Thomas Gearhart, 70, of 5th Lane, Kane
Thomas Gearhart, 70, of 5th Lane, Kane, passed away Sunday (Dec. 22) at his residence. Born July 7, 1954 in Reading,PA, he is the son of the late William and Maria (Lang) Gearhart. On Oct. 31, 1972 in Leesport, he married Maggie McDonald, who survives.
Water Use Restrictions Lifted for Village of Sinclairville Water Customers
This is an important message from NY Alert
The Village of Sinclairville has lifted the water conservation advisory. The advisory was issued so the Village could shut down two Village wells located near the site of a traffic accident on Route 60. The accident caused a gasoline spill and the wells were shut down to reduce the possible impact of the spill on the Village’s water supply. Clean up of the spill has been completed, and the wells are back in production.
The two wells will be monitored more frequently over the next few months to ensure that the spill is not impacting the water quality.
Village officials thank you for your help and cooperation. For more information, please contact the Village of Sinclairville at (716) 962-9455, the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481 or check the Health Department website at www.HealthyCHQ.com for updates when available.
Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert, 79 Years Old White/Female
This is an important message from NY Alert
HEADLINE: Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert, 79 years old white/female. Look for White 2007 SATURN AURORA BCA1740 NY
DESCRIPTION: At the request of the Cheektowaga Town Police Department, a New York State Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert has been issued relating to the disappearance of DIANE MARIANO; age 79; from CHEEKTOWAGA, NY at 09:45 pm on December 24, 2024.
INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the link for further details. www.criminaljustice.ny.gov
Issued By: NYS-DCJS-MPC
Rolena F. Mason, 87, of Loney Hollow, Limestone
Rolena F. Mason, 87, of Loney Hollow, Limestone, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Born May 23, 1937, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Don D. and Celia A. (Frank) Farrell. She was a 1956 graduate from Bradford High School.
On September 30, 1961, in Bradford, she married Hobert L. Mason who preceded her in death on February 3, 1996.
Rolena was a Rural Route Carrier for the United States Post Office from 1970 until 1999, when she retired.
What Is Christmas?
Pastor B.J. Knefley
My wife and I were watching one of those romantic Christmas movies—the ones our wives like—when a question about Christmas came up. It wasn’t that we were asking each other; it was a question in the movie. What I found interesting was the answer.
I first thought the movie was about Christ, but that’s not what I heard. Instead, the movie was about joy, a star, peace, angels, and wise men. There was no mention of Christ, the baby in the manger, or the Christ child as the hope for the world. Much emphasis was placed on doing good and sharing love worldwide, but nothing about Christ himself. I wonder why.
Gift of Memory Program 2024
Kevin and Patty Dusenbury, of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are once again grateful for the extreme generosity of many donors to their Gift of Memory program this year. Toys and gifts in excess of 900 items were delivered to the Christmas House in Coudersport, marking the 24th year of the program.
Delivering the toys were Kevin and Patty, Carl and Ronda Dickerson, and the Klesa family, who have graciously embraced the Gift of Memory program to honor their son and brother, Jon, having themselves brought almost 330 gifts and toys donated by their family and friends this year.
Dusenbury said, “We have donors from the first year that continue to donate and new donors every year. We had several donors who contributed very generous amounts of monies which allowed us to shop for specific needs to purchase items for the older children”.
Dusenbury, who is the owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse and the Potter County Coroner stated, “we are once again amazed by the generosity of so many people. We truly THANK each person who donated, assuring that many less fortunate individuals and families will have a brighter and happier Christmas. We wish everyone a beautiful, blessed and very Merry Christmas.”
Pictured with a sampling of this year’s gifts are the Klesa family along with some of their friends, plus Carl and Ronda Dickerson, and volunteers from the Christmas House.
The following donated toys and gifts in memory of their loved ones:
Desarae J. CURRIER, 28, of Friendship, NY
She Never Met A Stranger
Desarae J. CURRIER, 28, of Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
Born September 17, 1996, she was the daughter of Bert Currier and Darcy Geffers. Those who knew her cherished her immensely, as her love for family and friends was boundless. Desarae had a remarkable ability to connect with people and was known for her friendly nature and engaging conversations, much like her father. A 2015 graduate of Wellsville High School, Desarae was passionate about volleyball and continued to seek opportunities for the sport beyond her high school years. Professionally, she worked as a home healthcare aide and at Allegany ARC, where she demonstrated exceptional skills in assisting and caring for individuals in need. Additionally, Desarae was an avid fishing enthusiast and could often be found enjoying the tranquility of fishing by the water’s edge.
William Hervey HAND, 83, of Harrison Valley, PA
William Hervey HAND, 83, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Monday, December 23, 2024 in his home.
Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA
Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday,
December 19, 2024 in his home. Born July 21, 1941, in Coudersport, he was the son of Leon J. and Helen Brown Snyder. He was employed as a carpenter by Al Pagano Construction in Galeton and worked as a self-employed logger. Leon served as a forest fire warden.
Kathleen Marie (Kennedy) Hancock, 74, of Middlebury
Kathleen Marie (Kennedy) Hancock, 74, of Middlebury passed away on Saturday December 21, 2024, at The Green Home in Wellsboro. She was born in Wellsboro on March 1, 1950, to Mahlon and Wanda (Bockus) Kennedy. She married Billy Hancock on March 30, 1970.
She was a Case Worker at the Tioga County Assistance Office, A member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, member of Pioneer Club chaperoned mission trips and made four mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and she was an avid bowler.
Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, Bradford, PA.
Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, went to be with her Lord in heaven, Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born January 30, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late John M. Chartreau and Clara (Cicerello) Dibler. Donna was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School.
On April 16, 1955, in St. Bernard Church, she married her soulmate James N. Whitford who preceded her in death on February 15, 2005.
Donna worked at Bradford Hospital for 12 years then began working at W.R. Case Cutlery until her retirement after 38 years of service.
Donna attended St. Bernard Church. She was a life member and Past President of the Francis Sherman Auxiliary, Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Women of the Moose where she served as Senior Pilgrim, and College of Regents, Fireflies, Cootiette Club, Chief Greyback, Range Greyback, and Past Grand President three times of the Pennsylvania State Greybacks. She enjoyed bowling and volunteering at the United Way, Bradford Hospital, the American Red Cross and was a generous blood donor where she donated over 75 times for nearly 10 gallons of blood.
Local organization wins statewide award for its prevention efforts
A local organization was recently recognized for its exceptional efforts in drug and alcohol prevention. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc.’s prevention team was nominated by its Director, Angela Eckstrom, for the prestigious award from the Department of Drug Abuse Programs. Only two organizations were recognized statewide for the Prevention in Action Award. The other award winner is Compass Mark, a Lancaster-based organization.
Mrs. Eckstrom nominated her prevention team based on their exceptional commitment to bringing evidence-based prevention programming to individuals, families, schools, and communities. The team is led by Sheri Larson, Prevention Program Manager.
Upon discussion with Sheri Larson, it was learned that the organization conducts annual needs assessments for Cameron, Elk, and McKean counties. According to Ms. Larson, “The needs assessment determines what obstacles our communities are facing.
“Once the community needs are determined, then we must determine what services are currently being provided to address those them. It is at this point we come in and try to fill gaps, either through partnerships or evidence-based programs of our own,” said Larson.
Since assuming her role, Larson has expanded services within local school district, having 90% of her staff based out of local schools. “The prevention team has doubled in size to meet the services now being requested. The need was always there but obstacles of funding caused our communities to be underserved. The prevention department now consists of 9 staff members, including myself. Growth is a process. We are always looking for new partnerships, funding and ways to expand our programs.”
In addition to school based programs ADAS’ prevention liaisons can be seen in the community. Prevention Staff does educational presentations, they share resources and information at events, and they also do fun alternative programming. Not to mention, they do evidence-based program such as Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and Strengthening Families 10-14 are provided for parents and families. Larson says, “Our programs are provided at no cost to residents of Cameron, Elk and McKean, there is no income requirements or other hoops to jump through. We would love to have more people benefiting from our programs. They more participants the more programs we can offer”
For more information on local programs follow their page on Facebook at Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. or call Sheri Larson at 814-486-0653.
Dorothy M. Wilson, 86, of Smethport, PA
Dorothy M. Wilson, 86, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (December 22, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born November 13, 1938 in Angelica, NY, a daughter of Gertrude Welch. In September of 1966, in Olean, NY, she married Richard L. Wilson, who died August 22, 2014.
Dorothy was an Olean High School graduate and worked for Hounds & Hunting Magazine when it was in Bradford, PA.
She was a member of the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport Auxiliary and the Smethport VFW Post #2497 Auxiliary. Her true passion, however, was playing Bingo.