April 2024
April Menu for Emporium Senior Center
Emporium Senior Center
April Showers new menu items! Reserve the day prior by noon to reserve your meals! Give us a try!
Linda R. Leahy, 70, of Walnut St, Ridgway, PA
Linda R. Leahy, 70, of Walnut St, Ridgway, PA died on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at her residence after a lengthy illness.
She was born on March 11, 1954, the daughter of the late Henry Cherubini and Shirley Pontious Anderson.
On December 11, 1977, in Ridgway, she married Mark Leahy who survives.
Linda graduated from St. Marys High School, Class of 1972, and worked at Ferragine Pools and Spas, West End Superette, and eventually retired from PC Systems. In her leisure time, Linda found joy in the little things that brought her happiness. Going for rides in the truck, spending time at camp, and feeding the chipmunks, squirrels, and birds brought her immense joy. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, and reading. Above all, Linda will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family.
Firefighters Work Together To Save Kane Sawmill
KANE FIRE DEPT 5
Kane was dispatched for an industrial fire at 0510 to Collins Pine, Kane Hardwood. First arriving units found fire extending from the conveyor building up the conveyor and into the boiler silo. A second alarm was called for and mutual aid departments responded from Hamlin Twp, Ludlow, Sheffield, Mt. Jewett, Wilcox, Johnsonburg, Ridgway, St. Marys, Smethport, & Highland Twp. All units were back in service by 0930. Many thanks to those that came to assist and give up a good portion of their Easter holiday. As always we are humbled and greatly appreciate the help!
Gene Susanne Riley, age 88, of Sabinsville, PA
Gene Susanne Riley, age 88, of Sabinsville, PA passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Sabinsville.
Born July 18, 1935 in Burlington County, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William G. and Genevieve (Dimon) Siether. Sue married Donald G. Riley and they shared 46 years together until his passing on November 5, 2002.
She was the business manager for Galeton High School and a member of the Kitchen Band and the Red Hatters Club.
Sue loved all animals, especially her horses and taking her dog, Bindy to Sweden Valley Manor to visit with the residents.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Joyce Riley of Westfield and Donna Sue Morrow of Wellsboro; grandchildren, Pamela Shutter of Tioga and Daniel Riley of Westfield and a great-granddaughter, Haley Grace Shutter.
A graveside service will be held in the Champlin Cemetery, Westfield on Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 AM with Rev. William O’Neil officiating.
Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.
Ralph C. Glase, 66, of N. Brooklynside Rd., Port Allegany, PA
Ralph C. Glase
PORT ALLEGANY-Ralph C. Glase, 66, of N. Brooklynside Rd., passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (Mar. 30, 2024) at the home of his daughter, in Shippensburg, PA.
Born April 17, 1957, in Port Allegany, he was a son Frank C. and M. Olive Harrison Glase. On Oct. 27, 1980, in Smethport, he married Sandy K. Burns, who survives.
Ralph was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1975.
He was employed with the former Pittsburgh Corning Co., Port Allegany, for several years, before his retirement.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Jean M. YOUNG, 97, of Scio, NY
Jean M. YOUNG, 97, of Scio, NY, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 1, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Born February 26, 1927, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Wilford and Kathryn Mallery Young. She was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Boston University (B.S. & EdM), and Michigan State University (PhD).
Jean taught both in public schools and colleges from New England to the Mid-West, including Emmaus Bible College. She enjoyed Christian fellowship and teaching the Bible. She also enjoyed sports, especially water sports. Jean and her friend, Connie, owned and flew a small plane.
Donald E. “Donnie” Mahovlich, 69, of St. Marys, PA
Donald E. “Donnie” Mahovlich, 69, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
He was born on October 3, 1954 in St. Marys, a son of the late Frank and Rose Anne Wolfe Mahovlich.
In May of 1986, in St. Marys, he married the late Susan A. “Susie” Smith, who joined him in death on March 30, 2024. Together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage.
Donnie was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1972, and a member of Sacred Heart Church. He retired from Straub Brewery after more than 40 years of dedicated service as a truck driver. Always a hard worker, Donnie could often be found mowing grass and tending to his animals. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards. Donnie will always be remembered as a caring person who loved his family. He was a staple of the community and will be missed by many.
Susan A. “Susie” Mahovlich, 68, of Jackson Road, St. Marys, PA
Susan A. “Susie” Mahovlich, 68, of Jackson Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
She was born on June 16, 1955 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Gerald and Audrey Resch Smith. In May of 1986, she married the late Donald E. “Donnie” Mahovlich, who joined her in death on March 30, 2024. Together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage.
Susie was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1973 and a member of Sacred Heart Church. She received her associate’s degree from Olean Business College and worked as a secretary at Penn Highlands Elk for more than 35 years, and enjoyed the many friends she made there over the years. Susie enjoyed floating down the river, shopping, and her cats. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a beautiful and kind lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters; Jenna (Justin Hinz) Mahovlich and Nicole (James) Merat, both of St. Marys, by a step-son; Brandon (Karen) Mahovlich of St. Marys and by her four beloved grandchildren; Ethan, Damian, Kenzie, and Kyndra. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Susan A. and Donald E. Mahovlich will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Crystal Fire Department, Elkland Search and Rescue, or to the St. Marys Police Department.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Darryl E. Jackson, 58, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA
Darryl E. Jackson “beloved husband, father, grandpa and brother”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Darryl E. Jackson, 58, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, May 23, 1965 in Elkton, Maryland, he was a son of Charles “Chick” Boughner and Virginia Passwaters Thompson. On June 8, 2002 in Coudersport, he married Deborah S. “Debby” Yentzer, who survives.
Darryl’s greatest love was his family. He provided a loving home for his wife and family for 32 years. He loved gardening and his dogs, and was the Dallas Cowboys’ greatest fan.
Randall E. “Randy” STEBBINS, 60, of Wellsville, NY
Randall E. “Randy” STEBBINS, 60, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville.
Born June 14, 1963, in Wellsville, he was the son of Harvey E. and Susan A. Schrader Stebbins. A 1982 graduate of Whitesville Central School, he was employed as a truck driver by Gallman’s in Angelica and Southern Tier Express in Andover. He also delivered papers for the Wellsville Daily Reporter for 20 years.
Randy was a member of Willing Volunteer Hose Company, serving as fire police for many years and was a life member of Wellsville Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, working on cars, and spending time with his family.
David W. “Dave” VanSlander, 77, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Daguscahonda,PA
David W. “Dave” VanSlander, 77, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Daguscahonda, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 with his loving family by his side following a lengthy illness.
He was born on November 5, 1946 in St. Marys, a son of the late William and Bernetta Haberberger VanSlander.
Dave was a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked at Quality Components for many years and then retired from Arete. Dave enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed taking trips to camp and riding atv’s. He could often be found watching Gunsmoke or a Steelers game. Never sitting still, he was always building or tinkering with something, earning his title of “Mr. Gadget”. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball with his friends, who knew him better as “Catfish”.
Dave loved nothing more than spending time with his family and forever had a joke to tell, always putting a smile on the faces of his family and friends.
He is survived by his four daughters; Lisa (Dave) Starr of Kersey, Tami (Dave) Vakiener of Ridgway, Kari (Jeff) Smith of Ridgway, and Rhonda (Chuck) Krobot of Daguscahonda, and by one son; DJ (Cindy) VanSlander of St. Marys; and by his 13 beloved grandchildren, including his little Andie-pie; and by 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers; Bill VanSlander, Jr. of Force, and John VanSlander of Rasselas, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend and former wife; Sandra VanSlander of Daguscahonda.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a brother; William B. VanSlander Jr., and by a sister; Sue Ellen VanSlander.
A Memorial Service for David W. VanSlander will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends will be received at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreeenfuneralhome.com
FACEBOOK UNPUBLISHES LOCAL NEWS MEDIA PAGE; 37,000 FOLLOWERS LOSE THEIR NEWS SOURCE
FACEBOOK UNPUBLISHES LOCAL NEWS MEDIA PAGE – First News Now, Tioga County’s most popular local news page was taken offline this morning claiming First News Now was in Violation of Community Standards (AGAIN).
TIOGA COUNTY, PA – Around 7:15 AM FNN readers started messaging the page asking what happened to the local news media outlet page as nothing appeared. All those who shared the latest breaking story saw post unavailable message instead.
Staff of the volunteer news media page was shocked to learn Facebook had unpublished the news page this morning, especially since once again alleged false claims were made by Facebook claiming FNN violated community standards.
FNN staff has requested a review. (see images provided). However, with all the other false violations filed in the past involving obituaries and PSP releases, there was no provided information on the alleged violations, as staff saw in the past. With well over 37,000 followers many are wondering why FB is so interested in controlling independent news content as they have been pushing hard to make users pay to boost stories to reach their followers?
Oddly enough not long ago FB had dropped all avenues to reach a Facebook tech to help resolve issues and challenge alleged violations. Issues arrived for FNN when the new AI was activated on Facebook. Now one has to pay to talk with someone through chat.
FNN staff apologizes for the disruption in local news. This was the only way for FNN to reach people and let them know what was happening.
Daniel P. Thorwart, 79, of 114 Capri Road, St. Marys, PA
Daniel P. Thorwart, 79, of 114 Capri Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 30, 2024 at his residence.
He was born November 8, 1944, in St. Marys, son of the late Adam and Marie Young Thorwart. Dan was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1962, and was employed at St. Marys Carbon for 47 years before retiring in 2009. He promptly returned and continued part-time until last week.
On March 2, 1965, in the Sacred Heart Church, Dan married Lois A. Schreiber, who preceded him in death on February 13, 2023. They were blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage.
Rosemary LEHMAN, 94, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Ulysses, PA
Rosemary LEHMAN, 94, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Born March 6, 1930, in Blossburg, PA, she was the daughter of Herbert R. and Frances Minnie Gee LaRoy. On October 20, 1946, in Brookland, PA, she married Claude M. Lehman, who predeceased her on May 26, 1994.
She was employed by the Blass family at Coolridge Potato Farms. Rosemary was an excellent cook and baker. She loved to shop and enjoyed flowers. She was a devoted Christian and her family was always her priority.
Port Allegany Women’s Club Hears About “To Fill a Backpack” From Founder, Andy Kulp
The Port Allegany Women’s Club held the March meeting at the Senior Center. Guest speaker for the evening was Andy Kulp, president and co-founder of the To Fill A Back Pack program.
The program began in 2008 when Kulp and Jackie Culver saw a need at a local daycare for children without backpacks and supplies. The group has handed out over 10,000 backpacks and supplies to children in six counties. They average around 500 backpacks a year with the biggest year handing out 1,247.
In the business portion of the meeting, Mary Mensch took over the duties as club secretary. Discussion was held concerning the Town Square Concerts this summer as the Town Square will be torn up for part of the summer.
The next meeting for the PAWC will be April 8th at the Port Allegany Senior Center.
Dispatch: Vehicle Fire on Burton Hill Road
At 2:50 PM on Monday, Wellsboro Fire Dept. dispatched to Burton Hill Road for a pickup truck well involved in fire.
Carol V. Hart, 84, of Smethport, PA.
Carol V. Hart, 84, of Smethport, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, went to be with the Lord, peacefully on Easter Sunday morning (March 31, 2024) at Bradford Ecumenical Home, Bradford.
She was born November 25, 1939 in Franklin, PA, A daughter of the late George W. Hart, Sr. and Imogene (Carner) Hart.
She attended the Kinzua Public Schools, graduating from Warren High School.
Carol enjoyed taking care of her family, cooking, quilting, flowers and gardening, attending church and traveling with her best friend and companion.
She is survived by five children: a daughter: Anna May Miller
Four sons: Wesley Horton, Daniel Horton, Andrew Horton and Randy Horton
Eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews
Also surviving is her very special long-time (40+ years) friend and companion, Jim Magee of Bradford.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, as sister, Joan Slater, and her brother, George W. Hart, Jr., all from Fertigs.
Governor Shapiro Announces Guidance for Health Insurers to Improve Coverage for Over-the-Counter Contraception as the Administration Continues to Protect Access to Reproductive Healthcare
April 01, 2024
Pennsylvania Insurance Department will issue guidance to insurers to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraception with or without a prescription.
PID will hold insurers accountable, requiring additional information from companies who chose not to cover OTC contraception.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, in support of women’s freedom to make their own health care decisions and the right to access the full scope of reproductive health care, Governor Josh Shapiro urged health insurers in Pennsylvania to make contraception more accessible and affordable, announcing new guidance on insurance coverage that may save women nearly $250 a year for over-the-counter (OTC) contraception.
With the launch of the first ever FDA-approved OTC daily birth control pill, Opill, Pennsylvania insurers are strongly encouraged to cover OTC contraceptives with or without a prescription, and are being asked to exempt this medication from the lengthy drug exceptions process as a best practice.
“For millions of women, birth control represents personal freedom and the ability to make choices over their own bodies. Now it’s time that insurance companies step up – I believe no one should be denied access to birth control because they can’t afford it,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s why today, my Administration is issuing guidance to health insurers that it is now best practice for plans to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraception with or without a prescription. If insurers don’t cover over the counter contraception, our Administration’ will ask for additional information on why not – and the Department will be pushing back to make sure exception processes aren’t preventing women from obtaining reproductive healthcare, and fully comply with federal law. As your Governor, I’m always going to protect reproductive health and a woman’s right to make decisions over her own body – and we will continue holding folks accountable to defend affordable access to healthcare.”
If an insurer chooses not to cover OTC contraception options, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) will require them to provide additional information to verify compliance with federal law and regulations, assessing why OTC contraception is not covered by the health care plan.
Carl E. Vance, 74, of 2 McCourt Place, Bradford, PA.
Carl E. Vance, 74, of 2 McCourt Place, Bradford, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by family at his side.
Born April 26, 1949, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Paul E. and Margarete (Schmidt) Vance. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1967.
On February 16, 1980, at the Bolivar Drive Baptist Church he married Barbara (Carty) Vance who preceded him in death on March 16, 2006.
Carl was employed at AVX in Olean, NY and the Particle Board in Mt. Jewett, PA and retired from Kendall Refining Company, where he worked as a Lab Technician.
He was a member of the Frances Sherman Auxiliary, Post 212. He was a loving, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, camping, fishing, and grilling.
Marie J. Milks, 99, formerly of Gifford, PA.
Marie J. Milks, 99, formerly of Gifford, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Sena- Kean Manor in Smethport.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Robert C. “Bob” Taylor, 83, of 335 Chestnut Street, St. Marys, PA.
Robert C. “Bob” Taylor, 83, of 335 Chestnut Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
He was born on December 30, 1940 in St. Marys, a Son of the late Leroy and Anna Garbic Taylor.
On June 1 1963, at Queen of the World Church, he married his bride, Lynda Fleming, who preceded him in death on November 13, 2018. Together they shared more than 55 years of love and marriage.
Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Church. He was a logger by trade, which he always said “I can cut for two skidders and skid for two cutters”. Bob loved spending time in the woods just sitting on a stump looking at the trees. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, as he was known for stretching the limits. Bob enjoyed picking berries and leeks. He could always be found in the kitchen cooking for his family and friends. Bob especially looked forward to the Fall season which he enjoyed baking, making wine and sauerkraut with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also made several trips to visit the Amish, always looking for a log cutters discount. Bob was very personable and would always give out compliments, “You look so young for as old as you are.” He gave out cloves of garlic that he kept in his vest pocket. Bob was also known for his storytelling wit. He was a friend to all and knew how to put a smile on anyone’s face in any situation.
Gary O. Rathbun, 92, of Friendship, NY
Gary O. Rathbun, 92, of Friendship, NY, passed away on March 31, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on May 16, 1931 in the small hamlet of South Bay, New York, he was the third son of the late Clarence H. Rathbun and Lucinda B. Maranville Rathbun.
In 1945, he came to the Olean area to visit a friend who he served in the Army with. There he met Beverly M. Eaton of Olean whom he married on March 30, 1955, and who predeceased him on March 16, 2023.
Gary graduated from Fort Ann Central School in 1948 and never lost his love for the Adirondack State Park and the beautiful mountains and lakes that exist there. In 1951, he was invited by Uncle Sam to join the Army, where he spent 33 months in the Military Police. From March 1955 to October 1979, he was employed in Engineering and Sales at Acme Electric, Cuba, NY. From 1979 to 1986 he was co-owner of B-B Electric and Systems in Bradford, PA. After retiring he worked part-time for Norton Electric in Eldred, PA.
Gary and Beverly were members of the Friendship Methodist United Church since 1960. Gary served on the Friendship Village and Town Boards for six years, was Town Justice for seven years and served on the Friendship School Board for five years. He was a member of the Cuba-Friendship Lodge #306 F&AM, and during that time, he was a Past District Deputy from 1990 – 1991, and served on several Grand Lodge Committees. He was also a member of the Corning and Rochester Consistory, Damascus Shrine, Court 3 Royal Order of Jesters, Allegany County Shrine Club, New Smyrna Beach, FL Shrine Club, New York State Magistrates Association, the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 and the Friendship Rotary.
After retiring, Gary and Bev traveled extensively in the USA and Canada, and for several years spent the winters in New Smyrna Beach Florida. His hobbies were woodworking, hunting and traveling. He loved to travel around the county in his Shay replica of a 1929 Model A Roadster.