Motorcycle/Deer Crash With Injuries
At 2:39 PM on Saturday, Allentown Fire & Wellsville Ambulance have been dispatched to 4372 Donovan Road for a motorcycle/deer crash with injuries.
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Coudersport Ambulance to Softball Field
At 10:59 AM on Saturday, Coudersport Ambulance has been called to the high school softball field for a dog bite with finger amputation.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to ARMAC RESOURCES LLC in Warren City, Warren County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/05/2023 to ARMAC RESOURCES LLC in Warren City, Warren county. SWMA 302(A) – DISPOSAL, PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person disposed, processed, stored, or permitted the disposal, processing or storage of residual waste in a manner which is contrary to the rules and regulations of DEP or to any permit or to the terms or conditions of any permit or any order issued by DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-05-05 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Penn State Dubois Lists Graduates
DuBOIS, Pa. — Culminating many hours of hard work and dedication, graduates from Penn State DuBois celebrated their accomplishments during the commencement ceremony held on Friday at the PAW Center. Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer, presided over the ceremony, with Arshad Khan, professor of chemistry, serving as faculty marshal and Dylan Treaster serving as the student marshal.
The full 2022-23 Penn State DuBois commencement ceremony is available to view here.
Penn State DuBois 2022-2023 degree recipients include:
Eberly College of Science
Degree of Bachelor of Science
Science:
- Breanna McCahan*, Curwensville, PA
University College
Degree of Bachelor of Science
Business:
- Cole Breon, Millheim, PA
- Andrew Britton, Punxsutawney, PA
- Taylor Charles (Magna Cum Laude)#, DuBois, PA
- Alyssa Dobson (Cum Laude), Kersey, PA
- Sydney Kaschalk (Magna Cum Laude), DuBois, PA
- Larissa James-LaBranch (Magna Cum Laude), Wimauma, FL
- Sarah Peters, DuBois, PA
- Anna Raffeinner, Kersey, PA
- Dominic Torretti*, DuBois, PA
Criminal Justice:
- Kierra Keck, Roulette, PA
- Brice Miller (Magna Cum Laude), Shelocta, PA
- Paige Pleta, Hudson, OH
Human Development and Family Studies:
- Jordan Bundy, Ridgway, PA
- Skylar Ceprish+, Allport, PA
- Alyssa Dobson (Cum Laude), Kersey, PA
- Brook Grove, Valier, PA
- Jenna Kavelak (Cum Laude), Grampian, PA
- Kaelynn Kuhar+, Saint Marys, PA
- Hayley Matter*, Lower Burrell, PA
- Shaylee Olson, Clearfield, PA
- Krysten Ruch, Penfield, PA
- Lukas Salvo#, Rimersburg, PA
Information Technology:
- Kyle Fitzpatrick, DuBois, PA
- Aaron McCracken, Glen Richey, PA
- Cameron Stom+, Penfield, PA
- Gaven Wolfgang, DuBois, PA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Degree of Bachelor of Engineering
Engineering:
- Cole Bressler, Curwensville, PA
- Nanna Bush, Saint Marys, PA
- Devin Carns (Magna Cum Laude), Clearfield, PA
- Jeremiah Kahle, DuBois, PA
- Grant Kiehl, Brookville, PA
- Tyler Stitt (Cum Laude), Reynoldsville, PA
- Dylan Treaster (Summa Cum Laude)#, Rebersburg, PA
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Degree of Bachelor of Science
Psychology:
- Larissa James-LaBranche (Magna Cum Laude)#, Wimauma, FL
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Degree of Associate in Science
Business Administration:
- Nicholas Humble, Punxsutawney, PA
Human Development and Family Studies:
- Darcie Grenier, Clearfield, PA
Information Sciences and Technology:
- Nathan Bloom (Cum Laude), Olanta, PA
- Darin Glass, DuBois, PA
- Gavin Leckey, Saint Marys, PA
- Derek Mohney, Reynoldsville, PA
- Levi Potash+, DuBois, PA
- Colin Say (Cum Laude), Emlenton, PA
Occupational Therapy:
- Mackenzie Bauer+, Lucinda, PA
- Bailey Bloom+, Woodland, PA
- Alexis Cowburn+, Bradford, PA
- Karen Emmerich+, DuBois, PA
- Hannah Freeburg+, Ridgway, PA
- Heather Jones+, Apalachin, NY
- Kelsey Makin+ (Cum Laude), Brookville, PA
- Lexie Wertz+, Dysart, PA
- Emiley Wheeler+, Sugar Grove, PA
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Degree of Associate in Science
Wildlife Technology:
- Guy Anthony, Pleasantville, PA
- Lillian Biddle La, Bell, PA
- Heather Bittle+, DuBois, PA
- Sydney Brown+, Union City, PA
- Raymond Cunningham+, Reynoldsville, PA
- Jacob DeBerti, Brookville, PA
- Madysen Ewing* Punxsutawney, PA
- Mitchell Holden+, Howard, PA
- Makayla Holleran, Wellsboro, PA
- Seth Jordan+, Homer City, PA
- Jackson Kearney+, Kennett Square, PA
- Dakota Malmgren, Falls Creek, PA
- Caleb Rieder, Emporium, PA
- Haley Sanford, Ford City, PA
- Jessica Tarr, Pickerington, OH
- Logan Wagner+, Liverpool, PA
- Anthony Whitaker, Kersey, PA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Degree of Associate in Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology:
- Luke Ammerman, Clearfield, PA
- Ryan Gildersleeve, DuBois, PA
- Cort Holben, Brookville, PA
- Zachary McKendree, Brookville, PA
+ – Indicates Fall 2022 Graduate
* – Indicates Summer 2023 Graduate
# – Indicates Honors Scholar
Coudersport Ambulance To Allegany Avenue
At 9:59 AM on Saturday, Coudersport Ambulance has been called to Allegany Avenue for syncope.
House Fire on Silfies Lane in Sergeant Township
At 8:50 AM on Saturday, Several Fire Depts. are responding to a house fire with smoke showing at 311 Silfies Lane in Sergeant Township. Clermont, Hamlin Twp. & Mt. Jewett are responding.
9:42 AM– Fire Out
Shinglehouse Ambulance To Karr Hollow Rd.
On May 6, at 6:35 am. Shinglehouse ambulance was dispatched to Karr Hollow Rd. for altered Mental Status
Possible Structure Fire In Downtown Bradford
On May 6, at 6:29 am. Bradford Firefighters were dispatched to 20 Main St. for a possible structure fire in downtown Bradford. Caller reported smoke in the apartment. All units returning nothing was found
North Central Supply And the “Shops of Quarterwest”
Check out all the new recliners in stock.
We are your one stop shop for fishing supplies.
Get your fishing license here.. Starting June 26..you can purchase your hunting license and doe tag here.
We are a Pete Rickard and Protektor Model dealer.
Shooting tables in stock, leather rests and pouches
Stop by to check out all the great items in Grammy’s Shack…pick out a bulb from our bulb Christmas tree…colors for all year long.
Always great prices on appliances., Furniture, doors, flooring, carpets, and so much more.
We have a little bit of everything… weather for your home, camp, VRBO, we have what you need to furnish and decorate…
Get some of “Abe’s” famous maple syrup.
No one beats our prices.. period!
Save money and make the drive to Galeton!
Mt. Jewett Dispatched For Crash on West Main Street
At 9:54 PM on Friday, Mt. Jewett Fire Dept. has been dispatched to West Main Street for traffic control at the scene of a no-injury motor vehicle accident.
Port Allegany Ambulance to Gleason Hollow Road
At 9:43 PM on Friday, Port Allegany Ambulance has been called to Gleason Hollow Road for chest pains.
Rollover Crash in Farmington Township
At 8:11 PM on Friday, Elkland, Osceola Fire & Valley Ambulance have been dispatched to Tannery Hill Road near Pleasant Valley Road for a rollover crash with one injury. Air medical is requested.
15 Year Old Injured In Dirt Bike Crash In The Woods Near St. Marys
On May 5 at 4:40 pm. Jay Twp. and St. Marys Fire Dept., and Elkland search and rescue were dispatched to a land rescue in the woods near Old Reservoir Rd for a dirt bike crash. Patient is a 15 year old with a possible dislocated shoulder. Patient is on his way to the hospital
Lois A. Miller, 94, of 540 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA
Lois A. Miller, 94, of 540 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 4, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Emory and Elsie (Milliron) Palmer. She attended Bradford Area Schools.
On November 1, 1947, in the Bolivar Drive Nazarene Church, she married Perry E. Miller, who survives. They celebrated their 75 wedding anniversary last November.
Lois was a homemaker, and baby sitter for many area families.
She enjoyed cooking, baking pies, especially apple pies, and loved the Lord and her family.
Surviving are her husband of 75 years, Perry, one daughter, Julia (Terry) Jackson, of Bradford, two sons, Donald (Sabra) Miller, of Columbiana, OH, Randall (Paula) Miller, of Bradford, five grandchildren, Gene Miller, Mark Jackson, Amy Yeager, Sarah Miller, and Chris Santangelo, nine great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Jeremy Miller, three sisters, and one brother.
Family will receive friends on Monday, May 8, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., where at Noon funeral services will be held with Rev. Terri Niver, pastor, First Wesleyan Church, officiating. Entombment will be in Limestone Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contribution, if desired, may be made to First Wesleyan Church, 692 South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Patricia A. Levenduski, 89, of Houston Road, St. Marys, PA
Patricia A. Levenduski, 89, of Houston Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.
Veronica Frances Ferragine, 97, of 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA
Veronica Frances Ferragine, 97, of 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Thursday morning, May, 4, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys following a brief illness.
She was born on April 2, 1926 in Johnsonburg, the youngest of ten children to the late Stephen and Grace Scrivo Vavala. On August 23, 1958 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married Anthony F. Ferragine. He preceded her in death on November 11, 2020.
A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, she was a 1944 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church and had been a member of the Rosary Altar Society, and the CD of A. She was also a member of the Marie Jose Lodge. She had also been a lunchtime volunteer at ECCHS for many years when her children were students at the school. She loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays and during summer at the camp at the dam, always looking for someone to play 500 with. She loved trips to the casino and her own and everyone else’s pets.
Veronica had worked at Stackpole in Johnsonburg. Along with her husband Anthony, in 1962, they pooled their resources, financial and physical, to purchase the Penn Club and open the Anthony Ferragine Funeral Home. She worked in many capacities there for many years.
Veronica is survived by her children, Gemma Ferragine and her husband Gary Palm of Raleigh, NC, Frank Ferragine and his wife Sherrie of Johnsonburg and Veronica Pierce of Ringwood, NJ and her grandchildren Amanda Palm and her husband Josh Williams, Mary Palm, Samantha, Mrs. Kyle Yurkiewicz, Anthony “Joey” Ferragine and his fiancé Abby Owen, William “Luke” Ferragine and his fiancé Emily Miller, Rebecca Pierce, Matthew Pierce and Stephen Pierce. She is also survived great-grandchildren Josephine “JoJo” Williams and Grayson Yurkiewicz and Hayden Yurkiewicz due in June.
She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Veronica is predeceased by brothers Salvatore “PeeWee” and Bruno “Nibe” Vavala, sisters Helen Tassone, Marian Dellaquila, Rose Damore, Brunina Tripodi, Josephine DeFiore, Givanna “Jenny” Francis and Margaret “Margie” Occhiuto and a son-in-law Mark L. Pierce.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Veronica F. Ferragine will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Monday May 8, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor as concelebrant. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA Sunday evening from 6 to 8 PM.
If desired, memorial contributions should be made in remembrance of her to Holy Rosary Church, 600 Penn St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845, The Johnsonburg Community Center, 600 Market St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845 or to the Johnsonburg Public Library, 520 Market St. #1, Johnsonburg, PA 15845.
Share your condolences at www.ferraginefuneralhome.com
Celebration of Life for Ellen G. Ruffolo
A Celebration of Ellen’s Life will be held on Tuesday May 9, 2023, at 10:30 am in the Conewango Club, 201 Market St. Warren PA, with a funeral luncheon to follow.
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Where is the Fairness in ‘Redefining’ Freedom?
By Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford)
Discrimination is wrong. It always has been and always will be.
It is also wrong to try to redefine freedom under the umbrella of “discrimination.”
Yet that would be the result in our Commonwealth if House Bill 300, the so-called “Fairness Act,” is enacted into law.
This bill is not about fairness. It’s not even about protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination – those protections are already well-established in both state and federal laws.
This bill, as one Philadelphia state senator said, is about “redefining freedom.” At a rally in support of House Bill 300, Sen. Nikil Saval said, “I do feel that what we are doing here and what my colleagues are doing and all of us are doing together is redefining what freedom is. Freedom is about being able to work where you work, be called by the pronouns that are yours, by the names that are yours because of who you are. And we are reclaiming that definition of freedom.”
But once again, he and other supporters of House Bill 300 are not telling you the whole story. Let’s look at what it REALLY means to “redefine freedom.”
I recently talked with a woman who served for over a decade as a drug and alcohol counselor, most recently in the city of Philadelphia. She served everyone, but her employer fired her just this year, citing a Philadelphia ordinance on public accommodations, just like those outlined in House Bill 300.
This woman counseled clients on drug and alcohol issues regardless of their gender identity. So, what was the firing offense?
After she began counseling a new client, a male who identified as a woman, she let her employer know that she simply avoids using sex-based pronouns because of her religious beliefs. After all, it’s easy to simply say “you” in one-on-one conversation.
She wanted to let her employer know they could also accommodate her by assigning clients to a counselor who embraces using opposite sex pronouns if they thought that better than her approach of using neutral pronouns.
Her employer, instead of thanking her and finding a reasonable approach that protected everyone, fired her a day or so later, saying the Philadelphia public accommodation ordinance “will prevail over a religious objection” and demanded she use opposite-sex pronouns.
All she did was ask for reasonable accommodation, and she lost her job.
This is what the redefined “freedom” looks like: Compelled speech.
What does redefined freedom look like in our schools? It’s biological males competing on our female teams. It opens up locker rooms and restrooms to anyone, whatever gender you want to be under the accommodation part of the Human Services Code. That includes our pools, shelters and even faith-based nonprofits.
What does redefined freedom look like in our hospitals? It’s forcing doctors to perform sex change operations on minors whether the doctors want to or not.
How about churches and houses of worship? Under this bill a church would be subject to litigation if someone did not get the job they wanted regardless of their religious convictions.
Lawmakers are leaders and it is our job to work together for the betterment of the Commonwealth, to support our citizens regardless of age, race, gender, sexual identity, etc. Instead of working together to come up with a proposal that values everyone, House Democrats have pushed this unreasonable proposal that is bad for our Commonwealth, our communities and our citizens.
I, for one, would like to stick with the freedoms our founding fathers drafted in our Constitution, versus this extreme redefinition of “freedom.” Freedom, Liberty, Justice, Free Speech and Religious Freedom for all.
Blossburg, Mansfield Dispatched For ATV Accident
At 1:41 PM on Friday, Blossburg Fire & Mansfield ambulance have been dispatched to 34 Dike Lane in Covington Twp. for a 34 year old female injured when an ATV rolled on top of her. She has been extricated .
Kane Dispatched For Traffic Control at Crash
At 1:35 PM on Friday, Kane Fire Dept. has been called to North Fraley & Greeves Streets for a dump truck vs van crash. Roadway is blocked.
Ava Wahlers has committed to play Volleyball for Wilkes University
Ava Wahlers has committed to play Volleyball for Wilkes University this coming Fall. She has been accepted into the Barre Scholars and Honors Program at Wilkes University. She will Study Biology and Neuroscience. Upon completion of her degree from Wilkes University, she will attend Penn State Medical School. This Pre-Medical Early Assurance program is a combined 4+4 program with a guaranteed seat in the Penn State College of Medicine starting in 2027.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContactCapitol Update Friday, May 5, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Solutions to PA’s EMS Crisis Focus of May 11 Town Meeting Ambulance services across our region are struggling with rising costs, declining revenue and a shortage of providers. We all need to work together to ensure our emergency responders can continue providing the life-saving services we depend upon. That’s why I am inviting emergency medical services (EMS) providers, county and local officials, and concerned citizens to the following meeting: Town Meeting: Finding Solutions to PA’s EMS Crisis Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m. Smethport Fire Department 109 S. Nelson St., Smethport Aaron Rhone, director of the Bureau of EMS within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is scheduled to attend, as is Heather Sharar, executive director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, and Tom McElree, executive director of EMS West. RSVPs for the meeting are requested but not required. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to sign up at www.RepCauser.com or call one of my offices in Bradford (814-362-4400), Coudersport (814-274-9769) or Kane (814-837-0880).  Congratulations Stretch!  Congratulations to Emporium Borough Manager Stretch Reed for earning the 2023 Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Career Recognition Award through the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services. A member of borough council for 10 years, Stretch became borough manager in 2007. Throughout his time with the borough, he has worked hard on behalf of the community and citizens of Emporium. I was honored to present him with a House citation in recognition of his dedication. Celebrating Civics Day  It was a pleasure to welcome students and the principal from Potter County Christian School in Roulette to the state Capitol this week for Civics Day! From left, Principal Bruce Greene and students Sophia Sausser and Jethro Smith. Leadership Elk and Cameron Counties  Thank you to the current class of Leadership Elk and Cameron Counties for making the trip to the Capitol this week to talk about state and local issues, as well as the work of state legislators. Rep. Mike Armanini and I enjoyed meeting these outstanding people who are committed to being leaders in their communities. Keep up the good work! Keystone Commitment: A Future-Focused, People-Driven Pledge to All Pennsylvanians  Our Commonwealth and nation are at a crossroads. Inflation continues to soar, and you feel it every time you gas up your car, heat your home, or even just put dinner on the table.At the same time, communities in Pennsylvania are dealing with rampant violent crime. We must lead the way to a better future for everyone. That is the Keystone Commitment, a promise to listen to your concerns and promote policies that will help you and your family during these unprecedented times. The Keystone Commitment is a people-driven, future-focused platform that delivers hope through the opportunity to experience earned success. It is built on four cornerstones: a thriving economy, affordable living, safer communities, and a child-first, family-focused education. Watch for more in the coming weeks about our commitment and the policies we are working to advance in the state House. Learn more at www.KeystoneCommitment.com. Prevent Lyme: Check for Ticks  May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. As you spend time outdoors, it is important to check yourself, loved ones and pets for ticks and be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-related ailments. The first line of defense against Lyme is to take precautions outdoors by treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, using insect repellent, and avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass or leaf litter. When you return indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks; shower as soon as possible after being outdoors; and check your body for ticks, particularly in areas such as under the arms, in and around the ears, back of the knees and other similar areas. If bitten, an individual should monitor the area for the appearance of a bull’s eye rash, though the rash does not develop in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. However, symptoms may progress to arthritic, neurologic and cardiac symptoms if not treated. Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick or deer tick. If you pull a tick from yourself, a loved one or your pet, you may have it tested to determine if it carries Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. More information about how to get a tick tested at the East Stroudsburg University Tick Lab is available here. Learn more about Lyme disease symptoms, treatment and prevention here. May is Bike Safety Month  Did you know anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in Pennsylvania? This law applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. May is Bike Safety Month, and PennDOT is reminding bicycle enthusiasts of the following safety tips: • Always wear a properly fitted helmet. • Ride on the right side of the road or trail, with the flow of traffic. • Obey all traffic signs and signals. • Slow down when you approach an intersection. • Look left, look right, look left again, then look over your shoulder before entering an intersection. • Use proper hand signals when turning to communicate with drivers. • Wear bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you. • Adjust the bicycle to fit you properly. • Maintain your bike regularly to keep it working smoothly. Also, Pennsylvania law requires drivers to give bicyclists 4 feet of space when passing them at a reduced speed. When approaching a bike rider, slow down, check for oncoming traffic and decide if you can safely pass while maintaining the 4 feet distance. Please visit www.penndot.pa.gov for more bicycle safety tips. Celebrate Small Businesses  As National Small Business Week and Pennsylvania Small Business Week draw to a close on Saturday (May 6), it is important to remember these employers are the backbone of our economy. Pennsylvania is home to 1.1 million small businesses that employ approximately 2.5 million workers. Small business owners have displayed incredible perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions. I hope you will join me in thanking and patronizing our small businesses year round. |
Barn Fire on Higgins Creek Road in Allegany County
At 11:30 AM on Friday, Fillmore, Wiscoy, Centerville, Houghton and Fast team 1 dispatched for a barn fire on Higgins Creek Road. Tankers requested from Rushford & Short Tract. Reported fully involved.
Vehicle/Motorcycle Crash on Rt. 19 in Amity
At 11:39 AM on Friday, Belmont & Amity Rescue have been dispatched to a crash at Rt. 19 & County Road 20 in front of Quicklee’s for a vehicle/motorcycle crash. Motorcyclist is down in roadway. Second ambulance for second patient. Mercyflight has been requested.
19- Car vs Motorcycle -11:54 – SR 19 at the intersection of SR 19 and CR 20 Closures Due to Crash
All lanes are now open this incident has cleared.
For more information, visit 511NY
Roulette Township Meeting Postponed
Roulette Township
The Roulette Township Supervisors has rescheduled the May monthly meeting to be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 to Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Same place same time
Port Allegany Ambulance to Rt. 155 N
At 11:28 AM on Friday, Port Allegany Ambulance has been called to Rt. 155 North for heart problems.
In-person Star Award Ceremonies return to UAHS
BRADFORD, PA/OLEAN, NY –Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), members of Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), recently presented their April star awards with the first in-person ceremonies since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Michael Erickson, mental health tech, who works in the behavioral health, dual diagnoses department at BRMC, and James Jones, host working in the food and nutrition department at OGH, were awarded the monthly BRMC & OGH star awards, respectively.
Michael has been with BRMC for over fifteen years ¾ starting in 2007. “He is very insightful. Whenever he is addressed with any questions or concerns he provides lots of good information, but allows you to come to your own conclusion and decision,” according to his nomination. “Anytime anyone needs help Michael will not hesitate to jump in wherever there is a need. He is someone that you can rely on to not only be a great coworker, but mentor as well.”
“James brings a level of care through his compassion and kindness that makes him a model employee,” according to his nomination. “James has been known to be there for patients who are in comfort measures, always making sure they are comfortable and taken care of, while also listening and being there for them. James is an exemplary employee and anyone working in the healthcare industry could follow his lead as an ideal employee.” James started at OGH in November 2020.
At BRMC and OGH, the star award is presented monthly to an employee who demonstrates outstanding performance and inspires the same in others. Team members are nominated for exceptional customer satisfaction, continuous performance improvement, teamwork, communication, ownership/accountability, and excellence.
“This is a great kickoff to bringing back our in-person star award ceremonies! Being new to the organization, I didn’t know what to expect with putting an event like this together,” said Lesley Zurek, senior director, human resources, UAHS. “One goal I’ve had since taking this role was to improve employee engagement and showcase our diligent and committed team members. Our team is unwavering with all the current struggles that healthcare is facing. Anything we can do to make our team feel appreciated for what they provide to our community is important.”
Star award recipients received a chamber of commerce gift certificate, additional paid time off, certificate of recognition, UAHS logoed apparel, as well as the coveted star award parking spot. The event was held in the front lobby for BRMC and the Education Center for OGH, as Michael and James were presented their awards in front of co-workers, family, and members of the community. After the ceremony, refreshments and snacks were available for everyone to enjoy.