Our Food Service Director has posted a letter on our website to inform parents of the possibility of future shortages, but has assured our families and students that they will still be provided a balanced, nutritious meal should that occur,” Bradford Superintendent Katharine Pude said. “If need should arise, we will provide biweekly menus instead of monthly so that parents are still kept abreast of the food options available to their children.”
School Food continued on ...... page 2
5 ways to protect hearing every day
Did you know? Leaves that fall from trees can be a marvel to behold. But leaves can stain exterior surfaces when they eventually settle on vehicles, concrete driveways, patios, and other surfaces, become wet and/ or are not cleaned away in a timely fashion. Leaf stains are caused by tannins in the leaves. The pigments can be absorbed by porous materials like concrete and leave stains behind. While
these stains may wash away over time, homeowners may prefer a faster way to get rid of unsightly stains. To remove moderate leaf stains, mix oxygen bleach with hot water and apply to stains using a scrub brush. Dark stains
may require a tougher cleanser, such as one that contains trisodium phosphate. Some homeowners find success using a pressure washer to clean away leaf stains, while others rely on commercial leafstain removers.
The saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing. Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations. 1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss. 2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing. 3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60
rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-theear headphones instead. 4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. The custom ear molds will block outside
noise, allowing for higher quality listening. 5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal. In addition to these tips, discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea.
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OCTOBER 12, 2021
To be or not to be: S.W. Smith’s Taco Night hinging on ticket sales BY JOELLEN WANKEL PORT ALLEGANY — Plans are in motion for the 32nd S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library auction fundraiser. The event, called “Nacho Average Fundraiser,” is attempting to combine the success of last year’s virtual auction with the tradition of an in-person event. However, the fate of the in-person event hinges on the tickets sold. “COVID forced us to get creative last year and the Library Auction Fundraiser went completely virtual in its 31st year. Our 2021 virtual Auction Fundraiser was very financially successful, we are so grateful to everyone who donated and virtually attended,” said Library Director Mary Grace Collier-Kisler. “The Auction Committee (made up of myself and amazing community volunteers) decided that we wanted to try a ‘hybrid’ Library Auction Fundraiser in 2021 with virtual bidding and an optional small COVIDcautious in-person event. We want to try to cater to every participant’s comfort level.” Current plans are for the event to be held as a combination auction and fundraiser, with some items up for bid already, some set to be auctioned on Oct. 23 and an event to allow residents to get together on Oct 22. “The in-person portion of the ‘Nacho Average Fundraiser’ is a Taco Night Happy Hour. This is an optional event, participants can just stay virtual, or they can just come to the Taco Night Happy Hour, or they can do both!” Collier-Kisler said. “Attendees can expect a taco-themed event with appetizers and dinner by Eddie’s on Main. Eddie is planning beef, chicken, and fish tacos, fiesta rice, salsa dippers and more.” Desserts will be made
by library lover Cindy Knapp. There will be a Cash Bar with a signature Rum Slush cocktail, a Fiesta Photo Booth, and live music by John Meade. The Taco Night Happy hour is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Oct 22 at the Star Hose Company #1 Fire Hall in Port Allegany. Tickets are $30 each for ages 21+, and tickets are available now in the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library. The auction is a definite go, continuing the tradition. The in-person event is dependent on ticket sales, and the window to purchase is a narrow one, as the library staff needs an idea of attendance. “Tickets are on sale now, but if the library doesn’t sell enough tickets for the Taco Night Happy Hour by October 11, the event will be canceled,” Collier-Kisler said. “Tickets are limited to a small scale event of 100 guests to keep the event fluid and COVID-cautious. The Fire Hall is big enough that guests will be able to spread out to eat, play games, virtually bid on Silent Auction items, and preview the Live Auction items.” She also explained that, in the event the Taco Night Happy Hour is canceled, the library director will personally contact each ticket holder and refund the cost of his/her ticket. Items for the auction can be viewed once participants sign up for iBid.org. There are also virtual raffles open currently. The Virtual Silent Auction will open Oct. 20, with bids accepted until Oct. 23. “Danny Bush of Danny Bush Media Productions will once again help us create a professional broadcast for viewers on Oct 23. Edward L. Vicic, owner of Eddie’s On Main and library lover, graciously offered to once again MC the virtual Live Auction,”
Collier-Kisler said. “The library is extremely thankful to all of the generous donors who participate in this fundraiser! Virtual Auction bidding on iBid.org is a lot of fun. It was very engaging last year, and iBid.org sends participants texts when they are outbid on an item or when they are winning an item on their Virtual Watch List. You just can’t stop FUNdraising.” She noted that items in the Silent and Live Auctions include, but are not limited to: Kayak with paddle and Amazon gift card (for life jacket), a huge Green Thumb Garden Basket, Fishing Trip on Lake Ontario, Michael Kors purse with mystery cash, Solo Bonfire Stove, framed art by local artists Virginia Cherrington and Mark Bowen and the Library Auction’s famous Hershey’s Golden Almond Bars, Standing Stone Ground Coffee, and frozen
School Food continued from 1 The issue of food shortage did present itself for OttoEldred School District, but a solid plan is in place to provide students with appropriate food choices. O-E Superintendent Matthew Splain stated, “Otto-Eldred has reached out to an additional food supplier due to transportation issues and availability through certain suppliers. Our Food Service director has adjusted menus to ensure hot and cold options are available for students
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Thanksgiving Turkeys that are bid on and sold individually at the highest bid. “Fundraising is vital to the financial health of the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library. The library is a small rural library that does receive some PA Public Library State-Aid, but it does not receive any funding from McKean County. With the lack of McKean County funding and the lack of full municipality contributions, the library has an annual deficit of approximately $74,000,” Collier-Kisler said. “Thankfully, the library has lovely loyal donors; individuals, families, businesses, corporations and local organizations who understand that a library is an asset that only strengthens the community it serves. The Library Auction Fundraiser is a fun way to raise the money needed to keep the lights on, to keep the pages each day. Adjustments made include substitutes of the same product, but possibly a different style. For instance, the type of chicken served may change, but we are still serving chicken. Most products are still available, just the variety of those products are limited, and have been for months.” For Kane Area School District, the issue has also been faced and addressed this school year. Interim Superintendent Anna Kearney said, “Our Food Service Director has had to change the menu but there is always the correct components for a nutritious meal. The shortages seem to be with chicken and bread products. Perhaps instead of a sandwich being offered or a roll, they will have a wrap or a chicken salad instead of chicken nuggets.”
turning, and to keep the Library Auction are curcommunity smiling!” rently being accepted until Donations for the Oct. 8.
Boy Scouts continued from 1 said. “Our camping committee has been hard at work since the decision to contribute Elk Lick Scout Reserve in planning appropriate camping activities that would now serve our Cub Scout age youth (Kindergarten through 5th grade). Camp Merz has been exclusively a Scout BSA camp for several years, but we have a dedicated staff and volunteers that are onboard to provide a great camping experience.” AHC is one of 252 councils nationwide asked to contribute to the BSA settlement, the national settlement fund for which is currently at $1.9 billion. The amount is the highest ever in a sexual abuse case. Contributors to the fund include Hartford Financial Services, the BSA’s insurers, who agreed to contribute $787 million. The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, who was a contributor to BSA until 2020, agreed to contribute $250 million, while the national BSA has committed to contribute $250 million as well. Roughly $600 million will be contributed by the various local councils. The formula used to determine each council’s contribution included the council’s assets, number of claims filed within the council and the statute of limitations for the state in which the claims were filed. AHC was tasked with a contribution of $899,358 to the Bankruptcy and Abuse Settlement. “The Elk Lick contribution will fulfill the Allegheny Highlands Council contribution to the settlement,” Thornton said. “Nothing will happen with Elk Lick Scout Reserve until the bankruptcy is finalized.” The French Creek Council, based in Summit Township in Erie County and covering six counties in northwestern Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $699,673 in cash toward the settlement fund, with no contributions of property.
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OCTOBER 12, 2021
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OCTOBER 12, 2021
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