Two Life Flighted In Two Vehicle Crash On Rt. 6 In Liberty Twp.
December 2024
What Is Christmas?
Pastor B.J. Knefley
My wife and I were watching one of those romantic Christmas movies—the ones our wives like—when a question about Christmas came up. It wasn’t that we were asking each other; it was a question in the movie. What I found interesting was the answer.
I first thought the movie was about Christ, but that’s not what I heard. Instead, the movie was about joy, a star, peace, angels, and wise men. There was no mention of Christ, the baby in the manger, or the Christ child as the hope for the world. Much emphasis was placed on doing good and sharing love worldwide, but nothing about Christ himself. I wonder why.
Gift of Memory Program 2024
Kevin and Patty Dusenbury, of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are once again grateful for the extreme generosity of many donors to their Gift of Memory program this year. Toys and gifts in excess of 900 items were delivered to the Christmas House in Coudersport, marking the 24th year of the program.
Delivering the toys were Kevin and Patty, Carl and Ronda Dickerson, and the Klesa family, who have graciously embraced the Gift of Memory program to honor their son and brother, Jon, having themselves brought almost 330 gifts and toys donated by their family and friends this year.
Dusenbury said, “We have donors from the first year that continue to donate and new donors every year. We had several donors who contributed very generous amounts of monies which allowed us to shop for specific needs to purchase items for the older children”.
Dusenbury, who is the owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse and the Potter County Coroner stated, “we are once again amazed by the generosity of so many people. We truly THANK each person who donated, assuring that many less fortunate individuals and families will have a brighter and happier Christmas. We wish everyone a beautiful, blessed and very Merry Christmas.”
Pictured with a sampling of this year’s gifts are the Klesa family along with some of their friends, plus Carl and Ronda Dickerson, and volunteers from the Christmas House.
The following donated toys and gifts in memory of their loved ones:
Desarae J. CURRIER, 28, of Friendship, NY
She Never Met A Stranger
Desarae J. CURRIER, 28, of Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Born September 17, 1996, she was the daughter of Bert Currier and Darcy Geffers. Those who knew her cherished her immensely, as her love for family and friends was boundless. Desarae had a remarkable ability to connect with people and was known for her friendly nature and engaging conversations, much like her father. A 2015 graduate of Wellsville High School, Desarae was passionate about volleyball and continued to seek opportunities for the sport beyond her high school years. Professionally, she worked as a home healthcare aide and at Allegany ARC, where she demonstrated exceptional skills in assisting and caring for individuals in need. Additionally, Desarae was an avid fishing enthusiast and could often be found enjoying the tranquility of fishing by the water’s edge.
William Hervey HAND, 83, of Harrison Valley, PA
William Hervey HAND, 83, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Monday, December 23, 2024 in his home.
Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA
Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday,
December 19, 2024 in his home. Born July 21, 1941, in Coudersport, he was the son of Leon J. and Helen Brown Snyder. He was employed as a carpenter by Al Pagano Construction in Galeton and worked as a self-employed logger. Leon served as a forest fire warden.
Kathleen Marie (Kennedy) Hancock, 74, of Middlebury
Kathleen Marie (Kennedy) Hancock, 74, of Middlebury passed away on Saturday December 21, 2024, at The Green Home in Wellsboro. She was born in Wellsboro on March 1, 1950, to Mahlon and Wanda (Bockus) Kennedy. She married Billy Hancock on March 30, 1970.
She was a Case Worker at the Tioga County Assistance Office, A member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, member of Pioneer Club chaperoned mission trips and made four mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and she was an avid bowler.
Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, Bradford, PA.
Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, went to be with her Lord in heaven, Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born January 30, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late John M. Chartreau and Clara (Cicerello) Dibler. Donna was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School.
On April 16, 1955, in St. Bernard Church, she married her soulmate James N. Whitford who preceded her in death on February 15, 2005.
Donna worked at Bradford Hospital for 12 years then began working at W.R. Case Cutlery until her retirement after 38 years of service.
Donna attended St. Bernard Church. She was a life member and Past President of the Francis Sherman Auxiliary, Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Women of the Moose where she served as Senior Pilgrim, and College of Regents, Fireflies, Cootiette Club, Chief Greyback, Range Greyback, and Past Grand President three times of the Pennsylvania State Greybacks. She enjoyed bowling and volunteering at the United Way, Bradford Hospital, the American Red Cross and was a generous blood donor where she donated over 75 times for nearly 10 gallons of blood.
Local organization wins statewide award for its prevention efforts
A local organization was recently recognized for its exceptional efforts in drug and alcohol prevention. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc.’s prevention team was nominated by its Director, Angela Eckstrom, for the prestigious award from the Department of Drug Abuse Programs. Only two organizations were recognized statewide for the Prevention in Action Award. The other award winner is Compass Mark, a Lancaster-based organization.
Mrs. Eckstrom nominated her prevention team based on their exceptional commitment to bringing evidence-based prevention programming to individuals, families, schools, and communities. The team is led by Sheri Larson, Prevention Program Manager.
Upon discussion with Sheri Larson, it was learned that the organization conducts annual needs assessments for Cameron, Elk, and McKean counties. According to Ms. Larson, “The needs assessment determines what obstacles our communities are facing.
“Once the community needs are determined, then we must determine what services are currently being provided to address those them. It is at this point we come in and try to fill gaps, either through partnerships or evidence-based programs of our own,” said Larson.
Since assuming her role, Larson has expanded services within local school district, having 90% of her staff based out of local schools. “The prevention team has doubled in size to meet the services now being requested. The need was always there but obstacles of funding caused our communities to be underserved. The prevention department now consists of 9 staff members, including myself. Growth is a process. We are always looking for new partnerships, funding and ways to expand our programs.”
In addition to school based programs ADAS’ prevention liaisons can be seen in the community. Prevention Staff does educational presentations, they share resources and information at events, and they also do fun alternative programming. Not to mention, they do evidence-based program such as Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and Strengthening Families 10-14 are provided for parents and families. Larson says, “Our programs are provided at no cost to residents of Cameron, Elk and McKean, there is no income requirements or other hoops to jump through. We would love to have more people benefiting from our programs. They more participants the more programs we can offer”
For more information on local programs follow their page on Facebook at Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. or call Sheri Larson at 814-486-0653.
Dorothy M. Wilson, 86, of Smethport, PA
Dorothy M. Wilson, 86, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (December 22, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born November 13, 1938 in Angelica, NY, a daughter of Gertrude Welch. In September of 1966, in Olean, NY, she married Richard L. Wilson, who died August 22, 2014.
Dorothy was an Olean High School graduate and worked for Hounds & Hunting Magazine when it was in Bradford, PA.
She was a member of the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport Auxiliary and the Smethport VFW Post #2497 Auxiliary. Her true passion, however, was playing Bingo.
Barbara L. Scacchi, 85, of Main Street, Limestone, NY
Barbara L. Scacchi, 85, of Main Street, Limestone, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born May 2, 1939, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Marvin B. and Edythe L. (Pfouts) Kessel. Barb was a 1957 graduate of Limestone Union Free High School.
On August 1, 1959, in Portville NY, she married Donald E. Scacchi who survives.
After her marriage she traveled the country while her husband served in the Navy. Don retired in 1976, and they returned to Limestone. She formerly worked as the Limestone Village Clerk and was the Town Justice for the Town of Carrollton for many years, retiring in 2004.
Karen Sue Beck, 70, of, Mt. Jewett, PA
Karen Sue Beck, 70, of, Mt. Jewett, PA, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, at UPMC Kane.
Karen was born August 18, 1954, in Oil City, PA, the daughter of the late Donald B. and Alice E. (Morrison) Umstead. She was employed in Custodial services at many places. Karen was a volunteer at the Mt. Jewett Library and went to the Mt. Jewett Senior Center. She enjoyed thrift shopping, scratch off tickets, walking, playing cards, and coloring games. Karen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Linda L. Porter (77), of Pittsfield
Linda L. Porter
Linda L. Porter (77), of Pittsfield, was called home on December 7th with her loved ones at her side. She was born February 24th 1947, to the late Allen and Ida (Messinger) Porter.
Linda loved nature and was an avid animal lover. Her Christian faith was very important to her. She enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking and listening to classic country music. After her father’s passing in 1974, Linda took over the family dairy farm where she lived the majority of her life.
Ann M. Wehler, 83, of 160 Margaret Road, St. Marys, PA.
Ann M. Wehler, 83, of 160 Margaret Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born May 30, 1941 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Charles and Genevieve Rigard Weichman. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and took great pride in her work at Pinecrest Manor, where she was a cook.
On March 18, 1988, in St. Marys, Ann married the late James Wehler, who preceded her in death on December 9, 1996.
William Bloom, 89, of Wellsboro, PA
William Bloom, 89, of Wellsboro, passed away on Thursday December 19, 2024, at The Green Home. He was born on April 29, 1935, in Boalsburg, PA. William’s parents were Charles and Frances (Beck) Bloom. Frances, his adopted mother, passed away when he was very young in which he was then raised by Charles and Olive Bloom. He married the late Janet (Coppinger) Bloom on June 16, 1963.
William was a motorcycle enthusiast, having raced them until he was 83yrs old. During this time, he was not only Elvis Presley’s motorcycle mechanic but also one of the original White Plate Flat Trackers (noted on a monument in Sturgis, SD). He even managed to race on every NASCAR track in the eastern US. William served in the US Army and was a member of Stony Fork Baptist Church.
Coudersport Ambulance To Chopin Rd
On December 23, at 3:56 pm Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to Chopin Rd. for a woman fallen
Diana R. Hadden, 73, of Ceres, NY
Diana R. Hadden
“Celebration of Lifeslated”
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Diana R. Hadden, 73, of Ceres, NY, from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Shinglehouse American Legion, Route 44S, Shinglehouse, PA.
Diana passed away on December 10, 2024.Diana’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Two Vehicle Accident In Ceres Twp.
On December 23, at 145 pm Shinglehouse Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to 2035 Rt. 44 for a two vehicle accident with unknown injuries
GLP-1 Medications: Are They Right For You?
6 Minute Read
Medically Reviewed by UPMC
October 21, 2024
You’ve likely heard about GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy for managing diabetes and obesity.
These medications continue to make headlines for their weight loss properties, due in part to a rise in popularity among celebrities and online influencers.
But what are GLP-1 medications, and how do they work?
According to a report in StatPearls, research shows GLP-1 drugs are highly effective for people with certain endocrine diseases. However, they’re not designed to be a quick fix or a “miracle” weight loss solution.
It’s critical to weigh the benefits and risks associated with GLP-1 drugs — or any new medication — before deciding whether they’re right for you.
Follow the link for the full article.: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Me? | UPMC HealthBeat