Irving P. Woodard, 87, of Port Allegany, PA
Irving P. Woodard, 87, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Monday (Dec. 5, 2022) in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born July 10, 1935, in Pemberton, NJ, he was a son of Randolph A. and Jessie I. Phillips Woodard. On June 4, 1960, in Jamestown, NY, he married Patricia A. Anderson, who survives.
He was a graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central High School, Sinclairville, NY, class of 1958, and Cedarville College, Cedarville, OH.
He was a resident of the area for 16 years, coming from New Ringgold, PA.
Irving was a member of the Birch Grove Mennonite Church, Port Allegany, where he was a former elder, church treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He was an avid wood worker & reader who enjoyed the outdoors.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Patricia, is a son, Benjamin J. (Karen) Woodard of Coatsville, PA; a daughter, Malinda R. (Scott) Loxterman of Perry, OH; 5 grandsons, 3 granddaughters; and 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, Warren W. Woodard of Kennedy, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dean L. and Winston L. Woodard, and a sister, Janet R. Scholin.
There will be a memorial service held at a later date and time to be announced.
Memorials can be made to the Birch Grove Mennonite Church, Port Allegany.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.
Comdolences can be made to: Patricia A. Woodard, 973 Lower Portage Rd., Apt.1, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
Handling Grief Around the Holidays
Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator
Family Hospice, Part of UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania
Grief affects each of us differently. Feelings of loss come and go without warning, even many years after a loved one has died. Sometimes, grief can be triggered by familiar events, music, smells, foods, or photographs. The holidays—full of traditions, events, group meals, and company—can heighten or reignite these intense feelings of loss.
Here are 10 strategies to help you, or someone you love, through the holidays:
- Recognize that grief is very personal and very complex. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t just “snap out of it” despite the festivities. When feelings of grief strike, ask yourself what you need. Do you want to be alone? Would you prefer some company from friends and family? Make whichever decision is best for you.
- Don’t deny your feelings. There’s a lot of pressure to act happy throughout the holidays, but you shouldn’t deny feeling sad, angry, or hollow. Allow yourself to cry. Experts agree that experiencing the pain of grief enables you to continue healing.
- Make plans to go out but have an exit strategy. When you accept an invitation to a holiday gathering or event, know that your feelings about it may change, sometimes even during the event. If you can, plan to attend with a friend for support, but make it clear that you may decide you no longer want to attend or need to leave early.
- Scale back. If you suspect certain traditions or activities will be too difficult, allow yourself to skip them. You may want to decorate less or not at all. Don’t feel pressure to do embrace the holiday if you’re not feeling up to it.
- Focus on good health. Don’t use drugs or alcohol to numb your feelings. Get plenty of rest, eat a nutritious diet, and make time for exercise. Not only will it help you feel good, it also helps prevent holiday weight gain and mitigates stress.
- Help others. Volunteering can sometimes counter grief. Community service, such as working at a food bank, charity gift exchange, or homeless shelter, places you around other helpers. You may also consider donating to charity in your loved one’s name to remember them during the holidays.
- Create a new tradition. Look for a new decoration, event, or food to add to your celebration. Finding a new way to connect to or honor your loved one helps you remember them and can help in your grief journey.
- Take things one step at a time. Accept grief as part of the holiday experience. Whether you need an afternoon of crying, laughing, or both, make time for it. Expressing your feelings, whatever they may be, is an important part of coping with loss.
- Share their story with youth. Talking about your loved one with them can build memories of activities you did together. Consider looking through photos or sharing a song or story that they loved. If you are helping children with grief through the holidays, lead by example. If your child sees you dealing with grief in healthy ways, he or she will learn to do so as well.
- See a grief counselor or try a support group. If you are struggling with grief, especially around the holidays, talking to someone specially trained to help can make a difference. If you are looking for company from those who understand loss, consider attending a grief support group. If you would prefer to work through your feelings privately, your doctor or local hospice group can recommend therapists and counselors specializing in grief.
Find a healthy strategy that works for you, and most importantly, make time for yourself and your needs this holiday.
Ashley Stensland is the volunteer and bereavement coordinator for Family Hospice, Part of UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania. Family Hospice offers several ways to support you during this difficult time including support groups and memorial services. For more information on resources available in northcentral Pa., contact Ashely by calling 570-326-8952 or emailing stenslandam@UPMC.edu.
Roulette Township Supervisors will have cases of water available at Fire Hall
***ATTENTION*** The Roulette Township Supervisors will have cases of water available (1 per family) at the Roulette Fire Hall beginning around 2pm. Repairs are in progress at the well and we hope to have water service restored soon. We again want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.
Mildred Louise (Carey) Knowlton, 101, Roulette, PA
Mildred Louise (Carey) Knowlton was born February 18, 1921, in Oil City, PA and passed peacefully on December 3, 2022. She was the daughter of T. Frank J. Carey and Mildred (Tracy) Carey. She grew up in Coudersport, PA and graduated from the Coudersport High School as the Valedictorian in 1939. Mildred worked at the Silk Mill during World War II, as a telephone operator, and at the courthouse in Coudersport, PA.
Mildred married her loving husband Wayne Knowlton, Jr. on December 16, 1946. They were married for 67 years. Wayne and Mildred moved to their home in Roulette in 1948, where they raised four children and continued to build a small home into a large home with acreage, barns, animals, and gardens.
They spent many years together bowling, playing horseshoes, and making homemade maple syrup. They were active members of the Hebron Grange 1251.
They were sports fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pittsburgh Steelers. She loved watching NASCAR, and her favorite racer was Bill Elliott. Mildred was known for her tasty apple pies and blueberry pancakes. She was also skillful at crocheting and quilting.
Mildred was a member of the First Hebron Seventh-Day Baptist Church in Coudersport, PA. She was the Grand Marshall of Roulette Township Bicentennial Celebration in 2016. Her favorite pet was her cat, Cat, who kept her company.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband: Wayne Knowlton, Jr, in 2013; her son: Joel D. Knowlton, sisters: Rachel Kenyon, and Mary Whitehair; brothers, Albert, and Arch Carey.
She is survived by her daughter: Julie (Knowlton) Adair of Roulette PA; sons: John Knowlton of El Reno, OK and James Knowlton of Roulette, PA; grandchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Galdon of Erie, PA, William (Barbara) Adair of Lock Haven, PA, Jill (Jason) Stiteler of Pittsburgh, PA, Heather (Robert) Norris of Oklahoma City, OK, and Nicole (Christopher) Dunn of Bradford, PA; great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Galdon, Kenley Galdon, Tyler Adair, Trevor Adair, Elliot Stiteler, and Isaac Stiteler; her sister: Jean (Carey) Rennells of Jacksonville, FL and many nieces and nephews.
Her family has entrusted the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East Street, Coudersport, PA with her arrangements. A private service and burial will be at Hebron Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Roulette Volunteer Ambulance Association or the Roulette Fire Department.
Genevieve M. “Jinnie” Gardner, 100, of Ridgway, PA
Genevieve M. “Jinnie” Gardner, 100, of Ridgway, PA, passed away on December 4, 2022, at Penn Highlands Elk following a brief illness.
She was born on January 17, 1922 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Fred and Josephine Sodononte Assalone.
On February 10, 1945, in St. Leo’s Church, she married the late Robert E. Gardner, who preceded her in death on September 15, 2014. Together they were blessed with nearly 70 years of marriage.
Jinnie was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1940. She was a member of St. Leo’s Church and retired from Quality Components after more than 30 years of service. Jinnie loved spending time in her garden and then canning all of the riches of her garden. She was a talented quilter who also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Jinnie was a kind and thoughtful wife and mother who also loved camping.
She is survived by one daughter; Kathleen Gardner of Ridgway, as well as by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers; Michael, John, and Patrick Assalone, and by one sister; Lena Russell.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Genevieve M. “Jinnie” Gardner will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church, 111 Depot Street. Ridgway, PA 15853 with Fr. Justin Pino as celebrant.
Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be at the Krise Funeral Home from from 10:00 AM until 10:30 AM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ridgway Library.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com
Raymond R. Ishman, 83, of Charlotte, NC and previously Sheffield, PA
Raymond R. Ishman, 83, of Charlotte, NC and previously Sheffield, PA passed away on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.
He was born on Nov. 26, 1939, in Barnett Twp., Forest County, PA the son of the late Alexander and Julia (Haight) Ishman. He married Linda Eckstrom on August 27, 1977.
They were happily married for 31 years before her passing on November 12, 2008.
Ray worked as a Journeyman Machinist in the aerospace industry prior to his retirement.
Surviving relatives include six sons, Randy, Ray Jr., Chris (Rachel), Joshua (Amanda), Kyle (Jessica), and Alexander (Brandi); one daughter, Nicole; three grandchildren, Caleb, Eric and Marissa and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, his wife Linda, and son Dennis.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service, which will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cummings Funeral Home, with the Rev. Calvin Cook, officiating.
Interment will be in Gibbs Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
UPMC Cole Place Seeking Vendors for Resident Craft Bazaar
COUDERSPORT, Pa., Dec. 6, 2022 – UPMC Cole Place is seeking vendors for a small craft bazaar for residents. The bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at UPMC Cole Place, 1001 East 2nd St., Coudersport.
Vendors are invited to share their wares providing residents the opportunity to shop for their friends and loved ones just in time for the holidays. Small tables will be provided. For more information or to reserve a table, please contact Heidi Reese, activities associate/lead, UPMC Cole Place, at reesehe@upmc.edu or 274-9300 ext. 1267.
Part-Time Position Available Immediately:
The Education Council has an opening for a part-time Career and Vocational Mentor (“Mentor”). If you enjoy working with students and would welcome the opportunity to have a positive impact on the next generation, this position may be a good fit for you!
The Career Mentor Program was developed to help all students establish career paths and connections before they leave school. Mentors work closely with school counselors in school districts to introduce students to career opportunities. They assist school counselors with career activities and help develop opportunities for job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships, mock interviews, and more. Mentors coordinate guest speakers within the school environment to improve the students’ knowledge about specific career paths, such as required education or training, salary, duties, etc. They also assist with completing end of school year surveys with graduating high school seniors.
Mentors are passionate and self-motivated. Their job is interesting, and they make a difference in the lives of students. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Mr. Bob Wicker, Business Education Liaison, Potter County Education Council, at (814) 274-4877.
PennDOT, Safety Partners Stress Dangers of Impaired Driving
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation(PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network and local police urged everyone to designate a sober driver for their holiday celebrations at an event held today in Founders Hall at the Lock Haven Clearfield Campus. As part of their Operation Safe Holiday messaging, they also encouraged everyone to buckle up through the holiday season and year-round.
As part of the event, PennDOT distributed literature on the legal and social consequences of DUI. They also gave attendees the chance to complete puzzles while wearing Drunk Busters impairment simulation goggles.
The Holiday Season Impaired Driving Campaign kicked off Wednesday, November 23, and continues through Sunday, January 1, 2023. Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police departments statewide will participate, conducting high visibility enforcement efforts such as roving DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints in hopes of reducing the number of fatal and suspected serious injury crashes involving an impaired driver.
According to 2021 PennDOT data, there were 1,276 crashes involving an impaired driver across Pennsylvania during the holiday travel period that began the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and continued through January 2, 2022. There were 41 fatalities in those crashes.
For more information on impaired driving, visit http://www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
BRMC helps to knock out hunger
Bradford, PA – Before the start of the holiday season, staff at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) coordinated the annual “Knock Out Hunger” food drive. The drive ran from Monday, October 10 through Tuesday, November 8.
Employees at BRMC collected many non-perishable food items including cereal, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruits, pastas, rice, boxed turkey stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, boxed mac and cheese, and baby items including diapers, wipes, and formula.
Different hospital departments were involved with decorating shopping carts to compete amongst each other to collect the greatest number of items for the drive. The shopping carts were displayed in the main lobby of the hospital throughout the drive with various themes.
This year BRMC had a record number of departments participate which collected a total of 980 items. These items were donated and delivered to the local YWCA and The Friendship Table.
“We’re happy to do our part to help knock out hunger in our own community,” said Dave Monroe, chief administrative officer, BRMC. “There are so many people in our community, in our own backyard, who deal with food insecurity. That’s why our Meals on Wheels program here at BRMC and running these food drives are critical to help these struggling individuals.”
The Meals on Wheels program is coordinated through BRMC and provides nutritious hot meals for homebound clients five days per week with volunteers delivering meals directly to clients’ homes. Meals are also available throughout the weekend upon request. For more information on the program, or to become a volunteer, call (814) 362-8288.
Want Less Stress This Holiday Season?
The holidays are upon us and for some that can bring added anxiety and stress. Our mood can be affected by less sunlight during winter, busy schedules, social events, travel, shopping or financial pressures, consuming more food and alcohol but doing less exercise. Also, the loss of a loved one can make us sad especially during this time of the year.
Dickinson Center’s (DCI) Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services team is currently focusing on National Stress-free Family Holiday Month. Hopefully, some of their following tips will help your wellbeing and mental health this season.
· These three things can have a significant impact on how you handle stress, as well as affect your overall mood: Eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
· Practice patience and forgiveness. You are not perfect, neither is anyone else.
· Take a break from social media. Remember, all is not always as it seems. Do something else you enjoy such as listen to music, read, bake, take a walk, play with a pet.
· Create a realistic budget for the amount of money that you can afford to spend on food, gifts or other holiday items. A to-do list might help keep things simple as well.
· Show self-care by relaxing, take a spa day, try to be present in the moment including enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays.
If you or someone you know is struggling during this time, is feeling lonely or depressed, help is available. Local Crisis Assistance Centers may be called at 1.866.957.3224 in Potter County and 1.800.652.0562 in Elk & Cameron counties. Dial 988 for National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Of course, in any type of emergency, immediately call 911.
On behalf of DCI’s Site-based Psych Rehab team, enjoy safe, healthy and happy holidays!
UPMC Williamsport Named to U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., Dec. 6, 2022 – UPMC Williamsport, part of the UPMC Magee-Womens network, has been recognized as a 2022-2023 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report.
“UPMC women’s health services have a long-standing history of quality in our region connecting women in all stages of life with compassionate and experienced providers for many years.,” said Brenda Terry-Manchester, director, Women’s Services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “This recognition honors the efforts made by our team members that continue in their commitment of providing the highest-quality maternity care to our neighbors, family members and the communities we serve. As part of the UPMC Magee-Womens family, we’re adding on to our legacy – advancing treatment options, expanding services, and taking the high standard of maternity care and women’s services we’re known for in the region to a new level.”
In addition to UPMC Williamsport, UPMC Harrisburg and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital of Pittsburgh also have been recognized as High Performing in Maternity Care.
“We provide maternity care throughout all the regions that UPMC serves via our women’s health service line, and we are honored to provide our expectant parents with safe, high-quality patient experiences,” said Richard Beigi, M.D., president of UPMC Magee. “It’s a privilege to serve our communities in this manner, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”
The annual evaluation is designed to assist expectant parents and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
U.S. News evaluated nearly 650 hospitals that provide high-quality labor & delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies for its 2022-2023 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. Fewer than half of all hospitals that offer maternity care and participated in the survey received a High Performing designation.
To be recognized among the Best Hospitals for Maternity, hospitals had to excel on multiple quality metrics that matter to expectant families, including C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rates, among other measures.
RECALLS
Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Kirksville, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 11/29/2022 to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming county. 102.11(a)1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS – BMP AND DESIGN STANDARDS – Person failed to design, implement and maintain E & S BMPs to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation to protect, maintain, reclaim and restore water quality and existing and designated uses. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
ROULETTE TOWNSHIP WATER EMERGENCY
Roulette Township
***ATTENTION*** We are experiencing a major leak resulting in low pressure. Please reduce all water use immediately until this is fixed. Thank you!
The town will be out of water until we can get the necessary parts to repair the line in the well. We will be on it first thing this morning. After that we will be on a 10 day boil water advisory at least 10 days. The Port Allegany school is offering showers for any Roulette students if needed.