NEWS
Walk with a Doc on May 4
BRADFORD, PA – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and the Guidance Center (TGC) are hosting the May Walk with a Doc event this Thursday, May 4. The event will take place at Richard E. McDowell Trail on Campus Drive, starting at 5pm.
The walk is coordinated through a partnership between the Guidance Center and BRMC. This month’s providers that will be leading the walk are Dr. Joshua Halbauer and Elizabeth Bless, CRNP, both from TGC. Participants are encouraged to wear green attire in honor of May being mental health awareness month. Also, the drawing for the $150 Dunham’s Sports will be held at the event for those who participated in the last three events.
The topic the providers will be discussing this month is Cannabis and its medical benefits. The walk is free and open to anyone. If interested, please register at walkwithadoc.org/Ewaiver.
MoreGaleton Weather Report April 2023
April this year was a dry and cool month. Most mornings were in the 30’s and low 40’s. The afternoons warmed up into the 50’s. The average high temperature for April is 52 degrees and the average low is 30 degrees. It was a windy month.
This April we recorded 1.19” of rain with a trace of snow on two mornings. Last year the readings were 3.01” of rain and 3.4″ of snow. We had two thunderstorms, three foggy mornings and ice pellets on the 25th.
The trees are turning green and the flowering trees are beautiful. The lilacs appear to be about a month early. The grass is growing and the mowers are out. Some mowers were out even before the grass started growing.
Henry W. Lush
National Weather Service Observer
PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued to JKM Energy in Sweden Township
PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Sweden Twp Township |
Description: Gas permit issued on 4/25/2023 to JKLM ENERGY LLC for site Sweden Valley 108-7V in Sweden Twp township, Potter county |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-04-25 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
Traffic Signal Damaged on Maynard Street in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Maynard Street traffic signal at the entrance to Sheetz / Wendy’s and the Fairfield Inn hotel was damaged during a crash and is currently not operational.
Motorists traveling on Maynard Street can expect free flowing traffic at this intersection. Motorists traveling from Sheetz / Wendy’s and the Fairfield Inn hotel side streets onto Maynard Street can expect a stop sign.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.
Penn College sports update
Wildcat Weekly Highlights
UE champ Penn College golfers going to nationals; lacrosse team seeks crown
For the second time in three years, the Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s golf team on Saturday won the United East Championship and will represent the conference at the NCAA Division III Championships.
In the running for a United East title this week is the college’s men’s lacrosse team, while the college’s baseball and softball teams — which both qualified for the conference postseason a week ago — await word on when their playoffs will begin as wet weather took a toll over the past week pushing back several regular-season games into Finals Week and forcing schedule changes.
MoreDeadline Nears to Save on Hawaiian Adventure Tour!
Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a leisurely 3-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island (Kona) and Maui. Remember Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Embark on a wonderful journey along Oahu’s famous North Shore. Take in the natural beauty of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Admire the hula dance, an ancient Polynesian art form. Visit a coffee farm in Kona and learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. In Maui, visit the old royal capital of Lahaina where you can stroll through historic streets. Uncover the beauty, culture and traditions of all three islands.
This 10-day/9-night tour that departs on November 2nd is a trip of a lifetime! Visit this link to register or for more information gateway.gocollette.com/link/1112514 or call (814) 274-4877 to request a brochure, get details/cost, etc. You’ll save $100/per person if you reserve by May 2, 2023, so reserve today!
Nursing, Not Just a Career but a Calling
During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, I want to recognize and thank the more than 1,500 nurses whom I represent at UPMC in North Central Pa., as well as the more than 4.4 million registered nurses nationwide. As nurses, you understand that our vocation is more than a paycheck and a career, it’s a calling.
Nursing requires selflessly serving and caring for others. It’s sleepless nights, long days, endless hours on our feet, and yet, one of most rewarding experiences we have the privilege to partake in every day. Nurses are a sign of comfort and calm in the storm. We often must put ourselves aside to help others when they’re facing some of the hardest points in their lives. We are entrusted with the lives of our patients and in return they expect our kindness, warmth, and expertise. Whether offering encouraging words of support or highly skilled care, as nurses, we steward the well-being of our patients with equal doses of professionalism and empathy.
With more than 40 years of experience as a nurse, I can safely say that the ups and downs that we’ve experienced over the past five years have really tested the grit of our health care professionals, especially nurses. Patient care is embodied in the practice of nursing and spans a variety of settings, from outpatient facilities, offices settings and senior communities to the hospital as well as care provided in people’s homes. Despite the countless challenges, nurses have stepped up again and again, helping to innovate and improve access to care for all patients. The nurses I work with everyday remind me why I chose this calling and became a nurse, and they are why I still spend time at the bedside with patients to this day.
You truly can never underestimate how much a simple sign of appreciation can make a difference in someone’s day. I invite you to join me in saying a special thank-you to all hardworking and compassionate nurses who, together, are helping make our communities safer and healthier for all of us every day.
Nurses, thank you for your grace, humility, and passion. No matter your credentials, as a nurse, you make a difference.
UPMC in North Central Pa. Introduces Monthly Walk-In Meetings With Recruiters
Coudersport, Pa., April 25, 2023 – UPMC in North Central Pa. recruiters are inviting community members to the UPMC Wellness Center, 1001 E. Second St., Coudersport, every first Wednesday of every other month beginning on May 3, for one-on-one meetings to learn more about UPMC careers. The “Walk-In Wednesdays” sessions are offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about career opportunities with UPMC, go to Careers.UPMC.com.
Think About It
Early Mornings
By
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Who gets up at 4:30am? Okay, I realize there are those that do because of work, but how many do it just because? There are too many mornings that I find myself fixing a cup of coffee at 4:30am for no apparent reason other than I’m up. No reason, I’m fully rested, there’s no agenda. Just sitting in the recliner watching. For what I don’t know but I watch.
Some might say that God must have me up for a reason, but I don’t necessarily think that way. Oh, I’m sure it’s possible but I rather doubt it. No, I think it has more to do with my biological clock is starting to wear out. Actually, I love early mornings. There’s much that can be accomplished that otherwise might not happen. Even writing is better in the morning than it is later in the day. No, it’s not the early morning that’s the problem, it’s the waste of an early morning.
Sadly, many are sidetracked by their views of an event rather than the event themselves. I’ve heard many complain about the early morning wakeup without ever exploring any benefits that might be available for them that the event brought upon them. If you look at a half-empty glass as only being half-empty, it will never appear half-full. And that can be one of the biggest reasons we miss out on some very important events in our lives. We just won’t allow ourselves to see them.
Perhaps you’ve heard of the story of Joseph in the Bible? He had a horrific life at the hands of his brothers. Fortunately, Joseph was able to look past the events to find ways to capitalize on them. Of course, not everything happened as planned but eventually he found himself in a place that he had two options: 1. Take revenge upon his brothers for all that they had done. 2. Use his newfound position to be the one who rescues his family from famine and death. Of course, he picked the second option. Why? Because he understood that God brought him into this position. Though his brothers intended it for evil, God planned it for good. Think about it.
PennDOT Announces Traffic Fatalities, Crashes Decrease Statewide in 2022
Public safety is a top priority of the Shapiro Administration
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that in 2022, statewide traffic deaths decreased to 1,179 from 1,230 in 2021. Reportable crashes were also down in 2022, amounting to the second lowest on record since 1951.
Public safety is a top priority of the Shapiro administration. PennDOT’s commitment to reducing traffic crashes and fatalities builds on Governor Shapiro’s promise to ensure every Pennsylvanian feels safe in their community, including on the roadways.
“Pennsylvania is committed to moving toward zero deaths,” said Carroll. “Our biggest priority continues to be safe travel across all transportation modes, and we continue to work with our partners to decrease fatalities through education and enforcement.”
PennDOT focuses on data trends to drive enforcement and education improvements and invests approximately $23.5 million annually in federal grant funds statewide to support these behavioral safety programs.
MoreWeekly Friendship Prayer Gathering to Correspond with National Day of Prayer
FRIENDSHIP – The weekly Community Prayer Gathering for Friendship area residents will add a number of broader focuses next week as it coincides with the annual National Day of Prayer observance.
The activity, hosted by The Carter House Community Ministry Center, will take place at 3PM Thursday, May 4, at the 37 East Main Street facility, with both church and non-church affiliated individuals welcome to participate or observe.
The theme for this year’s national gatherings is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much,” with a focus on prayer for the government, military, media, business, education, church and family.
The national observance was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the U.S. House and Senate, being signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 2988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer.
Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
Organizers have noted that “prayer brings people together,” and builds bridges between opposing persons and even political parties.
“Prayer reminds us that we are created in God’s image and He desires for us to represent Him everywhere we go,” they said.
Pastor Kirk Kirch of the United Church of Friendship, which currently meets at The Carter House and started the regular Thursday afternoon community prayer opportunity, said that other prayer requests, as normal, for individuals, families and other situations also will occur at the session.
“Prayer is a major component of everything we do,” he said, noting that it also is a focus with other activities at The Carter House, including a 10AM to 11:30AM Monday series on “Flickering Lamps – Christ & His Church,” a 10AM to 11:30AM Wednesday study on the Gospel of Matthew, a book of the Bible, and a 1:30PM to 2:30PM Thursday series on “Experiencing God – Knowing and Doing the Will of God,” all of which are open to the public.
Further information about the local activities is available at grammakirch@gmail.com or (585) 973-7951 and on the National Day of Prayer, including free guides on “How to Pray for America” and “How to Pray as a Family,” at https://bit.ly/3vLelFz.
Celebrating Conservation District Week
My Growing Tree Program
The McKean County Conservation District spent the last two weeks celebrating Arbor Day by sponsoring the “My Growing Tree” program with the assistance of Marshall Hamilton, Service Forester and Stan Hess, volunteer from DCNR, Bureau of Forestry. 500 First or second grade students in each of the public schools were given a white oak seedling along with a poster that included charts to enable the students to monitor their own height as well as the growth of their tree.
District staff members and DCNR staff spoke about the importance of Arbor Day and how trees help to protect and improve our water resources. Students learned about the water cycle and the different ways trees help decrease pollution in streams by providing a protective barrier called a riparian buffer and by stabilizing streambanks with their roots.
Students learned the parts of the tree. Presenters also discussed how to plant a tree and did an activity that illustrates how forests are renewable which points out cutting trees is not bad when practiced in a sustainable manner.
Special guests Smokey Bear and McKean County Commissioner Cliff Lane helped kids recite a pledge to conserve our natural resources and to work for a cleaner and healthier McKean County. Seneca Resources, LLC, donated $2,000 toward the delivery of the “My Growing Tree” program. “We are very grateful for the continued support we have received from Seneca Resources,” said Sandy Thompson, District Manager of the McKean County Conservation District.
Seneca Resources Company, LLC, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company, explores for, develops, and purchases natural gas and oil reserves in the Appalachia Region. Additional information about Seneca and National Fuel Gas Company is available at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com
Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April. For more information on Arbor Day or tree planting, visit www.arborday.org
Ulysses Old Home Day
Calling all Car Owners.
We are preparing for our Ulysses Old Home Day Festival and would like to invite you to join us for our 5th annual car show.
The Ulysses Old Home Day Festival will be held on Saturday July 8thth 2023. It is now time to start making your reservations to register your vehicle, motorcycle or tractor and a misc. “vehicle” category. We will be presenting 1st place trophies for the following categories.
We will kick off the day with a car show parade at noon followed by the Main Parade.
Registration will be from 11am-1pm.
Cost-$8 early registration and $ 10 day of the event.
Checks can be made out to the Ulysses Area Improvement Association
Mail to Ulysses Area Improvement
51 Pleasant View Drive Ulysses, Pa 16948
The car Judging at 3pm.There will be a raffle for prizes for the Car Show Participants.
- Classic – vehicle is 30-49 years old (1966-1985)
- Antique – vehicle is 50+ years old (1965 or earlier)
- Stock- vehicle 1986-present
- Custom / Muscle– any age but must be customized in some manner (non-stock)
- Exotic-Sports car
Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and return is as soon as possible please.
Any questions please contact:
Steve Riley-Ulysses Area Improvement Association Treasurer-814-558-5260 or srileyf100@gmail.com
Roy Hunt-Ulysses Area Improvement Member-814-203-7615
Name:___________________________________
Make/Model/Year/Class _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________
E-Mail:_____________________________________
Phone #:____________________________________
CNO, COO Transitions at Upper Allegheny Health System
OLEAN, NY – Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), parent company of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), announce the appointment of Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN as chief nursing officer and Scott Bonderoff, MBA as the chief operating officer. Both Ruggles and Bonderoff were serving as interim CNO and interim COO respectively, but will remove the interim from their titles.
Jennifer Ruggles is a lifelong resident of the Olean area. She has worked as a nurse in various capacities at both BRMC and OGH since her start in 2003 at UAHS. Her continued efforts to have OGH be a designated Primary Care Stroke Center has been exemplary and she played an essential role in nursing leadership throughout the pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work along Jennifer in her new long-term role as she continues to strive for excellence with nursing recruitment and retention initiatives, improving our quality of care and patient experience, and promoting a positive, transparent work culture for our team members,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, BRMC, OGH. “Her appointment will have cascading valuable effects on the rest of our administrative team as we continue to adapt and evolve our local healthcare system.”
Ruggles’ education and experience are apposite for the chief nursing officer position as she transitions from her current role as interim chief nursing officer and the associate director of nursing within the organization. She received her associate’s in nursing from Jamestown Community College in Olean, her bachelor’s in nursing from Daemen College in Buffalo, and her master’s in nursing education from the University of Phoenix. Her experience includes over a decade spent in supervisory and managerial nursing roles at Olean General Hospital.
Scott Bonderoff, MBA, who stepped into the role as UAHS interim chief operating officer in October 2022 will be transitioning into the chief operating officer position permanently.
“In the short time that Scott has been in the interim COO position, he has managed to help UAHS make strides in the right direction financially,” said Dr. Owens. “His skillset and experience are complementary to that of the rest of our administrative team. He will continue to help us shoot for our goals and driving our financial initiatives.”
Bonderoff has over 30 years of experience in healthcare in various capacities. Originally from Cooperstown, NY, he spent the last 20 years working for the Bassett Healthcare Network, a network that oversees 34 health centers, 14 school-based centers, 6 hospitals, 3 cancer treatment centers, nursing and home health services, and a variety of other healthcare related services including the Bassett Medical Group. His roles included president of one of their critical access hospitals and network vice president of clinical support services.
Bonderoff earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY College at Oneonta in Oneonta, NY and his master’s degree in business administration at Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY. He has been member of the Medical Group Management Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“I’m excited to see our administration continue working together with our team members initiating positive changes throughout our organization,” Dr. Owens said. “We’ve started to see great things happen and a cultural shift with our team members. Healthcare will continue to face obstacles but I’ve stacked my team with experts in their field who are up for the challenges ahead.”
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PITT-BRADFORD GRADUATES HEADED INTO HEALTH, BUSINESS AND GRADUATE SCHOOL
BRADFORD, Pa. – With nurses still in high demand, it’s no surprise that nursing students graduating from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Sunday are in demand.
Five of the graduates – Haley Dickel of Kersey, Paige Richner of Houtzdale, Jenna Morgan of Johnsonburg, Haily Schatz of St. Marys and Brianna Foy of Tyrone — will take on roles in the Penn Highlands hospital system, serving as neonatal intensive care unit, emergency room, medical-surgical and acute care nurses in the system’s DuBois, Elk and Tyrone hospitals.
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