Compassionate Care: Volunteers Creating A Welcoming ER Experience

OLEAN, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health Facility, has recently introduced a new volunteer opportunity within the emergency department (ED) designed to enhance the patient experience by acting as a liaison between patient and staff. The ED ambassador will be seen in the waiting area, offering comfort, reassurance, and a helpful presence for patients and families. Mr. Bill has been the first volunteer to fill the role since the inception of the ED ambassador role.
“I’m sort of the welcoming committee,” said Bill, ED ambassador, OGH. “It’s always great to see the reassurance on the faces of patients who are waiting when they realize that someone is here for them. I fill that role.”
NPRC Holding Inaugural Fundraiser for Student Scholarships

WARREN – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is hosting an inaugural fundraising event – Denim and Diamonds – on Saturday, March 29 to help raise funds towards student scholarships at the institution. The fundraiser is slated to be held at the Timber Haven Event Center at the Cable Hollow Golf Club, located at 405 Norberg Road in Russell from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will include dinner, a live auction, silent auction, and a giving tree; with a cocktail hour from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
With more than 10 years of commitment to serving the region, initially under the Education Consortium of the Upper Allegheny, NPRC is the local community’s partner in education. The institution is dedicated to responding to the critical needs of local employers and enhancing the skills of the region’s workforce.
Bridge Replacement Project to Resume on Route 6 in Richmond Township, Tioga County
Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project will resume next week on Route 6 in Richmond Township, Tioga County. The bridge, which carries Route 6 over a tributary to North Elk Run, is located approximately 2.8 miles east of Route 660 in Charleston Township and approximately 2.5 miles west of Route 15 in Mansfield.
The week of Monday, March 17, 2025, the contractor, H&P Construction, Inc., will continue work on the temporary roadway and temporary bridge. Motorists traveling Route 6 can expect single lane conditions with flagging.
Road Closure
UPDATE: On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, North Schodac Road and South Schodac Road will be closed at the intersection with Route 6.
Reconstruction Project Continues on Interstate 80 in Montour and Northumberland Counties
Motorists are advised that a multi-year construction project continues on Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound between Danville, Montour County and Limestoneville, Northumberland County.
On Monday, March 17, 2025 and Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the contractor will be working on sign foundations along Interstate 80 between mile markers 219 and 221, which is located just west of Exit 224 (Danville / Route 54), in preparation for upcoming roadwork. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM, weather permitting.
Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. is the prime contractor for this $53,138,380 project. Work includes roadway reconstruction, resurfacing, structure replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, lighting, and other miscellaneous work. This multi-year project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Carolyn Kay Dille, 93, of Smethport, PA.

A memorial service for Carolyn Kay Dille, who passed away on November 23, 2024, will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, at 11AM.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Arrangements are under the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Causer Meets with UPMC Kane Officials

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) met Thursday with UPMC Kane officials to talk about rural health care and the great work the hospital is doing to meet patient needs in the area. He was especially impressed by their enthusiasm for the people and communities they serve and how they use that enthusiasm to help recruit physicians to their facility. The group also talked about the challenges facing rural health care, limited access to services including labor and delivery, and the use of telemedicine to keep access in the region.
Think About It
Crossroads
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
In life, we encounter numerous crossroads, moments when we are confronted with choices. Each choice sets us up to make other choices, and each choice has its own set of consequences, perhaps good or bad. The problem is that we often do not consider the consequences of our choices because we do not always make our choices with long-range planning in mind. Immediate gratification, reflecting our wants and desires, has a greater influence on our decisions than we might care to admit.
I have certain food allergies that I must deal with. The problem is that I like food, and even when I eat what I should not eat, I do not experience any immediate problems. It is usually not until the next day that my body reminds me of what I ate the day before. If I have overdone it by eating too much of those foods that are on my “do not eat list,” then I am doubly stressed. Like many of us, I do not remind myself of the cost of having immediate pleasure. Instead, I indulge only to suffer later. There is no one to blame except myself. My choices bring about my own suffering.
To the Jews, Moses said, “Today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today. You will receive a curse if you reject the commands of the Lord your God and turn from his way by worshiping foreign gods.” (Deut 11:26-28). What was true then is also true today. We bring about our own demise of tomorrow by our choices of today. It does not have to be this way because we do have choices. We can choose to have blessings instead of curses, but we each need to make our choices not on the here and now but on the consequences of tomorrow. Remember, failure is not falling. Failure is not getting back up. If your choices have you in a place that you do not like, then make new ones. Your blessings might just be awaiting you. Think about it.
Sandra “Sandy” Young, 63, of 169 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA

Sandra “Sandy” Young, 63, of 169 Washington Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly in Johnstown, PA.
She was born August 14, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Raymond “Junie” and Arlene Carr Prechtel, Jr. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1979.
On August 9, 2012, in Decker’s Chapel, she married Tex (John) L. Young, who survives. They were blessed to share thirty-three years together before their twelve years of marriage with each other.
Mary Jane Mallison D’Amore, 89

Mary Jane Mallison D’Amore passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Affectionately known as “Mal” to her friends and family, Mary Jane was born on December 13, 1935, to Linus and Frances McHenry Mallison. She married Joseph D’Amore on July 4, 1959. Together, they enjoyed over 65 years of marriage. Mary Jane attended the St. Marys Area Public Schools and graduated in 1954. As the class treasurer, Mary Jane faithfully planned and organized all her class reunions every five years for 70 years.
Mary Jane was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. Over the years, Mary Jane worked at G.C. Murphy’s, Stackpole Carbon Company, Johnson’s Grocery Store, and as a teacher’s aide. Because she never missed voting in an election, Mary Jane received a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mary Jane was also an avid reader, an active swimmer, and a passionate cook and baker.
UPMC Gastroenterologist: The Preventable Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

UPMC Gastroenterology
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most common—and preventable—types of cancer. Despite advances in screening and treatment, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, early detection through routine screenings can make all the difference in preventing and treating this disease.
Understanding Your Risk
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, and your risk increases with age, particularly after age 45. However, recent trends show a rise in cases among younger adults, making it more important than ever to be aware of symptoms and screening guidelines. Other risk factors include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- A diet high in red or processed meats and low in fiber
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The Importance of Screening
Penn College wrestler Hunt in the national hunt
When Noah Hunt of Muncy steps on the mat on Friday to represent the Pennsylvania College of Technology, he will be one of 210 NCAA Division III wrestlers from across the country and, more importantly, one of 21 competing in the 141-pound weight class seeking a national championship.
The two-day competition at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island, begins with preliminaries and consolation first round at 10 a.m. on Friday. The championship quarterfinals, consolation second-round wrestle-backs and consolation third-round start at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, championship semifinals, consolation wrestle-back quarterfinals, consolation semifinals and seventh-, fifth- and third-place matches begin at 10 a.m., with the championship finals set for 7 p.m.
Jerry E. Ward, 78, of 4067 Times Square, Friendship, NY.

Jerry E. Ward: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather
Jerry E. Ward, 78, of 4067 Times Square, Friendship, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at home.
Born on July 26, 1946, in Wellsville, he was a son of Orrin and Genevieve Linza Ward. On December 23, 1972, in Friendship he married the former Barbara A. Cummins who survives.
Jerry attended Friendship Central School. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted in the United States Army Serving during the Vietnam War from 1965-67. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After his military service he worked for several jobs before going to work at the Town of Friendship as heavy equipment operator. After retirement he worked as a seasonal employee as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Cuba.
Kardinal Estate & Tag-Sale Company Two Day Estate Sale In Smethport March 14 & 15

2 Day Estate Sale!
March 14 & 15 2025, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm
808 W. Water St. Smethport, PA 16749
Refrigerator, gas oven, gas dryer, washer, freezer, dressers, pictures, hand tools, power tools, golf balls, clays, piano, dining tables, glassware, vintage gun case, electric recliner, large recliner, love seat, books, stands, lamps, shelves, collector plates, hutches, cookware, kitchenware, copper bucket, and more.
808 W. Water St. Smethport (some GPS units mess up, West end of town). Do not block driveways or park in lawns.
Where the PA Wilds Things Are: The 2025 North Clarion Art Exhibition opens April 12

Visit the PA Wilds Conservation Shop in Marienville from April 12 to 25 to see the show
MARIENVILLE, PA – Art students from North Clarion Area High School (NCHS) are getting a chance to show their artwork to the public, and visitors to the PA Wilds Conservation Shop in Marienville can meet these young artists and support them.
The grand opening of the Where the PA Wilds Things Are art display will be held on Saturday, April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. During this grand opening event, visitors will be able to meet the artists, show their support for them and purchase locally made artisan products.






















