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Two outstanding members of the local community, Marianne Laine and Blake Tarana, were celebrated for their philanthropic contributions at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon in Buffalo on November 14th. The event, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Western New York (AFP of WNY), recognized individuals and organizations making a profound impact across Western New York. St. Bonaventure University and Olean General Hospital, a Kaleida Health facility, jointly nominated both Laine and Tarana, showcasing their dedication to bettering the community.

“As a committee member for National Philanthropy Day of Western New York, it was a privilege to work with the Olean General Hospital Foundation to nominate and share two stories of generosity and dedication in the southern tier,” said Melissa DeRose, major gifts officer, St. Bonaventure University.  “The afternoon celebrated Marianne and Blake and their immeasurable impact; a testament to their unwavering commitment to our area.”

The Deane Center for the Performing Arts, a cultural cornerstone of Tioga County, has launched its Annual Appeal Drive, calling on the community and local businesses to join together in ensuring the Center’s continued impact. Donations and sponsorships are needed to support its mission of bringing world-class arts and entertainment to the region and maintaining an accessible, welcoming space for all. 

“For over a decade, the Deane Center has been a place where creativity thrives, milestones are celebrated, and the community comes together,” said Amy Welch, Executive Director of the Deane Center. “This year, as we launch our Annual Appeal, we’re asking for your support to keep this vision alive and vibrant. Together, we can ensure this beloved space remains a hub for connection and inspiration.” 

Annually, The Deane Center hosts 200+ events that span a variety of purposes, from performances to community gatherings, often offered at no or minimal cost to ensure access for everyone. However, sustaining this level of service requires robust community backing. 

To The Editor:

Senator Tom O’Mara’s recent critique of New York’s Clean Slate Act  misrepresents its scope, intent, and societal benefits.

He claims the law indiscriminately expunges millions of criminal records, including violent crimes such as manslaughter and kidnapping, which is false. The law explicitly excludes Class A felonies and sex offenses from expungement and imposes strict eligibility criteria: misdemeanors are sealed after three years and felonies after eight, contingent on the individual completing their sentence and remaining crime-free. Moreover, records are sealed, not erased, ensuring law enforcement and courts retain access for public safety (New York Senate, 2023).

O’Mara overlooks significant benefits of expungement laws. Research consistently shows that sealing records reduces recidivism by increasing employment opportunities and promoting housing stability (Prescott & Starr, 2019). These outcomes enhance public safety and support rehabilitated individuals in reintegrating into society.

Concerns about employer and public safety are overstated. Sensitive industries, such as childcare or elder care, require fingerprint-based background checks, which remain unaffected by the Clean Slate Act (New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services, 2023). The law also leaves victim rights and restitution processes intact, contrary to claims that it disregards crime victims.

Rather than engaging with the data-backed benefits of reforms like Clean Slate, O’Mara perpetuates fear-based narratives, calling it a “pro-criminal” policy. However, the law aims to correct systemic inequities and provide second chances to individuals who have paid their debt to society. This balanced approach fosters safer communities and promotes justice through rehabilitation, not perpetual punishment.

Jackie Wilson, Representative 2024 – 2026

Alfred, NY District 2

Allegany County Democratic Committee

References:

New York Senate. (2023). S211A, Clean Slate Act. Retrieved from https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S211A

New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. (2023). Background check requirements for sensitive industries. Retrieved from https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/

Prescott, J. J., & Starr, S. B. (2019). Expungement of criminal records: An empirical study. University of Michigan Law School. Retrieved from https://repository.law.umich.edu/

On November 25, at 8:10 pm Angelica Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to I 86 West for a tractor trailer accident.

A community fund raising event will be held Saturday, November 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and  Sunday, December 1st from noon – 4 p.m. at Eddie’s on Main located at 212 North Main Street in Port Allegany to benefit the Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for (Youth) Community Service.    There will be raffles, food, shopping and fun showcasing God’s Country Creamery Cheese, Little Mountain Winery, locally crafted wooden photo frames, Card Creek Bakery Artisan breads and desserts, Out of the Lane Aprons by bkh, Brenda Sawyer Art, Ambeaulynn Hand Stamped Jewelry, Repurposed Sweater Mittens, PA Plants Succulent Planters, Otto-Eldred FFA grown poinsettias, local honey and maple syrup products, Eddie’s on Main Sweet Treats, Charcuterie Boxes and more holiday gift ideas. There will also be a holiday luncheon menu. 

Pastor Randy Headley served in the U.S. Marines and worked in sales before entering the ministry in 1991.  He served United Mehodist Churches in Shinglehouse, Ceres, Trinity (now Port Allegany UMC), Port Allegany Evangelical UMC (now closed) Crosby,  Riverside and Fishing Creek, all in the Kane District of the UMC.  

Shoppers have Black Friday. But for Pennsylvania hunters, the real action starts one day later, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when the statewide firearms deer season begins.

No other single point of the hunting calendar draws as much participation.

Opening day, which falls on Nov. 30 this year, will put more than half a million hunters in the woods, all looking to bring home healthy venison to fill their freezers. It’s about more than just that, though. For many families – those who hunt from camps and those who hunt closer to home – the deer opener is an event, a chance to bring together family and friends and make memories centered on the outdoors that will be retold for generations.

“Growing up, I looked forward to the first day of deer season all year,” said Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “I’m hardly alone that way. For many of us, hunting, and deer hunting in particular, isn’t just a hobby. It’s a part of the fabric of our lives.

ATTENTION: The township office will be closed all week this week. If you have an emergency you may call the office at 814-544-7549 and leave a message. Thank you

Roulette Native Nate Thompson caught a near-record walleye in the Town Of Roulette the fish was 31 inches long and weighed 10 pounds

Dear Members and Supporters,

It is with heartfelt reverence and gratitude that we announce an important change to our Lodge’s name. The William Hanley Sr., Lodge No. 67 will now be known as the Shade-Hanley Lodge No. 67, honoring both our esteemed founding benefactor, William Hanley Sr., and our beloved past president, Bradford Township Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Shade.

Lieutenant Shade tragically passed away in the line of duty on August 4, 2023, while serving the Bradford community with courage and dedication. His leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of law enforcement left an indelible mark on our Lodge and our community. This name change is a lasting tribute to his legacy and the profound impact he had on all of us.

As we embrace this meaningful transition, the Shade-Hanley Lodge No. 67 remains steadfast in our mission to support our members, strengthen our community, and honor those who serve and sacrifice for the greater good. Your unwavering support—whether as individuals, organizations, or silent champions of law enforcement and our Lodge—makes this work possible and impactful.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the greater Bradford, PA community for standing by our Lodge and its officers over the years. Your dedication has been a cornerstone of our success. To our unnamed supporters whose quiet contributions sustain us, please know your efforts are deeply valued and appreciated.

Link To Full Facebook Posting HERE

Christmas Lineup

Businesses and organizations in Cameron County preparing for the holiday season.  The season begins with the arrival of the Christmas tree in the town square.  The tree has been donated by the Erik and Marilyn Erickson.  Smoker Logging will cut and transport the tree Thanksgiving weekend.  In addition a second tree donated by Chris and Randy Andrews will be installed on West Fourth Street near the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce new location.

During Shop Small Saturday November 30, a drawing will be held to give away $100 worth of lottery tickets.  It benefits the Cameron County Royalty.  The tickets can be purchased now at $5.00 each at the chamber office.  Beginning November 30,  shoppers can pick up the C&N Bank Shop Small punch card and after spending $100 at local businesses the card can be turned into the chamber office for a drawing to be held during Christmas in the Wilds December 7.  This gives shoppers one week to fill as many cards as possible.  The prizes are 1 $100 winner, 3 $50 winners 2 $25 winners.  The Cameron County High School Quarterback Club is raising funds from a basket raffle.  Tickets will be available November 25 through December 7 at the chamber office.  All Christmas Time at Sarah Jane’s will open its doors for snuggling with furry animals.  The theme of A Christmas Time will be woodland animals.  Sarah Daley will have painting classes every Friday night.

The month of December kicks off with a used book sale at Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library December 3-7. The Christmas Parade and tree lighting take place in downtown Emporium on Friday night December 6.   The highlight is the arrival of Santa who will then throw the switch to light the tree.  The Christmas Benefit committee will have basket tickets available at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department starting at 4pm. 

Saturday morning Santa arrives with his reindeer.  The reindeer will relax on North Wood Street between Twisted Sisters and Mountain Laurel Federal Credit Union.  The Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will host breakfast with Santa  from 9am to 11am.   Santa will then travel to A Christmas Time which is hosted by Sarah Daley at her studio at 5 East Fourth Street.  Families and teens can pick up the selfie scavenger hunt list from businesses in the county.  There are 20 items to find at decorated homes or businesses.  Downtown Emporium vendors will sell items from 9am-1pm.  The CCHS Quarterback Club will have its basket drawing at 1pm and the winners of the C&N Bank Shop Small punch card will be announced at 2pm.  The  Christmas Community Dance will be held Saturday night at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department.

A Christmas Time will continue to host events during the month of December.  Santa will be greeting children and accepting their letters on Saturday 14 and 21 from noon-2pm.  On Sunday December 8 an elf will be on hand to read stories from 2pm-3pm.  December 15 pets are invited to spend time with Santa.   A photographer will be on hand and the price is $10.00  Throughout the month paint and sips will be offered and the venue is open for holiday gatherings.

The selfie Christmas scavenger hunt continues throughout the month of December.  Participants are to share the pictures on the Facebook group Christmas in Cameron County.  A random drawing will take place New Years Day with prizes awarded.  Brochures outlining the events are available at various businesses in the county.

Turkey Bowling Results

Saturday morning four people threw frozen turkey breasts at bowling pins at the Emporium Food Market.  It is an annual tradition at the grocery store started by owner, Scott McCann.  The winner Issaac Weber, then spent time filling a cart for his Thanksgiving Day dinner.  The other bowlers, Vanessa Bidwell, Lucie Copp and Barb Palumbo all received gift cards to the store.

Six bakers brought pumpkin, apple or banana bread to the store.  A panel of judges including McCann, his son, Wyatt and last years’ pie winner Joe Pleak spent 30 minutes taste testing.  The winners included Jenn Austin, Jean Tesauro and Jill Perry.     All participants received gift cards to the store.