McKean County Is Seeking A Director Of Purchasing
NEWS
New York Couple: Travel is Worth it for Quality Orthopaedic Care
Bonnie and Joe Collins met UPMC orthopaedic surgeon Terrance Foust, DO, a decade ago. The couple from Scio, New York, were seeking treatment for Bonnie.
She’d been having shooting pain in her legs for weeks. “I didn’t say anything until it got so bad that I couldn’t walk,” Bonnie says. She went to a local orthopaedic clinic, where a physician assistant immediately flagged Dr. Foust.
Four vertebrae in Bonnie’s back had smooshed together, with her spinal cord caught inside. “They had no idea what happened,” she says, but there was a genuine concern about paralysis. Dr. Foust told her she would need surgery.
The idea of surgery — which included placing a titanium cage in her back — scared her. But it went as planned in 2011, and she hasn’t had any problems since.
Unfortunately, her husband Joe’s problems were just beginning.
An auto-mechanic who has spent his life working on concrete floors, Joe had increasingly unmanageable pain in both his knees. “Dr. Foust had once been my savior,” Bonnie says. “So, when Joe needed relief from knee pain, there was nowhere else we considered but UPMC Orthopaedic Care in Coudersport.”
The same was true when Joe needed a knee implant replaced in 2021 because of a rare blood infection. And when he needed shoulder replacement surgery in 2022 — which UPMC orthopaedic surgeon Bradley Giannotti, MD, performed.
At about 50 minutes away, Coudersport is not the closest hospital for Bonnie and Joe, but they have continued to come to UPMC Cole because they trust the care they have received here.
Double Knee Replacement Surgery
Joe and Bonnie have been running Collins Automotive, an auto repair business, for 35 years. Their son, Ryan, has worked with Joe for the past 25 years, and Bonnie has done the books. It’s a true family endeavor for this couple, married for 51 years.
Joe loves what he does — at 70, he still works every day — but it can be hard on the body. Long hours of bending, reaching, squatting, and standing on concrete aren’t friendly to his joints.
But when Joe got a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013, replacing his knees took on a new urgency. He had been getting cortisone shots and wearing knee braces to get by, but that was no longer enough.
Because Parkinson’s can affect mobility, having solid and pain-free knees were important. “Dr. Foust thought I should have them replaced as soon as possible before the disease progressed,” Joe says.
Joe had his bilateral knee replacement surgery in 2014. He credits much of his success to the patient education his team did, including explaining the benefits of pre-operative exercises.
Joe did everything the physical therapist prescribed, from stretches and lunges to leg lifts. “I think doing the exercises helped me recover more quickly,” he says. He knows people who skipped the exercises and had more pain after surgery and longer recoveries.
A Rare Infection and Replacing a Knee Joint Implant
In the summer of 2019, Joe woke up in the middle of the night to find his left knee severely swollen. By morning, he could barely move at all. “I had no strength and I was very sick,” he says.
He had a rare infection in his blood from a streptococcus bacteria called granulicatella adiacens. “They had no idea how I got it,” he says.
To treat it, Joe received a strong antibiotic called vancomycin through an IV twice a day for an hour for eight weeks. He recovered fully, but when his left knee started hurting badly two years later, he knew he needed to visit Dr. Foust.
Dr. Foust found that the implant had loosened up inside the knee and needed another replacement. As with the first knee replacement, Bonnie helped him do physical therapy at home after consulting with the therapist.
Knowing their son could keep the business running while Joe was out gave them peace of mind. But Joe was eager to return to work — which he did full-time by eight weeks.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Recently, a partial rotator cuff tear had long been causing Joe pain. As arthritis attacked his left shoulder, his range of motion decreased. Working was becoming impossible.
So, Joe returned to Coudersport, where Dr. Foust referred him to Dr. Giannotti. “If he recommended Dr. Giannotti, that was good enough for us,” Bonnie says.
They completely trust Dr. Giannotti, who performed Joe’s total shoulder replacement in April 2022. “I have almost 100% range of motion with the shoulder now, and no pain,” Joe says.
As before, he followed all pre-op and post-op protocols and completely recovered. “My shoulder and knee surgeries haven’t limited me,” Joe says.
He does all his lawn work, splits wood, and runs chainsaws. He rides his snowmobile, four wheeler, shows his classic Mustangs at area car shows, and plays with his five grandchildren. He continues to see Dr. Foust for issues that creep up, like a recent bout with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why They’ll Always Call Coudersport Home
“Dr. Foust isn’t just a doctor. He’s a people person,” Bonnie says. “Every time I see him, I hug him and tell him I love him.”
Their loyalty extends beyond Dr. Foust and Dr. Giannotti to all the practitioners and staff at Coudersport. “They’re all there to make sure you feel taken care of,” Joe says. “Nobody there just acts like they’re there because it’s a job.”
Everyone at the hospital is always friendly and courteous. “The professionalism is outstanding,” Bonnie says. “And Dr. Foust,” she says, “Well, he’s our angel.”
WATCH WILDLIFE ROUND THE CLOCK FROM HOME
Eagles and snow geese and bears, oh my! You can watch all of them this winter, anywhere you go, through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s round-the-clock livestreams.
A new 24-7 livestream from a black bear den in Pike County launched this week, bringing to four the number of livestreams the Game Commission plans to run into the spring of 2023. Also showing are the Farm Country Eagle Livestream, which provides a bird’s-eye view into a long-established nest in a giant sycamore overlooking scenic farmland, the ever-popular Hanover, Pa. Eagle Livestream and the agency’s Snow Goose Livestream capturing the migratory action at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.
This is the first time since 2021 the Game Commission is offering livestream viewers an up-close look inside a black bear den. Bears den each winter, but few of them in known spots where cameras can be installed and footage streamed to viewers.
Luckily, the opportunity has presented itself again, and the Game Commission is proud to bring the livestream back, said the agency’s Information and Education Director Steve Smith.
“While all of our wildlife livestreams are popular with viewers, there’s nothing like watching and listening to bear cubs as they begin to explore their surroundings and, ultimately, emerge from the den with their mothers to see their new world in Penn’s Woods,” Smith said. “We’re glad to bring back this livestream for 2023 and offer it alongside our annual wintertime wildlife cams, all of which entertain and educate viewers, and give them a whole new appreciation for wildlife.”
The livestreams are a collaborative effort by the Game Commission, HDOnTap and Comcast Business. HDOnTap provides the streaming services and Comcast Business provides the internet connectivity for the two eagle cameras.
“HDOnTap is thrilled to partner with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the return of the bear den cam. Watching the sow raise her cubs is a rare and beautiful experience. The bear cam is a staff favorite, it’s a joy to watch the cubs play, learn and grow every day, and we know viewers feel the same,” said Kate Alexander of HDOnTap.
All of these livestreams can be viewed directly at HDOnTap.com or through www.pgc.pa.gov.
Pennsylvania’s black bears usually are born in January and begin walking in about eight weeks. They leave the den when 3 months old. During the 2019 run of the black bear livestream, the bears left their den on April 11. In 2021, their departure date was March 24.
Bald eagles typically lay eggs in mid-February and, if the eggs are viable, they’ll hatch in mid- to late March, with young fledging in June, but continuing to stop back at the nest.
Snow goose migration typically peaks at Middle Creek from mid-February to March.
For more information on these species and others, visit www.pgc.pa.gov.
DEP Releases Final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan and Online Atlas of Water Resources and Use
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today released the final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan and an interactive online atlas of statewide water resources and use trends to inform leaders’ decision making and educate Pennsylvanians on sustainable use of our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
“While Pennsylvania is a water-rich state, our water resources are affected by many factors, including the warming climate, increased development, and others,” said DEP Acting Secretary Rich Negrin. “The State Water Plan helps leaders understand how these factors can affect water resources and make planning decisions that protect this precious natural resource for all Pennsylvanians.”
The final 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan follows announcement of the draft plan in August and public feedback. The DEP Water Use and Planning Section developed the plan in collaboration with more than 100 water resources professionals who served on a statewide committee and six regional committees.
The plan recommends 100 actions statewide in areas such as floodplain and stormwater management, water withdrawal policy, contaminants of emerging concern, and others.
It also recommends actions tailored to each of six water planning regions across Pennsylvania: the Great Lakes basin and the Upper/Middle Susquehanna, Lower Susquehanna, Potomac, Ohio, and Delaware river basins.
The online water atlas shares data on statewide water use from 2008 to 2020. Overall water use in Pennsylvania decreased 33 percent, as daily withdrawals declined from 7.8 billion to 5.2 billion gallons per day in this time period. Closure of some coal-burning power plants was the primary reason for the decline, followed by reduced water use by some large manufacturers. However, overall water use varied by region, for example, water use ticked up in the Potomac region.
Designed to be not only a planning tool, but also an educational resource, the water atlas provides information on many other factors that may negatively or positively affect the quality and quantity of water resources in Pennsylvania.
Since the 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan isn’t regulatory, the next step is educational outreach to inform legislative, government, advocacy, and business leaders on how they may implement the strategies and actions to benefit all members of their communities.
Pennsylvania Act 220 of 2002 requires DEP to develop updates to the State Water Plan every five years.
Cameron County Chamber Teams up With Goblins Chocolates
Valentine’s Day tradition continues as the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce brings St Marys chocolatier, Goblins Chocolates to the county. Goblin’s is a family owned business making delicious confections from their home. This year not only will chocolate dipped strawberries be available but the chamber is brining boxed chocolates to the Cameron County Artisan Center.
Wandering turtles will be available for $12.00, 4-packs of truffles priced at $7.50, coconut hedgehogs offered for $17.50, peanutbutterflies also $17.50 and dark chocolate sea salted caramels priced at $16.00. Strawberries can be ordered in dark, white or milk chocolate. They are packaged as 6 for $24.00 or a dozen for $30.00.
Orders will be accepted through February 4. Pick up will be available starting Friday February 10.
PA Dept of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
 Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now To Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza As spring wild bird migration nears, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, and their neighbors’ flocks, along with the commonwealth’s economy, against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by remaining vigilant and reviewing and implementing strong biosecurity plans and practices.Read More |
 |
| Shapiro Administration Awards $200,000 To Grow Hemp Industry; Invites Proposals For $392,000 In Grants Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales and awareness in Pennsylvania. Redding also called for proposals from marketing and promotion non-profits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March 2023.Read More |
 Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order, Creating New Office of Transformation and Opportunity to Spur Economic Growth, Create Jobs, and Foster Innovation in Pennsylvania On January 24, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will have a seat at the table representing Pennsylvania agriculture as part of the Economic Development Strategy Group.See More |
| Department Of Human Services Alerts Pennsylvanians About The End Of Emergency Allotment And Other SNAP Changes, Urges Support Of Charitable Food Network Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Val Arkoosh advised Pennsylvanians of upcoming changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Due to passage of the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, starting in March, SNAP recipient households will no longer receive the Emergency Allotment (EA) additional payment created during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will resume receiving one SNAP payment per month. This change will happen for all SNAP recipients, with households receiving letters via mail about the change in SNAP payments. Read More |
 |
 While in Lancaster County, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attended Univest’s Agriculture Summit. During the event, he had the chance to recap the past year and the challenges that were brought on with a focus on the future.See More |
 |
| The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. Response Deadline: February 2023Learn More |
 |
| PA Preferred Organic and ESI need your input! Join PA Preferred Organic and Econsult Solutions (ESI) for one of two virtual roundtable discussions on Organic Farming in Pennsylvania. These interactive roundtables will focus on the launch of PA Preferred and ESI’s new analysis on the Economic Impact and Future of Organic Agriculture in Pennsylvania. We need to hear from you about the future of Organic Agriculture in PA, what role the Commonwealth should play, and the opportunities and challenges for agriculture producers. Sign up for one of the roundtables at the links below: |
| Dairy Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant – Now Open This grant focuses on the implementation of community- and climate-forward dairy production. Grants will range from $15,000 to $75,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Licensed dairy processors and producer associations from the Northeast are invited to apply. Educational or research institutions may apply but are required to partner with a minimum of two Northeast-based dairy processors. Deadline: March 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. ET.Apply |
| USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production USDA is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.Learn More |
| SBDC Workshops Available The PA SBDC Agriculture Center of Excellence will be hosting three workshops that focus on product liability, grants and agricultural finance. |
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. 78a57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect brine and other fluids produced during operation of the well in a tank, series of tanks, or other device approved by the Department for subsequent disposal or reuse. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-18 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Sally DeLong email at Really Rural Real Estate was hacked this afternoon
Sally DeLong email at Really Rural Real Estate was hacked this afternoon. Many people are getting emails asking for gift cards. Please do not respond or give gift cards
Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, PA.
Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Brenda, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update Friday, January 27, 2023The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link.  Thank you to Galeton Area School District Superintendent Clyde Pierce for inviting me to the school last week for a tour and discussion of policy issues to support rural schools. Outreach Hours Set for Feb. 2  To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host monthly outreach office hours at the following locations on Thursday, Feb. 2: • Emporium Borough Office – 9-10 a.m. • Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon. Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs. Veterans Services Available  Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need.Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet. Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule for January is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate. New Speaker Blocks Action in House  With newly elected Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) refusing to call the House into session, I joined most of my fellow House Republicans this week in signing on to a letter demanding we be called back to the state Capitol to do the people’s business.Unfortunately, we are one signature shy of what we need to force the speaker to bring us back into session. That means we are unable either to introduce or vote on legislation. Nearly a month into the new year, this is unacceptable. Please know that it is business as usual here in the district, where I and my office staff stand ready to assist you with any state-related questions or concerns. I also will continue doing all I can to force the speaker to bring us back into session so we may work on the important health, education, economic and other challenges facing the Commonwealth. GOP Appropriations Committee Starts Budget Conversation  House members got an early jump on the upcoming budget as they took part in a roundtable discussion about the state’s finances this week with Matthew Knittel, executive director of the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In the coming months, the House Appropriations Committee will be tasked with creating a fair annual state budget that respects taxpayers.Knittel discussed how changing demographics in the Commonwealth – by 2030, Pennsylvanians age 80 and over will increase by 22% — are putting a strain on state services and the budget that funds them. He also noted the surplus the state experienced in the current budget year was the result of short-term federal funding. By 2027-28, the state’s deficit is projected to climb to $3.1 billion. To learn more about the state’s economic outlook, click here. Newly elected Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his budget proposal to a joint session of the General Assembly in early March. Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications  The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its summer 2023 semester. The 13-week program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline to apply is March 1. |
Blair Dickinson is the Student of the Week in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center
Blair Dickinson is the Student of the Week. She is in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Blair is a Junior enrolled at Smethport High School. Upon graduation, Blair would like to work with children in a school setting.
Blair is a hard worker and finishes her work ahead of the timetable established for the course. She wrote many of her lesson plans ahead and completed her workbook in literally 2 months. With the time she freed up, she worked diligently towards the SkillsUSA District 10 competition. She represented the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center for Early Childhood Education on January 13th in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Blair holds two jobs currently. She works at Fox’s Pizza Den in Smethport and works after school for the YMCA program at Smethport Elementary. Blair is currently volunteering at Port Allegany Elementary and helps in Ms. Burr’s room.
She enjoys reading in free time, as well as spending time with her younger brothers. Last year, Blair won the Hamlin Bank Work Ethic Award on the Career and Technical Center’s Award Day for her math skills. We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future.
EPA News: EPA Launches New Initiative to Accelerate Lead Pipe Replacement in Pennsylvania to Protect Underserved Communities
New partnership with states will help communities access funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead service line removal and replacement
Penn College Offering Three Practical Nursing Courses in 2023
Penn College has scheduled three clock-hour Practical Nursing Programs for 2023 – two full-time programs in Wellsboro and Coudersport, and a part-time program in Wellsboro only. The first full-time program will start March 14, 2023, and the second full-time program begins September 11, 2023. Students will graduate approximately one year from the start of the program. The part-time program begins June 8, 2023, and students will graduate twenty-two months later.
Qualified nursing instructors provide classroom instruction in theory and nursing skills. Affiliation with UPMC allows for clinical experiences at UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. Other local healthcare affiliates are also utilized. Graduates earn a certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure (LPN). Graduates find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, private homes, physician offices, and other health-related offices.
Information Sessions to acquaint prospective students with the program are scheduled on Thursday, February 2; and Wednesday, February 15. Sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Penn College/Wellsboro, 22 Walnut Street, and will be available live via Zoom at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. Learn how this Practical Nursing Program can help give you a great career boost! Registration is required. For more information, or to register for the Information Sessions, call Marie Van Ess at (570) 724-7703.
Free online event for landowners-Northcentral Forest Landowners Association
PA Forest Carbon Programs: The North Central Forest Landowners Association is sponsoring a free online workshop about Forest Carbon programs in Pennsylvania. This webinar will be provided by Penn State Extension Natural Resources staff Melissa Kreye and Calvin Norman and will be held live Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm.
This meeting will give an introduction to carbon sequestration in forests and markets. It is for forest owners and land managers, offering an introduction to how forests store carbon, carbon markets, and opportunities in Pennsylvania. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session where invited speakers answer participant’s questions.
Melissa Kreye is an Assistant Professor of Forest Resource Management and she heads the Forest Benefits and Values Lab.
Calvin Norman is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry.
To participate on Zoom, use the website below at 7 pm on Feb. 23rd. (Mark your calendar and save the link!) Or you can email ncfla2@gmail.com to receive an email with the link.
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://psu.zoom.us/j/91975683961
Think About It
Can I Ask Again?
By
B.J. Knefley
Can I ask again? Where are you? I’m asking more for myself than others as I had it come up in my reading today. Sitting here at my desk I’m wondering how to answer that. Where am I in life? Where am I in this journey? Is it where I want to be? What direction am I heading? So many ways to answer the question of where one is.
Recently I submitted two resignation letters. Ironically, they weren’t my first, but maybe my last. I’m retiring for the umptieth time. Someone asked if I’d get it right this time. I didn’t know I’d messed it up the first time. I just keep finding things to do, things I like doing. Afterall, it’s my life’s calling, not to retire but to help others. Essentially, it’s a life of service, and as long as I’m breathing, I suppose I’ll continue to do it. But to the question, “Where are you”, I’m not sure how to answer that. I guess I’m between assignments. I just don’t know what the next assignment is or even what it’s supposed to look like. Maybe I’ll write a book. Afterall, it’s something I’ve contemplated for the past 30 years, so maybe it’s time. But will that be enough to satisfy my soul?
It’s good to take stock of where we are in life. To ask some hard questions and to look within for answers. Sometimes we will find that we’re in a place that we don’t want to be. How we got there may not be our fault, but it will be if we don’t find a path out of that place. Sometimes people find a way to blame their situation on others and things. They don’t take responsibility for the events or the changes that need to happen. Sad when you think that some will choose to be a victim their entire life. Their blight in life becomes the fault of others. But is it? To ask introspective questions about life and our position in life is how we move forward into change. Taking responsibility to where you are is the first step in being where you’d like to be. Many don’t take it.
The challenge for each of us to is to ask the question, “Where do I want to be this time next year”. Then simply plot a course to reach that destination. Remember, a goal without a plan is only a wish. Think about it.
Municipal offices and terms on the ballot for May 16, 2023
Abbott Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Allegany Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Austin Borough
Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote not more than Four
Councilman – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Bingham Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Clara Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Coudersport Borough, First Ward
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for Two
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Coudersport Borough, Second Ward
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Eulalia Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Galeton Borough First Ward
Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One (combined with Second Ward)
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Galeton Borough Second Ward
Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One (combined with First Ward)
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for Two
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Genesee Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term -Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Harrison Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Hebron Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Hector Township
Supervisor –6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Homer Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Keating Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Oswayo Borough
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Three
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Tax Collector – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Oswayo Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Pike Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Pleasant Valley Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Portage Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Roulette Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sharon Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Shinglehouse Borough
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Four
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Stewardson Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Tax Collector – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Summit Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sweden Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sylvania Township
Supervisor –6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Ulysses Borough
Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Four
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Ulysses Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
West Branch Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Wharton Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One
Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
County offices and terms on the ballot for May 16, 2023
COUNTY WIDE
Commissioners- 4-year term- Vote for not more than Two
Register and Recorder- 4-year term- Vote for One
Prothonotary- 4-year term- Vote for One
Treasurer- 4-year term- Vote for One
Sheriff- 4-year term- Vote for One
County Auditors- 4-year term- Vote for not more than Two
DISTRICT
Magisterial District Judges- 6-year term- Vote for One
55-4-03: Galeton B, Bingham, Harrison, Ulysses B, Ulysses T, Hector, Pike, West Branch,
Abbott, Stewardson
55-3-01: Coudersport B, Eulalia, Sweden, Keating, Homer, Summit, Wharton, Portage, Sylvania,
Austin B
55-4-01: Shinglehouse B, Sharon, Oswayo B, Oswayo T, Genesee, Pleasant Valley, Clara,
Allegany, Roulette, Hebron
School Directors offices and terms on the ballot for May 16, 2023
AUSTIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Austin Borough only)
Region I – 2 yr term – Vote for One (Austin Borough only)
Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Keating & Sylvania Twps)
Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Portage & Wharton Twps)
COUDERSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (First Ward & Eulalia)
Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Second Ward only)
Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Allegany, Hebron, Homer, Summit &
Sweden Twps)
GALETON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Second Ward only)
Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (First Ward, Gaines, & Elk Twps – Tioga Co)
Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Abbott, Hector, Pike & West Branch Twps)
NORTHERN POTTER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Allegany, Ulysses Boro & Ulysses Twp)
Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Bingham & Genesee Twps)
Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Harrison & Hector Twps)
OSWAYO VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (North Sharon & Ceres Twp – McKean Co)
Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Shinglehouse Boro only)
Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Oswayo Boro, Oswayo Twp, South
Sharon & Clara Twp)
PORT ALLEGANY SCHOOL DISTRICT
At Large: 4 yr term – Vote for Four (Roulette & Pleasant Valley Twp/Annin, Liberty
& Port Allegany Boro – McKean Co
Winter in the Lumber Camp This Weekend at PA Lumber Museum
January 28–Winter in the Lumber Camp and Pennsylvania Elk Presentation: Outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis, snowshoes, and ice skates (conditions permitting) with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. At 1pm go inside to join Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist for the PA Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section, for an engaging overview of the Commonwealth’s elk management program.