OLEAN, NY – It’s been over three years since Olean General Hospital (OGH), one of two hospital campuses that comprise Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), has allowed admissions of pediatric patients in the hospital. Due to the effects of the pandemic, OGH interrupted the admissions process for patients less than 18 years of age which were typically transferred to specialized hospitals for a higher level of care.

OGH has begun accepting hospital admissions of patients who are at least one year old. The change in policy took effect on Tuesday, September 12.

The 9^th Annual Homeless Animal Benefit hosted by Jerry and Helen Gaye is Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Knoxville VFW, 703 Boatman Rd. Doors open at 9 a.m. and auction drawings start at 3 p.m.

The chance auction features a variety of items, including handmade wooden wares. Bluegrass and old country music will be performed pending musicians’ availability and local artist Diane Brownell will be on hand. There is no cover charge and food and drinks are available to purchase from the VFW.

Auction items can also be viewed and tickets bought the night before, Friday, Oct. 6, 4-8:30 p.m. Donated items for the auction (second-hand items in good condition accepted), can be dropped off at the VFW.

Proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue/shelter providing care and rehabilitation for homeless and at-risk animals in Tioga County and finding them loving new homes for more than 20 years. For more information about Second Chance, visit www.secondchanceas.org.

Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is offering its annual low-cost rabies and microchip clinic on Saturday, Sept. 30, 1-3 p.m. at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Whitneyville, between Wellsboro and Mansfield.

Rabies vaccines are $10, distemper combo vaccines are $15 and microchips are $15 or $20 if Second Chance registers it online for you. Cash/check only; no cards accepted. 

Dr. Kristine Shaw, DVM, is administering the rabies vaccines. No appointment is needed, but be prepared for a wait. Please bring water for your pet for the wait. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. No public restroom will be available. For more information, please call Second Chance at 570-376-3646. 

A golf tournament to benefit homeless and at-risk animals is Saturday, Sept. 30, at the River Valley Country Club, Westfield. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The four-person scramble with two flights is $80 per golfer, which includes a light breakfast and the chance to win a cash payout and on-course prizes. Lunch and dinner are also available.

Elk County- Joe Auman, Jessica Auman, and Emily Morgan of Premier Metal and Recycling presented a generous donation to Jason Gabler, St Marys Area United Way Corporate Campaign Chair; Doug Bauer, United Way Payroll Campaign Chairman; Jim Ryan, United Way Vice- President; Bill Olson, United Way Secretary; and United Way board members John Dippold and Jane Olson. Premier Metal and Recycling is located on DeLaum Road in St.Marys. Premier is a complete scrap metal recycling company and they also sell remill non-ferrous powders.