Hamilton-Gibson Productions offers one more weekend of Night of the Living Dead, Live!, a show that pays homage to George Romero’s classic 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. The play depicts the storyline of the original film, and then takes the audience on a journey through multiple “what-if” scenarios that are both thought provoking and hilarious.
The Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties officially kicked off its community leadership program with a cohort of 16 local participants. The inaugural session was hosted by the Johnsonburg Community Center and held on September 11th. The session set the stage for an intensive, hands-on leadership development experience designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to foster community growth and collaboration. Participants explored their own personal leadership styles, and those of others. This activity set the foundation for discussions on collaborative leadership and relationship-building. Laura Dimino and Kaitlyn Goode, from The Center for Rural PA, delivered a detailed presentation on the demographic and socioeconomic trends shaping the region. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local communities, arming participants with data to inform their leadership projects. Lunch was generously sponsored by Creative Concrete. Afternoon activities included teambuilding and a presentation by the Stackpole-Hall Foundation on their recent long-range planning report.
Remember Those Battling Hunger This Season of Giving
(Editor’s note: This is the first in a four-part series of op-eds by Olean Food Pantry board members in preparation for the Season of Giving.)
By Ashley Greeley
Olean Food Pantry board member
As we approach the holiday season, I can’t help but reflect on the deep gratitude so many of us feel during this time of year. For many, it’s a season of joy filled with warmth, family gatherings, festive meals and exchanging gifts.
But for thousands in our communities, this season only serves as a reminder of what they’re missing: food, security and stability. While I feel lucky, my heart aches for those going without.
On Thursday, November 21 at 6:00pm, the Elk County Council on the Arts is thrilled to host Elk County’s own PJ Piccirillo as he brings his extensive research and storytelling prowess to discuss The Indigo Scarf, a historical novel that shines a light on an overlooked part of Pennsylvania’s past.
Piccirillo spent four years meticulously researching the early 19th-century African American pioneer experience in northcentral Pennsylvania to bring authenticity and depth to The Indigo Scarf. This award-winning book is set amid Pennsylvania’s scenic but rugged Cameron, Clinton, and Lycoming counties. It has sparked thoughtful discussion about the slave experience in rural Appalachia and the resilience of African American pioneers following emancipation, alongside the unique struggles of Pennsylvania’s early settlers.
Paid For By The Potter County Democratic Committee
St. Marys: The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) is pleased to announce the awarding of a $10,000 grant to the Bennett’s Valley Community Center (BVCC) to provide new industrial kitchen supplies at the center. BVCC received the grant from the Elk County Development Fund, an unrestricted fund which is administered by the Community Foundation.
When Bennett’s Valley School closed, Jay Township collaborated to have the school returned to the community with plans to utilize the school building to uplift their community. The decision to open the Bennett’s Valley Community Center in their old school was born. Unfortunately, a few months after the opening of the Community Center devastation hit with flooding of the basement, causing major damage to the entire electrical and heating system. Funding for repairs was now very much needed, in addition to supplying the vacant kitchen, gym, and janitorial supplies to allow for the BVCC to continue to operate.
Cutler: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling Allows Double Voting
Court violates own rule, causes confusion days after voting is underway
HARRISBURG – House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s 4-3 ruling on provisional ballots for voters who incorrectly return their mail-in ballots.
“As accurately stated by the Commonwealth Court in two separate opinions earlier this year, the objective of our election code is ‘advanced by ensuring that each qualified elector has the opportunity to vote exactly once in each primary or general election. However, after the Supreme Court’s latest intrusion into the legislature’s sole authority over time, places and manner of elections, it’s clear that the Democrat-controlled Supreme Court wants to provide some voters in our Commonwealth with more than one ‘opportunity to vote,’ increasing the possibility of double voting.”
“This decision, issued just days before the majority of voters will vote in person and after mail-in voting has already started, violates the court’s own pronouncement on Oct. 5 of this year that it ‘will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election.’ That sound principle, which the court’s own opinion had said was ‘common sense,’ lasted 18 days.
The countdown has begun, its 6 days until the “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere!” Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser! The Auction Committee has a new raffle chance for you to help raise funds for the library: a Pizza Oven Package! Chances are $20 each and the package includes:
*Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
*Oven Gloves (2)
*Infrared Thermometer
*Gas Burner
*Tank Adaptor
*Karu Carry Cover
*Turning Peel
*12″ Peel
*Pizza Oven Firewood
Chances may be purchased at the library, at the Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser, and online by November 1: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/73a24484-a81d-461e-ba4d-6c10bf316593
ONLY 150 CHANCES WILL BE SOLD! Winner will be drawn at the Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser on November 2 (need not be present to win). Winner must arrange for pick-up of the Pizza Oven Package at the library after November 2, shipping is not available. Must be age 18 or older to enter. SGOC #07377.
If you would like to join us at the Annual Library Dinner Auction Fundraiser tickets and information can be found at swsmithlibrary.org!
Next Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., the Wellsboro Community Concert Association (WCCA) is presenting a special concert by the Kitchen Dwellers, a breakout progressive bluegrass band, in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. The group will perform a mix of originals and covers.
Their performance is not part of WCCA’s 2024-2025 season concert series. Individual tickets for the Kitchen Dwellers and season combo tickets to see this band and the other four upcoming WCCA concerts can only be made online at wellsborocca.org using a credit card.
Phyllis E. Gleason “celebration of life slated”
AUSTIN, PA–Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering to celebrate the life of Phyllis E. Gleason, a longtime resident of Austin, at the East Fork Sportsmen’s Club, East Fork Road, Austin, PA from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
Phyllis passed away on September 28, 2024.
Phyllis had entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
As fall begins and the leaves change color, many people expect their allergies to improve with the end-of-summer blooms. However, some still find themselves sneezing and sniffling, even as the flowers fade. Before discarding your tissue box, it’s important to recognize potential fall allergy triggers.
Galeton, PA -Larry’s would like to invite all Veterans and Enlisted Military to this annual event. A homemade lunch will be served both days beginning around Noon thru 1:30pm. Larry’s will again be presenting “Thank You” Gifts to all Veterans and Military in attendance both days of the event. Veterans not wishing to attend the luncheon are welcomed to stop by any time during the event to receive their Thank You Gift. A local Veterans Representative will be in attendance at Larry’s from 10:00am-2:00pm on both days to discuss both new and existing programs available for Veterans, and to help with any questions, concerns or issues which any Veteran attending may have. BigFoot Radio will be in the house on Saturday, November 2nd from 11:00am-1:00pm…BigFoot will be honoring the Veterans service to our Country and will have giveaway items as well. Friday, November 1’t, Larry’s plans to have some localtalent to entertain the Veterans around lunchtime…Please try to attend this event, we look forward to visiting with all of you each year. Bring a friend who may need a day out! Please call (81a)435 6548 with any questions. Just in case you cannot attend… La rry’s would like to Thank each and every Veteran for their service to our Country
Olean- James Michael Austin “Loving Husband, Father, & Grandfather”
James M. Austin of South 11th Street passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at home following an illness, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Following a recall initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, a division of Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., Sprouts Farmers Market has voluntarily recalled select lots of our Chicken Street Taco kits supplied by Fresh Creative Foods on 10/11/2024, due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
On October 27, at 12:17 am Roulette Ambulance was dispatched to Ought St. for a man ill.
Mary K. Ostrander
PORT ALLEGANY- Mary K. Ostrander, 80, of Route 155 N, passed away Sunday (Oct. 13, 2024) in the Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Born May 23, 1944, in Kane, PA, she was a daughter of Joseph C. and Clara Gregory Niklas. On Sept. 3, 1965, in Kane, PA, she married Howard F. Ostrander, who died July 3, 2004.
Mary was a graduate of Kane High School, class of 1962. She also graduated from Alfred State College, class of 1980, with a degree in Nursing.
Ann Graham, 88, of Route 6 in Kane, passed away Monday October 21, 2024, at UPMC Kane. On July 22, 1957 in Yonkers, NY she married the late Howard Graham and they shared 56 years of marriage.
Born June 19, 1936, in Yonkers, NY, she was the daughter of the late Kourken and Takouhi (Karafesian) Gezirjian. Her greatest love was becoming a mother.
HARRISBURG – Nearly $2.7 million in grants have been awarded for a variety of municipal equipment and infrastructure projects in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) announced today.
“These grants are crucial to helping our communities make the necessary investments to best meet the needs of their residents. From water line improvements to road paving and maintenance equipment to public safety, each of these projects will help ensure the health and well-being of our citizens,” Causer said. “I was pleased to advocate for these important local initiatives and bring this funding to our region, and I commend our local officials for making these projects happen.”
Lake Wales, FL – William Andrew Richmond, 88, formerly of Allentown, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024. He was born August 10, 1936, in Wellsville, the son of the late E.O. and Lulu (Quick) Richmond. He married Dolores Halsey, who survives.
Bill was raised in Allentown and was a 1953 graduate of Scio High School. From there he went onto Alfred State College, graduating with an associate degree in Mechanical Technology. He volunteered for the draft and was inducted into the Army in October 1955 and served until October 1957. After his honorable discharge he found his career at Air Preheater, first working as Supervisor of Tool Design and Die Makers, being promoted in 1980 to Manager of Maintenance and Facilities. After 41 years, he retired in 1998. Outside of his employment, he was an avid golfer, he and Dolores were members of several country clubs and liked to golf daily. They also enjoyed traveling, drama, and musicals. While living in Allegany County, Bill was a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge, and the American Legion Post 702.
(PORT ALLEGANY, October 25, 2024) K9s “LG”, “Nico” and “Coal” accompanied District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and K9 handlers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette during a program about the dangers of drugs and that “police officers are your friend.”
“Our fifth graders had an exciting visit from the McKean County’s Detective K9 Unit .They learned about the incredible work these K9 teams do to keep our community safe, from tracking to protection. The students had the chance to ask questions, see some skills in action, and even got a little time to meet our special guest. Thank you to our District Attorney, Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and Rob and Vicki Rinfrette for this engaging experience that brought real-world learning to life for our students!” – Port Allegany Elementary. Thank you Port Allegany Elementary for inviting us! McKean County has K9s that help law enforcement and also visit local schools and attend events with the District Attorney with a message to “say no to drugs.” As part of the presentation, the children are left with pledge cards with a picture of a K9 that they can sign as their oath to “say no to drugs.” The program also reminds children that police officers are their friend and they can call 911 if they need help. The students, K9s, K9 handlers, teachers and District Attorney enjoyed the visit.
Travis Whipple, 39, of Clarendon, passed away Wednesday (Oct. 23) at his residence. Born March 3, 1985 in St. Marys, he is the son of Arthur Whipple and the late Theresa Pennington Whipple.
Travis had worked several jobs, the last being employed by Cummins Engine.
Skye Keyes, 41, of Guyton, GA, passed away Wednesday (Oct. 23) at the home of her brother. Born Feb. 14, 1983 in Dubois, she is the daughter of the late Theresa Pennington.
Skye was a member of the Kane Revival Center. Skye was a fun loving mother to her children and good to all children she met. She enjoyed taking her children on vacations and loved spending time with her Pocket Bully Louis. She enjoyed being around family and friends and spent a lot of time with her brother and best friend, Travis Whipple. She also enjoyed playing Scratch off tickets.
She is survived by her husband Brian Keyes; three sons, Colton, Caiden and Jaxton Keyes; four aunts: Patti Beane, Nicole (Paul Kimes) Causer, Peggy (Jim) Bailey, who raised Skye like a daughter; an uncle Nick Pennington; fourteen cousins, Cheyenne Bailey, Jamie Bailey, Megan Bailey, Sofia Bailey, Tia Bailey, Akira Bailey, Jake (Brittany) Bailey, Shauna Bailey, Tanner Bailey, Tyler Bailey, Elliana Bailey, Ember Bobeck, Muriel Whipple and Joey Couch; two nieces, Mindey Foster and McKenna Collins.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a brother, Travis Whipple, three daughters, Raelynn, Payton and Taylin Keyes four uncles, Kevin Causer, Randy, Russell and Scott Pennington; three aunts, Judy Dunkle , Cathy Pennington and Lois Carlson and her maternal grandparents, Thomas and Derma Pennington.
Friends are invited to attend a viewing at the Cummings Funeral Home on Thursday (Oct. 31) from 2:00-4:00 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Tomas Eastman officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave. Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
On October 26, at 5:42 pm Fox and Jay Twp Fire Depts were dispatched for an outside fire a coal bin and woodpile are on fire and a large section of woods at 312 Benny Ln. in Kersey.
On October 26, at 4:06 pm Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to Ross Glen Rd. for difficulty breathing
Calvin A. Simonds, age 74, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
He was born on October 1, 1950 in Tioga, PA a son of the late Oscar and Mildred (Cole) Simonds and was married to Barbara A. (Abel) Simonds for 53 years. Cal was the property manager for UPMC Wellsboro for 41 years and had a saw sharpening business for many years. He was a member of the Tioga Lodge # 373 F&AM, the Coudersport Consistory, and enjoyed hunting, and riding motorcycles.
He is survived by his wife: Barb Simonds of Wellsboro, PA, sons: Dave (Lisa) Abel of Middlebury Center, PA, Preston Simonds of Wellsboro, PA, brothers: Cliff Simonds of Wellsboro, PA, Karl (Cheri Wheatley) Simonds of Tioga, PA, Clayton (Theresa Owens) Simonds of Addison, NY, sister: Donna (Eric) Packard of Mansfield, PA, brother-in-law: Davis Cosey of NC, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by 4 sisters: Alice Cosey, Irene Simonds, Joyce Sly and Loretta Simonds.
Visitation and a Masonic Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 2 to 5 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wellsboro Firemen’s Ambulance Association, 21 Pearl St., Wellsboro, PA.
Program Title: Sizerville’s Spooktacular Skele-bration
Date: Thursday, October 31st
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Environmental Learning Center
Description: Happy Halloween! Come out and join the park educator for a night filled with spooky fun and games! Some of the topics for this program may include owls, spiders, bats, and ghosts. There will also be a pumpkin-themed game and crafts to make. Costumes are encouraged, so stop by for a ghostly good time!
