Casey Applauds Initiative to Support Military Families
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob
Casey (D-PA) released the following
statement expressing his support for
a new initiative to strengthen the
nation’s support network for
military families:
“I
want to express my support for Mrs.
Obama’s and Dr. Biden’s military
families initiative ‘Joining
Forces’. Our military families are
often unsung heroes and we must do
more to recognize their service.
Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have
secured agreements that bring
businesses, charities, NGOs, primary
care and mental health organizations
together with the focused goals of
helping military and veteran
families in the areas of employment,
education and wellness.
“The Senate must continue to conduct
oversight of military family
programs and provide the support
they deserve. I have heard from
many in the Pennsylvania National
Guard, one of the most deployed
Guard forces in Iraq and
Afghanistan, who have raised
concerns about retaining or finding
employment upon completion of their
deployment, ensuring that their
families are cared for and easing
disruptions to their children’s
lives. Active duty families have
also contacted me to explain the
hardships they endure when their
spouse is deployed or when their
families must relocate.
“For these reasons, I introduced the
Military Spouse Job Continuity Act,
which will help military spouses
more easily re-enter the workforce
by offering a $500 tax credit to
those who have to renew or transfer
a professional license due to a
military Change of Station order. I
am also working on ways to improve
the Transition Assistance Program
through the Department of Labor’s
VETS program as well as other
avenues to ensure that service
members can translate their skills
into the civilian workforce. I will
continue to work to ensure that we
maintain a commitment to our citizen
soldiers.
“In the Senate, I look forward to
working with the President, Mrs.
Obama and Dr. Biden to strengthen
the nation’s support for military
families.”
Casey
Urges Support for Keystone Corridor
High Speed Rail Project
WASHINGTON, DC—
U.S. Senator Bob
Casey (D-PA)
today sent a
letter to U.S.
Transportation
Secretary Ray
LaHood urging
him to approve
approximately
$248 million in
funds sought by
PennDOT to
increase the
maximum speed on
the Keystone
Corridor to 125
miles per hour.
This will create
jobs, spur
economic growth
and reduce
travel time
between
Harrisburg and
Philadelphia by
20 minutes.
“Investing in
the corridor is
crucial to
expanding our
nation’s high
speed network
and creating
more sustainable
forms of
transportation,”
wrote Senator
Casey. “This
investment would
also spur job
creation and
promote economic
growth.
Previous efforts
to upgrade this
line have played
a vital role in
encouraging
economic growth
along the
corridor.”
In his letter,
Senator Casey
highlighted
estimates that
this project
would create
4,500 full time
equivalent jobs
over its
duration,
helping the
economic
recovery move
forward in
Pennsylvania.
Since 2006,
ridership on the
Keystone
Corridor has
increased 45
percent. If this
project is
awarded funding,
it is estimated
that ridership
will increase by
an additional 30
percent within
three years of
implementation.
The funding
PennDOT is
seeking is
available due to
Florida
declining a
previously
awarded grant
for high speed
rail
development.
House Approves
Self-Defense Measure, Causer Says
Castle
Doctrine ensures the right to defend oneself from
intruders
The state House has approved legislation
reinforcing a person’s right to defend himself or
herself in the face of an intruder, Rep. Martin Causer
(R-Turtlepoint) said today.
House Bill 40, also known as the Castle
Doctrine, passed by a vote of 164-37.
“Under current law, a person under attack
has a duty to retreat before taking action in
self-defense – that simply does not make sense,” Causer
said. “This change in law protects the rights of
law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.”
The measure creates a presumption in law
that an attacker or intruder intends to do great bodily
harm and therefore force, including deadly force, may be
used to protect oneself, one’s family and others in the
face of an attack while at home or in an occupied
vehicle. The presumption also applies if a person is
trying to unlawfully remove an occupant, against the
occupant’s will, from a home or vehicle.
The presumption would not apply if the
person entering a home was:
-
Another resident of the home.
-
A law enforcement officer.
-
A parent, grandparent or other
guardian removing a child from the home or vehicle.
In addition, the presumption would not
apply if a person was using their home or vehicle to
further criminal activity. The bill also offers specific
protection against civil liability for the lawful use of
force in self-defense.
The legislation passed the House and
Senate last session but was vetoed by Gov. Ed Rendell
last year.
Rapp Votes for Fair Share Act to Advance Comprehensive
Lawsuit Abuse Reform
HARRISBURG – State Representative Kathy
Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) today voted in favor of
landmark lawsuit abuse reform legislation to amend
Pennsylvania’s legal code to institute proportionate
liability, limiting a defendant’s responsibility for
damages to their share of the blame or fault in the
case.
“Lawsuit abuse is a crime that every
Pennsylvania taxpayer pays for in higher insurance
premiums, less availability of skilled medical
professionals and the loss of small businesses,
manufacturers and other job creators,” said Rapp. “The
Fair Share Act is a common sense measure that will
restore fairness and balance to Pennsylvania’s judicial
system by ensuring that defendants found negligent or
liable for an injury are responsible for only their
share of the damages and not one penny more.”
Enacted in the House by a margin of 112
to 88, the Fair Share Act (House Bill 1), now advances
to the Senate for consideration.
“Whether you are actually sued or not,
the question is no longer ‘if’ or ‘when’ a frivolous
lawsuit will impact you, but ‘how much?’” said Rapp.
“The loss of innovative products and services,
life-saving medical technology, family sustaining jobs
and, ultimately, community good will, are only some of
the unfortunate consequences that can be directly linked
to the rampant abuse of Pennsylvania’s civil justice
system.”
Along with eight other states and the
District of Columbia, Pennsylvania retains what lawyers
refer to as full “joint liability” in lawsuits. The
Commonwealth’s current liability laws are a roadblock to
prospective entrepreneurs and business owners since
current law states that if there are multiple defendants
named in a lawsuit, the one with the most money or
“deepest pockets” can be held liable for all of the
plaintiff’s damages, even if that defendant’s actions
had little to do with the injuries or damages incurred.
“Securing final passage of the Fair Share
Act, is not a Democrat or Republican issue,” said
Rapp. “It’s about preserving jobs and promoting more
employment opportunities. It’s about ensuring
sustained economic growth. It’s about maintaining
affordable and convenient access to quality health
care. Most importantly, it’s about guaranteeing
justice for all.”
Work To Replace Annin Creek Bridge On Route 155 Starts
April 18
Clearfield – Work to replace the Annin Creek Bridge on
Route 155 in Annin Township will begin Monday, April 18.
The bridge spans Annin Creek near the village of Turtle
Point in McKean County. During replacement work, traffic
will use a temporary run-around near the work site.
Project work includes replacing the current bridge with
a new, one-span, concrete beam bridge, approach and
roadway paving, guide rail installation, pavement
markings and miscellaneous construction. All work is
weather dependent.
L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, New York is
the contractor on this $1.4 million project. PennDOT
expects to open the new bridge to traffic in early
December.
For more information on roadway construction and
maintenance operations, visit PennDOT’s website at
www.dot.state.pa.us
Former Cable
Provider's Operations Center Purchased...Again
American
Metro Bank, a small institution in Chicago, is the new
owner of the former Adelphia Operations Center in
downtown Coudersport. American Metro was the lone bidder
in a sheriff’s sale held at the Potter County
Courthouse. The bank, which holds a mortgage on the
property, agreed to pay roughly $470,000 for full
ownership of the building and accompanying property,
which is the amount owed in back real estate taxes and
the costs incurred in advertising the property for sale.
Coudersport Area School District, Coudersport Borough
and Potter County will all receive back taxes, probably
later this month.
Now it’s up to
American Metro Bank to find a buyer. Real estate
investor Bogdan Klek of suburban Chicago bought the
building and grounds for $3.6 million in March 2008. He
soon launched an internet-based auction with a minimum
bid of $8 million, but did not find a buyer. The
72,000-square-foot brick, marble, granite and bronze
structure cost Adelphia about $30 million to build. It
was designed to accommodate 275 employees, as well as
260 vehicles on 80,000 square feet of parking space
across four lots. The 2008 deal between the Adelphia
estate and Klek closed after two online auctions, two
defaulted buyers, and an embezzlement case victimizing a
would-be buyer from Ireland.
Source:
Potter County
Today
CCMH, UPMC Hamot Partner to Improve Port
Allegany Community Health Center
Charles
Cole Memorial Hospital and UPMC Hamot, who have joined forces to expand and
extensively renovate the Port Allegany Community Health Center at 45 Pine St.,
Port Allegany, held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday that included board
members, community leaders, providers and staff, marking the beginning of the
project which has been two years in the making.
Following a welcome by Ed Pitchford, CCMH president and chief executive officer,
comments were made by the Rev. Randall Headley, pastor, Port Allegany United
Methodist Church and vice chairman, CCMH board of directors; Dr. Jason Tronetti,
Port Allegany Community Health Center and CCMH board member; Ron Caskey, CCMH
board member; Rep. Martin Causer; and Gary Maras, senior vice president of
business development, UPMC Hamot. Others participating in the ceremony included
Dr. Marlene Wust-Smith, Dr. Michael Tarbox, Becky Seefeldt, CRNP, and Julie
Baker, PA-C.
The $2.2 million project will last approximately nine months and will not
interrupt daily operations at the health center. The project will add 4,584
square feet and renovate 7,901 square feet to the current space.
“Investing in our communities through projects like this is essential to the
mission of our hospital. We believe it is our responsibility to provide
excellent healthcare services responding to the changing needs of the
communities we serve. We are pleased to be able to improve this community asset
as modern and relevant in an era when there is so much emphasis on keeping
people well and out of hospitals. This project demonstrates our long term
commitment to the health and well being of McKean County residents and to this
community for years to come,” Pitchford said.
The Port Allegany Community Health Center provides family and pediatric primary
care services, laboratory, radiology and physical therapy and occupational
therapy services, and a wellness center. In addition, the facility is occupied
by Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Services, Inc and the Asbestos Screening
program.
Upon completion, the center will include a total of 22 exam and treatment rooms.
Primary care providers at the health center currently see 14,000 patients
annually. This project is expected to allow for an increase of more than 4,000
visits per year. Specialists will increase patient visits by an additional
5,000.
The
healthcare facility will offer expanded primary care and specialty services
including diagnostic testing, behavioral counseling and telemedicine, in an
updated patient-centered environment. The center also will include various
specialty clinics including podiatric services by Dr. Michael Tarbox,
chiropractic care by Dr. Michael Kavounas, and women’s health services by Dr.
Celso Backes and Dr. Max Laurore.
“I am excited about the new expansion project for the Port facility. CCMH and
UPMC Hamot have made it possible to expand our ability to provide more patient
care to the community. We have been limited in space and have not been able to
fulfill the needs of the community and with the new facility we will be able to
offer more care to more people,” Dr. Tronetti said.
CCMH has operated the facility for more than 25 years and while improvements
have been made during that time, the most recent project was over a decade ago.
Increased demand and limited space for primary care, specialists and ancillary
services have created the need for this project.
“When I was hired as the pediatrician at the Port Allegany Health Center almost
5 years ago, I was amazed at how much this community values its providers. We
have been working hard at making this a true patient-centered medical home and I
believe that we have succeeded. The improvements that will be made to the health
center will help us to provide the very best care to even more patients,” Dr.
Wust-Smith said.
“The expansion and renovation of the Port Allegany Community Health Center
reflects the growing relationship between two quality health care institutions,”
Maras said. “UPMC Hamot and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital are committed to
improving access to the highest quality healthcare and services provided to
patients in this region.”
In March 2010, CCMH and UPMC Hamot entered into a clinical affiliation agreement
through which the two health systems collaborate to improve the access and
quality of health services to the residents of the area.
About Charles Cole Memorial Hospital
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital is a full service, comprehensive
health system based in Coudersport with service throughout north central
Pennsylvania. In addition to the hospital’s main campus in Coudersport, CCMH
provides primary health care, including wellness and physical therapy, to
surrounding communities in four counties at rural health centers in Galeton,
Ulysses, Westfield, Shinglehouse, Port Allegany, Eldred, Smethport, and
Emporium. For additional information on the hospital’s services and medical
providers, visit
www.charlescolehospital.com.
About UPMC Hamot
UPMC Hamot is a 412-bed, tertiary care facility, located in Erie. UPMC
Hamot has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report- America’s Best Hospitals,
Top 50 for Pulmonary Medicine, Most Wired, and Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals
for overall performance, as well as Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals for
outstanding outcomes in heart care, neurological services, urology, orthopaedics,
gerontology and critical care medicine. UPMC and Hamot affiliated on February 1.
For more information, visit www.UPMCHamot.com.
Roadwork Scheduled, Stormwater Plan Adopted
By Martha Knight
LIBERTY VILLA—A portion of Lower Grimes Road will be closed for
several hours Thursday, while some essential work is being done on the road,
township supervisor Fred Ernst III announced at the monthly meeting of the
Liberty Township Supervisors Tuesday night.
The closure will be timed to take place between school bus runs,
and should affect only a few residents. The detour route will be by way of Route
155, Ernst explained.
The supervisors’ meeting found the few residents in attendance in a
cheerful mood, with some thanking the supervisors for road improvements that
have been accomplished last year and acknowledging that they realize not all of
the roads can be improved simultaneously.
Major projects planned for the coming roadwork season will be Upper
and Lower Portage Roads, chairman Gary Turner and supervisors Chuck Safford and
Ernst said.
In addition to improvements to pavement along Portage Road, which
has shown damage for some time, some of the trees will be trimmed or removed,
allowing more light in.
One resident questioned the need for weed removal every year, but
Ernst said the supervisors have found that keeping weeds and brush at bay allows
the roadways and borders to dry out.
Supervisors voted two to one to adopt the controversial Stormwater
Management Ordinance, which is the township’s version of the measure that was
developed by the county under a state mandate, with the Department of
Environmental Protection driving the process and having approval power
concerning its provisions.
Turner and Safford voted for adoption, expressing reluctance but
with Turner noting that they had been told the Liquid Fuels Tax funds could be
withheld if the ordinance were not in place.
Ernst voted No, saying, “There is too much stuff in there I don’t
like.” Also, he objected to the burden of enforcement being placed on the
township.
The supervisors decided not to attend the annual conference of the
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, in Hershey, saying they
could not justify the cost in a tight budget year. However, Safford said he
planned to attend the McKean County Township Officials spring convention on May
4.
There was discussion of a McKean County Adult Probation program
whereby some probationers would be assigned to perform tasks for municipalities
as part of their community service. The supervisors decided to study the program
further before utilizing that source of labor.
Supervisors noted that they had heard that there will be a 10-ton
weight limit placed on Route 155 through much or all of the township. PennDOT is
said to be planning that action so as to make sure companies hauling
hydrofracking water and drilling equipment over the state highway will bond the
roads.
Turner noted that contractor Brad Greenman has been of assistance
to the township on numerous occasions, helping with materials and equipment and
even performing some improvements. He said Greenman had used his backhoe and
solved a problem that had been created when an unknown person had deposited a
large quantity of mud over a sunken spot over a culvert Also, Chad Moses and
Rick Bee were mentioned as having helped handle some trouble spots.
The supervisors said that persons who see vibro-seismology trucks
traveling township roads should notify supervisors at home or call the township
office, to state what trucks they had seen and where.
Tony Clarke of Bradford was introduced at the beginning of the
meeting, and briefly addressed those present concerning his candidacy for Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas. He has cross-filed to seek nominations from both
parties in the upcoming primary.
Anthony V. Clarke is seen
addressing those in attendance at the most recent Liberty Township business
meeting Tuesday night.
Martha Knight
Photo
Community
Health Center Getting $2.2 Mil Upgrade
By Martha Knight
“It is refreshing that we have something being constructed…If we
did not do this, we would be breaching the philosophy of the hospital.”
That was how Ron Caskey, secretary of the Charles Cole Memorial
Hospital (CCMH) board of directors, way the $2.2 million expansion project that
was launched officially Friday at a noon groundbreaking ceremony, at the Port
Allegany Community Health Center.
Caskey is also a member of the affiliated board of CCMH’s partner
in providing services through the health center, UPMC Hamot. Then known as Hamot,
the Erie-based provider affiliated with CCMH last March. UPMC Hamot was formed
in February of this year.
Ed Pitchford, president and CEO of CCMH, called the new project
“one of the most ambitious projects that this facility has ever seen,” referring
to the CCMH system. He said that because of the support of the Port Allegany
community, “we have outgrown the facility; we are responding to changing needs.”
Assemblyman Marty Causer, claiming as his “hometowns” Port Allegany
and nearby Turtlepoint, also spoke of change, saying, “Rural health care is
constantly changing.” Pitchford said Causer had been a strong voice in
Harrisburg for rural health care.
Gary Maras, senior vice president of business development at UMPC
Hamot, formerly “from the clinical side,” recalled his training in cardiac care
in the 1970s, when he was mentored by Port Allegany native and prominent cardiac
surgeon Dr. Gary Lyons.
Currently the Port Allegany Community Health Center provides family
and pediatric primary care services, as well as laboratory, radiology, physical
therapy and occupational therapy services and a popular fitness center.
Also occupying spaces in the former Port Allegany Community
Hospital building are the Port Allegany Asbestos Health Program and Drug and
Alcohol Addiction Services, Inc.
The project, designed by Jeffrey K. Brown of Pittsburgh-based IKM
Inc., includes a 2,584 square-foot addition and renovation of an existing 7,901
square feet of space. Allegany, N.Y.-based Duggan & Duggan is general
contractor.
After the project is completed in about nine months, there will be
22 exam and treatment rooms. Annual patient visits are expected to increase from
about 14,000 to 19,000.
Specialty services will include podiatric care by Dr. Michael
Tarbox (also an area native), chiropractic care by Dr. Michael Kavounas, and
women’s health services by Dr. Celso Backes and Dr. Max Laurore.
Pediatrician Dr. Marlene Wust-Smith will continue to see patients
at the facility.
Pitchford said planning continues for an expansion of the
Coudersport facility, where the Emergency Department is to be upgraded. The Port
Allegany project has been in planning about two years.
Born
Here - Dr. Jason Tronetti addresses dignitaries and public at the
noon, Friday official groundbreaking for the $2.2 million expansion of the Port
Allegany Health Center, where his practice is based. He said he had been born
close to the waiting room site of the ceremony, when the facility was Port
Allegany Community Hospital, and speculated that he might be the only doctor in
Pennsylvania who literally is practicing where he was born.
Martha Knight Photo
Rural
Health Care Talk - Assemblyman Marty Causer, left, and Ed Pitchford,
president and CEO of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, confer at Friday's
groundbreaking for a $2.2 million expansion of CCMH's Port Allegany Health
Center. Pitchford told the audience that Causer had been a strong voice in
Harrisburg for rural health care. Martha
Knight Photo
Room
For Improvement - These are depictions of the Port Allegany Health
Center as it will appear in about nine months, at the completion of a $2.2
million project unveiled Friday. It is a joint project of UPMC Hamot and Charles
Cole Memorial Hospital. Martha Knight
Photo
GOP Ladies To Host Forum
By Martha Knight
The Port Allegany Area Republican Women’s Club, known as The GOP
Ladies, will sponsor a Meet the Republican Candidates night at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 26, in the Social Rooms of the First Presbyterian Church.
Invited candidates have filed for Republican nominations to the
various offices, in the May 17 municipal primary.
As with similar events the club has hosted in other Municipal
Election years, the forum is open to the public.
Candidates for McKean County offices, and local offices in Port
Allegany Borough, Liberty Township, Annin Township and the Port Allegany School
District have been invited to attend and address the audience.
Candidates for Judge of the McKean County Court of Common Pleas are
Tony Alfieri, Michele D. Alfieri-Causer, Anthony V. Clarke and Chris Hauser.
Magisterial District Judge William K. Todd is seeking re-election. All judicial
candidates have cross-filed.
Incumbent County Commissioners Joseph C. DeMott Jr. and Al Pingie
are seeking the Republican nomination, as is former commissioner John Egbert.
Incumbent Judith R. Church is running on the Democratic ticket, along with
former commissioner Clifford Lane and Patrick Baldoni. Voters of each party will
vote for two candidates, and the top two vote getters of each party will be on
the November ballot.
Running unopposed for Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court
is incumbent Harrijane Hannon Moore, a Republican.
Other Republican incumbents also running unopposed are Recorder of
Deeds Anne C. Bosworth and Coroner Michael F. Cahill.
Port Allegany Borough Council incumbents Kate Kysor and Lynn Farber
and party-mate Eric L. Button are seeking the three council positions to be
filled this year. Incumbent Lewis Roy Duell is the sole Democratic candidate.
Liberty Township supervisors Fred W.
Ernst III is seeking re-election, opposed by former supervisor roadmaster James
Boorum.
Annin Township incumbent John Barr is
opposed by fellow Republican Brian P. Causer for the single supervisor position
to be filled this year. Township supervisor terms are six years in length.
School board candidates who have been invited are incumbents Daniel
F. Kysor and Gary A. Hardes, along with Scott A. Moses, Ingrid L. Lapp and Sean
A. Lathrop. All but Lapp have cross-filed. There are five seats available.
After the candidates have made their presentations there will be an
opportunity for others in attendance to mingle with them and converse.
Refreshments will be served.
Click
HERE
for the latest from Representative Martin Causer, representing the 67th
Legislative District, including Potter, Cameron and McKean Counties
Groundbreaking Ceremony - Dr. Michael Tarbox,
Julie Baker, PA-C, Dr. Jason Tronetti,
Becky Seefeldt, CRNP, Dr. Marlene Wust-Smith, Rev. Randall Headley and Ron
Caskey are pictured during groundbreaking ceremonies held at the Port Allegany
Community Health Center on Friday, April 8. The ceremony marked the
beginning of the $2.2 million project that has been two years in the making and
will take approximately nine months to complete. More photos from this
event will appear on this week's picture page.
Pam Fischer Photo
School Budget Cuts May Reach $750,000+
By Martha Knight
A
no-fat, tight belt budget is in the offing for the Port Allegany School District
come July 1, when fiscal 2011-12 begins, the school board heard Monday night at
its regular April board meeting.
Superintendent Tony Flint presented several one-page summaries of
results of budget work to date, showing cuts and economies he believes can be
achieves at least on a one-time basis without harming programs. If more lean
years follow, it would not be long before such reduced spending would affect
programs noticeably, Flint warned.
Revenues anticipated in the next fiscal year total $12,508,879,
compared with this year’s $13,264,693. State subsidies are projected to drop
some $874,000, and the accountability block grant of more than $271,000 will not
be funded at all.
Flint said the administration has
worked with staff, including instructional and support personnel, to identify
any spending that can be eliminated or postponed.
A budgetary reserve of $124,430 will be used up, and no new reserve
will be planned into the new budget. Professional staff members are being asked
not to take courses not needed to maintain certification and ask for tuition
reimbursement. Out-of-area conferences will be scrutinized closely, and few will
be attended. Uniforms and equipment and technology purchases will be postponed
or cut.
Those and other economies had made for spending reductions of more
than $302,000, but left Flint and business manager Judy Bodamer searching for
another $450,000.
Flint’s proposed strategy was
described by saying, “We have identified 15 other categories we need to look at”
in addition to those he had listed in one summary.
Although most programs can be preserved this year even with
spending cuts, Flint said he does not see a way to continue to provide
after-school tutoring or a summer school program.
When Flint asked the board members whether they are in favor of the
direction he is taking with the budget, board member Ed Babcock said, “I don’t
think I am, in terms of $450,000. If it were much less than that…” But later he
encouraged Flint to continue the process of seeking all possible savings without
curtailing necessary programs. “Put her together,” he said, referring to the
task of coming up with a proposed budget.
Personnel costs are still an unknown, board member Denise Buchanan
observed. “We are not going to know a number until we have some kind of
agreement with our professional staff. That’s the big elephant in the room.”
Flint said he and several other area
school superintendents had met with state senator and Senate speaker pro tem Joe
Scarnati concerning the quandary faced in the small, rural school districts
Scarnati represents. He said Scarnati seemed sympathetic, understanding that the
school systems have not been spending wastefully.
Some softening of the blow to schools may come before the budget is
finalized, Flint said, although he is not counting on that. If more state
reimbursement is provided, the budget can be revised up to the June 30 deadline
for final adoption. In fact, funds made available later could be worked into the
fiscal plan by reopening the budget.
The board approved the 2011-2012 Seneca Highlands Wide Area Network
(SHWAN) budget in the amount of $232,024 for technology services provided by the
Intermediate Unit 9, with district costs of $31,058. Board member Gary A. Hardes
commented that the board was being asked to approve the whole budget, as well as
the amount the school district contributes.
Also approved was the final accounting with the Pennsylvania
Department of Education facilities office for PlanCon Part J, for the Elementary
School expansion and renovation project. The district is due some additional
state reimbursement, for the $7,454,405 project, completed some time ago. A $5
million bond issue financed part of the project, and the district used more than
$4 million of accumulated funds earmarked for the project. State reimbursement
helps make the bond issue payments.
The board approved adding Joshua Parslow of Emporium to the
substitute teacher list and Jan Bloss of Port Allegany to the support staff
substitute list.
Dr. Jason Tronetti will continue to be school physician at an
unchanged salary of $10,000, the board decided.
Sharon Daniels was appointed head volleyball coach, and Kristina
Francis will be assistant junior varsity volleyball coach. Joshua Guerrero
was approved as a volunteer baseball coach for the 2011 season.
Robert Raudenbush’s resignation as varsity boys’ basketball coach
was accepted.
Hardes noted that developmental reading teacher Cindy Smith has
indicated her intention of retiring at the end of the term, and said that she
has been an excellent teacher, highly proficient in her specialty.
The board’s next regular meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May
9, in the elementary school Blue Room.
Prom
King and Queen - The Junior Class of PAHS presented the 2011 Prom - A
Black Tie Affair - Saturday evening at the school. Selected as King and Queen
were Ryan Kio and Bryanna Evens. This event, a gift from the junior class to
the senior class, featured a steak/chicken dinner prepared by the parents and
the music of Shon J the DJ. Prom Advisor was Erin Moran.
Pam Fischer Photo
Prom
Court - The Port Allegany High School Prom was held Saturday night at
the
school. Ryan Kio and Bryanna Evens were selected as King and Queen. The
royal couple were crowned by 2010 Prom Queen Alyssa Bowser. The court is
pictured (left to right) Brock Bricker, Caryne Healy, Seth Lowery, Cora Bova,
Queen Bryanna, King Ryan, Renee Edgell, Chad Barnard, Breanna Foster and Camrin
Stuckey. More photos from this event will appear on an upcoming picture
page. Pam Fischer Photo
Happy Birthday Pastor Randy!
- A birthday buffet was prepared and served to Pastor Randy Headley and his
wife, Barb, by the students and teachers of the Port Allegany United Methodist
Church Sunday School.
The students also had a "parade of presents" giving Pastor Randy with gift
items such as coffee because he "perks us up"; apples because he is "the apple
of our eyes"; a ham...for obvious reasons; and hugs and kisses. Pictured are
the cooks with their special guests (front row, left to right) Isaac Burr,
Madison Mahon, Zoe Burr, Barb Headley, Pastor Randy, Addie Burr, Corbin
Hamilton, Ian Dynda; (back row) Justin Young, Makayla Alcorn, Julia Young,
Shaylei Burr and Kiera Keck. Pam
Fischer Photo
Jazz and Java - The Port Allegany Music
Department presented Jazz and Java Thursday, April 7 at the Port Allegany
Elementary School. The show featured the Senior High Jazz Band and the Junior
High Jazz Band. Logan Hutton, Sam Kysor, Ryan Michelitsch, McKenna Johnson and
Derek Johnson are pictured during the Senior High portion of the concert. The
program was under the direction of Brad Stewart. More photos from this event
will appear on this week's picture page.
Jazz
and Java Concert - The PAHS Senior High and Junior High Jazz Bands
presented Jazz and Java April 7 at the PAES. The first set featured the
older group with the Senior High Jazz Band performed Come Out Swingin';
All's Well That Ends Well, Don't Know Why with soloist Renee Edgell; and
Sambeando.
Members of
the Senior High group include Ryan Michelitsch and McKenna Johnson on Alto
Saxophone; Derek Johnson and Samuel Kysor on Tenor Saxophone; Logan Hutton
on Baritone Saophone; Megan Bishel, Jacob Stehle and Aaron Majot on Trumpet;
Kenneth Kysor and Wesley Caulkins on Trombone; Zachary Sigafoes on Key Bass;
Cheyanna Sullivan on Piano and Dylan Bowers on Percussion.
The second
set featured the Junior High Jazz Band with Logan Hutton and McKenna Johnson
on Alto Saxophone; Hannah Ernst on Tenor Saxophone; Adam Koehler, Charles
Kysor, Andrew Rosenswie, Matthew Causer and Daniel Bishel on Trumpet;
Garrett Talkington and Jefferson Stehle on Trombone; Cheyanna Sullivan on
Key Bass; Mr. Ken Myers on Piano; and Eli Knapp and Dylan Bowers on
Percussion. They played Brazil, Manteca, Moanin; and A Hard Day's Night.
The Senior
High Jazz Band returned for the third set which included In The Mood,
Pennsylvania 6-5000, Someone to Watch Over Me with Hannah Wise as soloist,
and Saint Louis Blues. Directing the bands was Brad Stewart.
Refreshments were served by the Port Allegany Music Boosters.
Pam Fischer Photo
SWAMP
Presenters - Five representatives of a new program called SWAMP,
for Success With Achievement, Motivation and Preparedness, showed slides and
explained their organization at a public presentation in the junior-senior
high school cafeteria Monday night. They are, from left, Christina
Safford, Caitlin Lindsay, Linea Kelley, Emily Conklin and Cynthia Setzer.
A teen center is slated to open soon, at 6 North Main Street.
Martha Knight
Photo
Teen Center Takes Shape
By Martha Knight
They call themselves The SWAMP, but clearly they have not bogged
down.
They are a cadre of teen-age girls, drawn from some Port Allegany
area Girl Scout groups, interested in seeing a teen center in operation, and
in facilitating some programs needed by the youth of the community.
The timing couldn’t be better. At the Port Allegany School Board
meeting that took place an hour after the SWAMP meeting Monday night, the
list of cuts needed to balance the 2011-12 general fund budget for the
school district included after-school tutoring and summer school. It so
happens that SWAMP wants to help sponsor just such programs, in addition to
fun activities, work opportunities, community service and “a good place to
be.”
Within weeks the group hopes to have a teen center open, at 6 North
Main Street, a store front building now owned by the McKean County Housing
Authority. It is being renovated, and SWAMP is being given use of it as an
initial location, thanks to a special arrangement with the agency. Utilities
will be paid for “pro rata,” the group says, with some help from local
organizations.
Teen Moose, Port Allegany Rotary and the Lions are among
organizations the group looks to for help, along with individuals and
businesses in the community.
“It’s not a game room,” spokespersons state emphatically. Yes, they
hope to have some activities that would include games, and family game
nights, and they would love to have someone donate a Wii or similar device
along with a supply of games. Yes, the girls say, it will be a “hang-out,”
but not in the sense that gave some past youth centers a bad name.
“It will be a safe and fun place to be,” one of the students
explained. “There will be healthy activities.” The orange brochure
reiterates “healthy supervised activities.” An adult advisor said the aim is
to have at least two adults present at all times.
Once open, the teen center will have hours several days a week,
after school until the dinner hour, and additional events some evenings.
During summer vacation hours wll be expanded. Activities will be aimed at a
junior-senior high school age group.
There will be no dues. People in the eligibility age group may
register, but will not have to pay to do so.
There will be a clearing house for jobs for teens, adult sponsors
indicate. People who have chores and projects suitable for youthful workers
will list their needs, and teens looking for work will list availability and
skills. When matches are found, parents will be in the loop.
According to the brochure, “The object of The SWAMP is not only
fun-filled events but also helping programs like tutoring, homework help,
mentoring programs (and) classes such as resume writing, nutrition planning,
survival for college.”
Some general goals are community service, positive teen
development, meeting social needs, and giving teens a voice.
The SWAMP organization grew out of a Girl Scout Troop 22116
Challenge and Change project. Jeana Fleck and Jeana Setzer have been adult
coordinators since its inception last year. But other youth groups,
including Boy Scouts, would be welcome partners. The organization plans to
incorporate as a non-profit, and have tax-exempt status.
Why The SWAMP? The acronym stands for Success with Achievement,
Motivation and Preparedness. That particular acronym was chosen because Port
Allegany is Gator country, and its athletic field has been called the Swamp,
traditionally.
The group’s first event will be a dance, held at the Moose Family
Center, not at the teen center. A series of fundraisers will be held in
coming months.
Needs listed by the group include furniture, computers and other
gear, supplies, funding and adult volunteers. Offers and questions can be
directed to
tc.swamp@yahoo.com, or to Fleck at 642-7784 or Setzer at 642-7056.
Rotary
Visits CTC - The local Rotary Club gathered at the Seneca Highlands
Career and Technical Center for their weekly meeting. The Culinary Arts
students led by Chef Paul Farmelo prepared and served lunch. The group
then toured the Networking classroom where instructor Donna Giannattasio gave an
overview of the class. Rotarians were able to ask questions of the students.
In this photo, Jeremy Adams from Northern Potter, is explaining the physical
topology of a computer business network created for his senior project.
Enrollees are presented the opportunity to complete a three-credit Intro to
Networking course through the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Program Chair
for the day was Frank Rackish. Pam Fischer
Photo
IU9
Elementary Songfest - Selected to represent Port Allegany
at the IU9
Elementary Song Fest are (front) Marcus Murphy; (middle
row) Mira Terrette, Daniel Harris, David Talkington, Haley Bayline;
(back) Katie Ernst, Makenzie
Burr and Caroline Wise. Also selected
but not pictured is Morgan Causer. The
IU9 Elementary Song Fest is a choral festival for elementary
students in the Intermediate Unit IX area. Singers from
participating schools will combine to make a large choir, rehearse
throughout the day and present a concert which will be open to the
public. Song Fest 2011, hosted by Port Allegany, is scheduled for
April 19. The concert will be held at PAHS Auditorium and begins at
7:00 p.m. Tickets (Adults $3/Student$2) will be sold at the door.
Pam Fischer
Photo
Announce
Engagement - Dana and Carol Smith of DuBois announce the
engagement of their daughter, Jessica Rose, to Anthony Martin Moses.
He is the son of Marty and Paula Moses of Port Allegany.
The bride to be is a graduate of DuBois Area High
School and a graduate of Clarion University. She is employed
by Pennsylvania Mountain Healthcare Alliance in DuBois.
Her fiancé is a graduate of Port Allegany High School
and is a self employed subcontractor for FedEx Ground.
An August 18, 2012 wedding is planned
90th
Birthday - Helen Baker is surrounded by her family following the
morning worship service at the Port Allegany United Methodist Church as she
celebrates her 90th birthday. The celebration continued with a dinner at
St. Joseph's Episcopal Church. Family members include (kneeling, left to
right) Marissa Baker, Marcus Murphy, Zach Haskins, Sam Benson; (seated, row
2) Jack Benson, Connie Benson, Helen Baker, Bob Baker, Cindy Baker; (row 3)
Susan Benson, Amy Murphy, Shelby Baker, Karli Haskins, Shari Haskins, Luke
Baker, Mitch Baker, Jamison Haskins; (back row) Tom Murphy, Scott Baker and
John Benson. Pam Fischer
Photo
Honoring Tola
- The morning worship service held Sunday at the Crosby United Methodist
Church
was a celebration for Tola Thomas who was recognized for her sixty-plus
years of music ministry to the church. Mrs. Thomas is pictured with Rev.
Randy Headley, pastor of the church; and Keith Wright, chairperson of the
church council, who presented Mrs. Thomas with a plaque to commemorate the
event. In addition to members of the congregation, family and friends of
Mrs. Thomas were also in attendance for the service and the reception
that followed.
Pam Fischer
Photo
90th Birthday
Celebration - The church family at the Gethsemane Lutheran
Church
helped Martha (Stromberg) Klein celebrate her 90th birthday with a soup luncheon
held following the morning worship service. Four generations of family members
are pictured with Mrs. Klein including great-granddaughters (front row) Lillian
Baldwin, and Lauren Baldwin; (back row) Jessica Klein, Bruce Klein, Joyce
Peterson, Tim Baker, Julie (Klein) Baker, Allen Klein, Catherine (Klein)
Baldwin, James Baldwin, Norma Klein and Jim Baker. Pam Fischer
Photo
Selected
For All-Star Game - Kody Taylor was
selected to play in the 35th Annual Roundball Showcase All Star Basketball Games
held at Middletown High School on April 8 and 9. Kody joined with 192 other
high school seniors in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. His team, the
Central PA Team went against the Tri-State Team. Kody had two three-point
shots, several rebounds and blocks. Kody played PAHS basketball for six years.
He is the son of Kristie Taylor of Port Allegany.
Pam Fischer Photo
Challenger British Soccer Camp
- Port Allegany Soccer Association will hold its annual camp June 27 - July
1 at the Alliance Church Field located on Mill Street. Ages 3 - 18 are
invited to participate. Space is limited...sign up today at
www.challengersports.com. For
more information, please call Angela Hults at 642-9125.
Un-defeated!
- Were you a member of the Undefeated 1986 PAHS Football Squad? If so, the
Alumni Association is looking for YOU! This year's Alumni game, scheduled
for July 9th is honoring the undefeated team of '86. Those who were part
of the undefeated team in 1986 are asked to contact the PAAFA at
admin@portafootball.com with your
contact information.
It's the hope of the alumni association to
honor that undefeated squad during the 2nd Annual Alumni Football Game, to be
held in Port Allegany when the Gators take on the Coudersport Falcons at the
swamp.
About The Season Of '86:
The 1986 Gators finished
10-0, and won the Allegheny Mountain League Title defeating Johnsonburg 23-14.
They totaled 298 points on the year, for an average of 29.8 per game. This
ranked them 8th in the state. Their defense gave up a total of 28
points, averaging 2.8 per game. This ranked them 3rd in the state.
Their point differential of 27 points per contest, ranked them 2nd in
the state.