December 2024

Embark on an adventure like no other! This is your chance to dive into epic storytelling, forge friendships, and develop key life skills – all while having an amazing time.

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is more than just a game; it’s a gateway to creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students become heroes in a world of their own making, working together to solve puzzles, strategize, and defeat challenges. With a focus on teamwork and storytelling, every session taught by Brent Bryant, Networking and Security Instructor at Seneca Highlands CTC, is a chance to explore, problem-solve, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether your student is a seasoned adventurer or new to role-playing games, they’ll be guided by experienced facilitators in a safe, welcoming environment. No special experience or materials required – just imagination!

It is being called the largest ever by organizers.  Cameron County Christmas began with a week of shopping small where more than $15,000 was spent at local businesses.  Shoppers were asked to track spending and then were entered to win chamber bucks provided by C&N Bank.

Friday night the parade stepped off with more than 25 participants.  Taking home fan favorite was Singers Auto Service with owner Jimmy Singer wowing the crowd with his dance moves on the train car from Polar Express.  Caroline Gleason joined the parade marking the first time equestrian riders took part.  Gleason was awarded the chamber prize.  St Mark Catholic Church received the reason for the season award with the live nativity float.  Cameron County Girl Scouts brought home the organization award by singing Rudolph and enjoying a ride in a pickup complete with a red nose!  Members of Cameron County High School Marching Band decorated clothing with lights and wowed the crowd with holiday music.  Emporium Hardwoods Rockin Round the Christmas Tree drew loud applause as it drove the route.  Decorated with a large guitar and tree pulled by a tractor trailer the float was the winner of the business category. 

April Mase, RD
Food and Nutrition, UPMC

As we recover from Thanksgiving but with many more celebrations ahead, you may find it challenging to not overindulge this holiday season. Perhaps you also hosted—or were a guest—encountering food allergies or sensitivities that might need more attention in your next gathering. With a little preparation and communication, everyone can enjoy the holidays without compromising their health.

There will be a special Committee of the Whole meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11.

Agenda items include proposed amendments to our Classification, Compensation, and Evaluation Plan; end of year contracts; and any other business that may come up between now and then. 

Penn College wrestling, basketball and soccer players stand out

The Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestling team had a great outing, the men’s and women’s basketball teams stayed unbeaten in United East Conference play, and several soccer players were awarded postseason honors this past week.

Wrestling
Penn College placed second in a 12-team field and had one individual champion in Carter Davis on Saturday in the Elizabethtown Blue Jay Classic.

On November 26, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Frank Scarpa, 61 of Angelica, NY for Kidnapping 2^nd degree, Menacing 2^nd degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 1^st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3^rd degree, Tampering with Evidence, Intimidating a Witness 2^nd degree, Assault 2^nd degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4^th degree.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation also arrested Michelle M. McCloskey, 40 of Angelica, NY for Kidnapping 2^nd degree, Menacing 2^nd degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 1^st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3^rd degree, Tampering with Evidence and Intimidating a Witness 2^nd degree.

On November 26, 2024, at 1:06 A.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to a 911 call from a male on an iWatch on County Route 16 in the town of Angelica claiming to have escaped a kidnapping and was running away from the kidnappers. Investigation determined that the 36-year-old victim was picked up at his residence around midnight by McCloskey. As they were driving, Scarpa appeared from the back of the SUV and began assaulting him. The suspects took him to a location in Angelica, McCloskey had a sawed-off shotgun and Scarpa had a pistol. Scarpa began hitting the victim with the pistol. While the suspects were removing the victim from the vehicle to the building, the victim was able to escape running for a secluded marsh area, then called 911 using an Apple iWatch. Troopers located the victim and he was transported to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville for medical evaluation.

Troopers located both suspects and they were arrested and transported to SP Amity for processing. Search warrants were conducted at multiple locations. Scarpa was arrested two years ago in Hinsdale for kidnapping the same victim and the court case is still ongoing.

Both suspects were transported to Allegany County Jail for CAP Court to await arraignment. 

District IV Legislators have scheduled a district meeting for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Andover Town Office, which is located at 22 E Greenwood St, Andover.