FEMA GOING DOOR TO DOOR IN POTTER COUNTY FLOOD AREAS
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSAT) going door to door in the hardest hit areas of Potter County beginning at 1:00 pm Monday, September 16th.
Teams will be visiting various areas of Potter County over the next 3+ weeks.
Residents of Potter County are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby from August 9-10, 2024.
Lana S. Creal, 80. a resident of Warren, PA
Lana S. Creal, 80. a resident of Warren, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House after beating breast cancer and living for over five years with stage four pancreatic cancer.
Lana was born in Jamestown, NY, on November 10, 1943, to the late Edward and Hazel A. Shield. She was a lifelong Warren resident and the valedictorian of the 1961 Warren Area High School class. She graduated from Allegheny College in 1965 with a degree in Mathematics and from Penn State University with a Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics in 1969.
Anthony P. “Tony” Vinelli, 91, formerly of 521 East Main Street, Bradford, PA
Anthony P. “Tony” Vinelli, 91, formerly of 521 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away, Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 9, 1933, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Joseph and Philomena (Placentino) Vinelli. He was a 1951 graduate from Bradford High School.
Tony was employed at Bovaird & Sefang, Airco Speer and Corning Glass and later Bradford Electronics.
He was a lifetime member of St. Bernard Church, the LaStella Lodge, the Mutual Aid Society in Lewis Run and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Surviving is one sister-in-law, Janet Vinelli of Bradford, several nieces and nephews including Joseph Meabon (Jill) of Burgaw, NC, Tina Lewis (Gary) of Burgaw, NC, Teresa Wagoner (Ken) of Castle Hayne, NC, Joseph Vinelli of Bradford, Michael Vinelli (Tina) of Bradford, Fred Buccolini of CA, several great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Michael A. Vinelli, Sr., three sisters, Rose V. Meabon, Dolores M. Vinelli, and Josephine V. Buccolini; one half-brother, John J. Vinelli, Sr., and two half-sisters, Mary Vinelli, and Mary Frances Vinelli.
Family will receive friends on Thursday September 19, 2024, from 10 am to 11 am in St. Francis Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Artistry Along the Allegheny
Artistry Along the Allegheny will take place at 701 North Main Street (former PC Building) on Saturday September 21. Named Pennslvania’s River of the Year, the Allegheny River stretches 325 miles providing drinking water to over a million people and supporting diverse wildlife. There will be a historical fire engine display ranging from the 1900’s to present day; mosaic art, music, “touch a truck” and the evening will be topped off with a Chef’s table and a local winery.
Brenda Freeman Sawyer Art Exhibition inspired by the culture and natural resources of the Allegheny Region of Northern Pennsylvanis will be held from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
HOMETOWN HISTORIAN TO TALK ABOUT ‘SPACE CRAZE’ THURSDAY AT PITT-BRADFORD
Growing up in Bradford, Margaret Weitekamp did not want to study history.
Her father, Dr. Raymond Weitekamp, taught American history at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; her mother, Ann (now Ann Gannon), taught history in Bradford public schools. Summer vacations usually included historical sites and explanations.
“I thought it was boring, and it was only about dates and wars,” she said.
Owlett Clarifies Information Needed by FEMA for Disaster Aid
While urging residents to remain vigilant in protecting their personal information, Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is clarifying what residents should expect when working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials as they seek to obtain recovery assistance.
“Throughout the course of the day, we’ve been able to talk further with federal and state emergency officials to better clarify the Individual Assistance application process and the type of information residents will be asked to provide in order to receive aid,” Owlett said. “Our goal is always to serve the best interests of the people of Tioga County, and we are especially looking out for those folks who are extra vulnerable due to damage suffered in last month’s flooding.”
Contrary to information received from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) this morning, there are legitimate reasons for FEMA officials to collect Social Security and bank account information. To help applicants better understand those needs, FEMA has offered the following tips:
- FEMA representatives never charge a fee or ask for payment.
- FEMA representatives will have a laminated identification badge and, if you have already applied, your FEMA registration number.
- If you wish to begin your application on an electronic or mobile device with the assistance of a Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Team member while they are onsite in your community, you will need to provide your Social Security number as part of the application process. You can provide your banking information if you choose to receive funds via direct deposit.
- An inspector may ask to verify your identity, typically using the last four digits of the applicant’s nine-digit FEMA registration number. More information on identifying a FEMA inspector can be found here: How to Identify a FEMA Inspector | FEMA.gov (https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-identify-fema-inspector).
- If you are not sure who is taking your information or suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
Jean M. Crosby, 86, Of Austin, PA
Jean M. Crosby “beloved mother and grandmother”
Jean M. Crosby, a resident of Austin, PA, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA following a lengthy battle with COPD.
Jean was born August 12, 1938 in Emporium, PA to the late Robert Tilburg and Jennie Haynes Ludwig. Jean attended Cameron County Schools in Emporium, PA. On August 6, 1955 in Manassas, VA, she married Hugh C. Crosby who preceded her in death on Friday, July 7, 2023.
Jean was caring, crafty and creative. Her talents lead her to numerous hobbies throughout her life. She crocheted countless items including holiday ornaments and decor and hundreds of afghans (many that she donated for fundraisers and baby afghans which she gave as gifts). In her earlier years she enjoyed drawing, cutting out and painting wood yard ornaments including donkey carts for flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, and more. She loved going to bingo and enjoyed taking her grandchildren. She also had a love for camping and traveling for many years with her husband.
Stephanie L. Lion, 43, of 144 Martin Road, St. Marys, PA.
Stephanie L. Lion, 43, of 144 Martin Road, St. Marys, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.
She was born October 21, 1980, in St. Marys daughter of Elizabeth A. Swanson Lion and the late Richard C. Lion, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2022. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1999. Following graduation she attended Penn State University where she graduated with a degree in Family Behavioral Science. She was employed at Penn Highlands Elk for 20 years before she retired to care for her father, Dick.
Robert Frank Stampee, 82, of Emporium, PA
Robert Frank Stampee, 82, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Friday morning (September 13, 2024). He was born April 2, 1942 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Frank and Bridgett Rydesky Stampee.
He graduated from Cameron County High School and served with the US Air Force for 4 years. He retired from General Motors where he worked for many years. He was a member of the Bucktail Rod & Gun Club and the National Beekeepers Association.
He is survived by brother-in-law Roland (Bobbi) Maki, Rochester, Michigan and many cousins and friends
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Stampee Maki
There will be no visitation and services will be private.
Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Mary Jo (Weber) Green, 87, Of St. Marys, PA
Mary Jo (Weber) Green, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following a short illness.
She was born June 15, 1937 in St Mary’s, PA to Luke and Laura Wehler Weber.
On January 23, 1965 she married the late Robert Lamar Green, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2018.
She is survived by two daughters; Mary Kelly (Dale) Elder of Mt. Lebabon and Mary Marsan (Kevin) O’Leary of St. Marys, by her four beloved grandchildren- Montana, Bryce, Grace and Sydney. She is also survived by one brother; Anthony (Eileen) Weber of Delaware, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Shirley A. Sherwood, 86, of Turtlepoint, PA
Shirley A. Sherwood, 86, of Turtlepoint, passed away Saturday (September 14, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born November 14, 1937 in Indiana County, PA the daughter of Ben and Eva (Stuck) Galentine. On Jult 24, 1954, in Pike, NY , she married James Sherwood, who survives.
Mrs. Sherwood worked as a cook at the former Fireside Inn and the Canoe Place Inn, but ultimately was a homemaker tending to the needs of her family.
She was a member of the Birch Grove Menonnite Church of Port Allegany and enjoyed spending time with her family.
Kenneth L. Ostrum, 92, Of Emporium, PA
The Emporium Community has lost a life-long dedicated Christ and community servant with the passing of Kenneth L. Ostrum, on September 12, 2024.
Ken was born January 26, 1932 at his family home on the Old West Creek Road, son of John Fred and Violet (Barr) Ostrum.
On Feb 23, 1952, he married Mary Jane Kinley at the First Baptist Church in Emporium and then celebrated 53 years together. Ken graduated from Emporium High School in1950. He received his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from ICS of Scranton, PA He was employed for 37 years at Sylvania Electric (GTE, Philips Electronics), first as a production worker, then in Electrical Design. Ken worked internationally at design jobs in Canada, Mexico, Belgium and France.
Deloris B. Peterson, 92, Of Wellsville, NY
Wellsville- Deloris B. Peterson “Loving Mother & Grandmother”
Deloris B. Peterson formerly of Cuba passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Highland Park in Wellsville.
Deloris was born December 22, 1931 in Franklinville and was the daughter of Donald and Beatrice Benjamin Woodruff. She married Robert J. Peterson who predeceased her on January 9, 2014.
FEMA Assistance Now Available
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Residents of Lycoming, Potter, Tioga , and Union counties are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby from Aug. 9-10, 2024.
FEMA may be able to help you pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs caused by the disaster, including:
Essential items including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation
Rental assistance if you are displaced as a result of the disaster, including financial assistance for the following: hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit
Repair or replacement of a vehicle, appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computer, books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment
Moving and storage fees, medical expenses, childcare and funeral expenses
There are four ways to apply:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
Download the FEMA App.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Calls are accepted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Help is available in most languages; if you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service.
In coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and county officials, FEMA will be opening Disaster Recovery Centers soon.
Disaster Recovery Centers are where you can get in-person help applying for federal assistance, update your application and learn about other resources available.
If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance will cover.
To watch an accessible video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance – YouTube.
FEMA and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials surveying damage from Tropical Storm Debby (Photo: Erika O’Sullivan/FEMA)
