CFTT Invites Local Nonprofits to Join NEPA Gives and Attend Training Sessions
Sayre, PA — The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) is excited to invite nonprofit organizations across the counties it serves to participate in NEPA Gives 2026, the region’s largest 24-hour online giving event. For the second year, CFTT is bringing this powerful day of generosity to Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania, providing local nonprofits with new opportunities to expand their reach and raise critical funds.
NEPA Gives unites nonprofits, businesses, and donors from across Northeastern Pennsylvania in a single day of giving that celebrates community impact and philanthropy. The 2026 event will take place from 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 4 through 7:00 PM on Friday, June 5, giving organizations 24 hours to rally supporters and inspire generosity.
Ruth Antoinette “Toni” YILEK, 85, of Germania, PAof Germania, PA
Ruth Antoinette “Toni” YILEK, 85, of Germania, PA, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, with family and friends by her side. Known to many as “Nanny,” she was loved by generations of family, friends, and former students.
Born December 1, 1940, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Harry and Theresa Straley Succowich. A graduate of Galeton Area High School, she earned an education degree from Mansfield State Teachers College.
On May 2, 1964, in Germania, she married John Yilek, and together they built a life centered around family, community, and service. Toni devoted her life to education, teaching in Cross Fork, Westfield, and ultimately retiring from the Galeton Area School District after more than 30 years of service.
To generations of students, she was affectionately known as everyone’s favorite third grade teacher, remembered for her kindness, spunk, and the enthusiasm she brought to her classroom. She was a member of St. Germain Catholic Church and the Germania Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of the community she loved so much.
PITT-BRADFORD TO HOST ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP
BRADFORD, Pa. — As overall inflation remains stubbornly high and with energy prices in particular rising, businesses across Pennsylvania are increasingly investigating options to improve energy efficiency across the enterprise.
To assist in accelerating these efforts, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host an Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, March 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will provide valuable insights on current industry best practices, new technologies and strategies for improving energy efficiency across a variety of facility types and production operations. It is free and open to the public and will be held in the Duke Engineering Building on the Pitt-Bradford campus.
The workshop is being presented in partnership with three energy companies currently operating in Pennsylvania, First Energy, Willdan and CLEAResult. Experts from these firms as well as Pitt-Bradford will present technical discussions on energy economics, enhancing building efficiency and design and overall efforts to reduce energy use in various industries. There will also be an opportunity to network with leaders in the field and share ideas and opportunities for improvement.
The event is sponsored by The American Refining Group and the Harry Halloran Jr. Energy Institute at Pitt-Bradford. For more information or to register please contact Beth Rezaie at brezaie@pitt.edu. If attending, RSVP by March 16.
Edward Kevin KOSA, 56, of Ulysses, PA
Edward Kevin KOSA, 56, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, March 6, 2026 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born June 6, 1969, in Coudersport.
Born June 6, 1969, in Coudersport, he was the son of E. Gene and Nancy Goodwin Kosa. A 1987 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he served with the US Army from 1987 – 1991 during Desert Storm.
He was awarded the Southwest Asia Service medal with two bronze service stars. He owned and operated Freedom Farms and Ulysses Motors. Kevin was a member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses and the Potter County Honor Guard.
Surviving are: his parents, Gene and Nancy Kosa of Ulysses; significant other, Theresa Beardsley; two grandchildren, Zayden and Rylin; a brother, M. Joel (Darla) Kosa; sister-in-law, Carrine Kosa; nephews, Austin L. (Amber) Kosa, Tucker S. (Markaley) Kosa, Foster G. (Falyn) Kosa, and Wyatt (Mary) Kosa; a niece, Kourtnee (Austin) Burdick; six grandnieces and grandnephews, Kreed, Jaylee, Conway, Adalynn, Brewer, and Sutton; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by a brother, Justin L. Kosa; his maternal grandparents, George and Gene Elizabeth Goodwin; and paternal grandparents, Edward and Helen Kosa.
Friends may call Friday, March 13, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at West Union Mennonite Church, 1347 County Route 84, Rexville, NY, where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Ed Babcock and Rev. Robert Walters will co-officiate.
Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963, P.O. Box 236, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Seneca Highlands CTC’s “Student of the Week”
Congratulations to Milla Senna, who is the Student of the Week!
Milla is a senior at Port Allegany High School and in her third year in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Upon graduation, Milla plans to attend college at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and pursue a career in nursing, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician, where she hopes to continue helping and caring for children.
Milla is currently working toward earning her Child Development Associate (CDA), a national credential sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition. She plans to take the CDA exam within the next few months. To complete her required hours, Milla works and is getting clinical experience at Port Allegany Elementary, where she enjoys helping children learn and grow. She finds it very rewarding to help children learn, grow, and feel supported in the classroom. Throughout her time at the Career and Technical Center, Milla has been actively involved in cheerleading for 4 years and softball for 1 year.
We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future. Milla has shown great improvement in the program. She is great at communicating, following directions, and working independently.
Congratulations, Milla!!
UPMC Magee-Womens Welcomes New Physician To Wellsboro
Wellsboro, Pa., March 9, 2026 – UPMC is expanding access to women’s health services in the community with the addition of family medicine obstetrician Sarah Cokenakes, M.D., to the UPMC Magee-Womens team in Wellsboro.
Dr. Cokenakes completed her medical degree at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, residency at Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Philadelphia, and rural obstetrics fellowship training with Multicare Health System, Tacoma, Wash. She is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Cokenakes comes to UPMC from Cooper University Health Care, Marlton, N.J.
Steve J. Ford, 62, Formerly Of Allegany, New York
Steve J. Ford: Father, Grandfather, and Brother
Steve J. Ford, 62, formerly of Allegany, New York, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness.
Born on September 30, 1963, in Patuxent, Maryland, he was the son of Raymond R. and LeAnne (Montuori) Ford, Jr.
Steve was employed as a self-employed contractor and painter for many years.
He was a member of the Allegany Fire Department, where he was their Junior Fire Fighters Youth Leader and Believers Chapel.
Richard P. “Rick” LEWIS, 92, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Austin
Richard P. “Rick” LEWIS, 92, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Austin, died Friday, March 6, 2026 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born February 26, 1934, in Keating Summit, he was the son of Emery O. and Cleo M. Smith Lewis. A 1953 graduate Austin High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy from 1955 — 1974. He was employed as a custodian at the McKean County Courthouse for 19 years and the Port Allegany School for 10 years.
Rick was a member of the First Baptist Church of Port Allegany, Frank Burt American Legion Post #258 in Port Allegany, Port Allegany Senior Center, and a life member of Star Hose Co. #1 in Port Allegany.
Surviving are: two sons, Robert J. (Peggy) Lewis of Baltimore, MD and Emery C. (Patti) Lewis of Bradford; a step-daughter, Kathleen D. LaGrange of Longwood, FL; three step-sons, Gary A. (Judy) Leschner of Irwin, Paul J. (Kathy) Leschner of Missouri, and John C. (Penny) Leschner of Denver; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Snyder; his second wife, Veda “Dian” Boddy; a son, Randall T. Lewis; a daughter, Melinda S. Lewis; five brothers, Cletis O. Lewis, Ronald F. Lewis, Charles E. Lewis, Vernon J. Lewis, and Eugene M. Lewis; and two sisters, Bonnie Bonawitz and Geraldine Z. Moses.
Friends may call at the First Baptist Church, 320 Main Street, Port Allegany, PA on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 3:00 PM. Rev. Bruce Moses will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard.
Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Port Allegany Honor Guard. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Port Allegany. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Port Allegany or Star Hose Co. #1, Port Allegany. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Jeanne M. COLE, 101, of Ulysses, PA
Jeanne M. COLE, 101, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA.
Born December 31, 1924, in Sabinsville, she was the daughter of Herbert A. and Myrtle M. Davis Clark. On July 24, 1941, in Elkland, she married Mahlon D. Cole, who predeceased her on March 3, 1992.
She served as Justice of the Peace and Magisterial District Judge for 28 many years, retiring in 1990. Jeanne was a member of the Ulysses Methodist Church, charter member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 Auxiliary, and the former Tri-Town Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary.
Surviving are: seven children, Bonnie Barker of Ulysses, Sherrill (Richard) Cornell of Genesee, Mahlon “Mick” (Karen) Cole, Jr. of Mills, Delores (Phillip) Weiss of Ulysses, Curtis (Susan) Cole of Fennimore, WI, Brent (Cathy) Cole of Coudersport, and Montene “Tina” (Kevin) Bennett of Gaines; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three sisters, Virginia Stewart, Mildred Long, and Dawn Scheid; and three brothers, Otto Henry Clark, Keith Clark, and Francis Clark.
Friends may call at the Ulysses Methodist Church, Ulysses, PA on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM. Lay speaker Eric Lutz will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ulysses Methodist Church, P.O. Box 294, Ulysses, PA 16948 or Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 125, Ulysses, PA 169489. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.