Allegany County Source 01-30-2026

Jones Memorial Hospital, UR Medicine, mark 10 years of affiliation

BY BOB CLARK

WELLSVILLE — Jones Memorial Hospital officials are celebrating 10 years of affiliation with UR Medicine.

Marking the occasion, officials looked back on the agreement which connected the 49bed hospital into the UR network, and its impact on local health care opportunities.

“Ten years ago, we made a commitment to strengthen healthcare in our community by joining a larger health sys-

tem, while staying true to who we are as a local community hospital,” said Jones President and CEO Jim Helms. “Over the past decade, this affiliation has allowed us to expand services, recruit exceptional providers, and bring advanced care closer to home. Most importantly, it has ensured that our neighbors, friends, and families can continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care right here, today and for generations to come.”

“Our decision to

affiliate ten years ago was guided by one priority: doing what was right for our community,” said hospital board Chair Dan Johnson. “As a board, we’ve seen firsthand how this partnership has strengthened the hospital’s foundation — enhancing financial stability, supporting growth, while preserving local autonomy. And as a direct result of our efforts to provide high quality for this community, we saw in the

KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — A

local entrepreneur and artist wants to turn the former village municipal building into an event center and artist studio.

Marshall Green submitted the proposal to the village board during its regular meeting on Jan. 26. He predicted the cost to be around $21,000, to be raised by donations, sponsorships and volunteer labor, with the help of the village, which owns the building.

He said an event center could be used for meetings, weddings and other events and would attract people from out

of the area who would use other businesses in the village, such as restaurants and places to stay. He added that students from Alfred University’s Ceramic Arts School could be attracted to the art studios.

“This building is truly a beautiful space with its grand foyer, winding staircase, high ceilings and stunning exterior,” Green said. “It will grow over time to become a high demand space.” Green handed out copies of the proposal to the board members.

Mayor Ed Fahs said they would look at the proposal and added that several plans have been

suggested for the space.

The former municipal building was awarded funds from the New York Forward Grant project, but the original plan for repurposing it fell through. However, the state has made the funding available for other projects in the village.

The building was constructed in 1909 as a library and continued as such until 1937 when it became the official municipal building. In 2019 the government moved out of the building, and it has been vacant since.

A plan to turn it into a restaurant/bar was submitted to the New York Forward project. It was

approved for a $50,000 grant, but the plan fell through and the building has remained unused.

In another matter, resident Cassie Hawley inquired about the money raised from the parking meter collection during the holidays. Fahs said it had not yet been counted due to the changes in the clerk’s office over the past few weeks. Later, he said the meter collection, to be awarded to the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society, will be distributed at the next board

Portville mother and business owner becomes living kidney donor

PORTVILLE —

Shaina Griffin is no stranger to how life-changing organ transplants can be.

After her brother required two kidney transplants — one from their mother in 2007 and the other from their father in 2015. Griffin decided to start her own journey with organ transplants, matching with a complete stranger and choosing to move forward with surgery.

“There’s something surreal about knowing you’re about to give a part of your body to

help someone else live,” Griffin told the Times Herald. “I remember feeling a mix of calm, purpose and vulnerability. When I woke up, the reality of it hit me physically — I was sore, exhausted and aware that my body had been through something major.”

After her transplant took place Jan. 15 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa., Griffin’s recovery wasn’t completely straightforward, and complications did arise.

“There were moments of discomfort and

on the process.

frustration, and times when I had to be more patient with my body than I wanted to be,” she said.

nections are built simply on being human.”

en & Sage, a complete meal-based business for home or for events.

But even in those harder moments, Griffin said she never questioned her decision. If anything, going through complications deepened her perspective.

“It’s not just a medical procedure. It’s a human decision. It requires courage, education and support. There are risks, and it’s important not to gloss over that,” she said. “What’s also real is the impact. You’re not just donating an organ — you’re giving someone more time, more memories, more birthdays, more life.”

Griffin is a mother of two boys and owner of two food-based businesses — Adored Boards, where she creates custom charcuterie boards, platters and graze tables for events and parties, and Sev-

To learn more about organ transplants, visit https://unos.org/transplant/ or https://www. upmc.com/services/ transplant/campaigns/ living-donor-adult-recipient.

“It reminded me that organ donation is a real surgery with real risks — it’s not something to minimize,” she said. “At the same time, it showed me how strong the human body and spirit can be.”

For anyone thinking about helping someone in need of a transplant, Griffin provided advice

After a transplant is completed, the donor remains protected. Extensive evaluations are completed to make sure the donor is healthy and fully informed.

Cuba’s Bull Street to be closed for bridge project

“Educate yourself. Ask every question. Take your time. Make sure you’re doing it from a place of clarity and willingness — not pressure,” continued Griffin. “This decision has to be yours. And if, after all of that, you feel called to do it — know that you are capable of something extraordinary.”

CUBA — Bull Street at the bridge over Griffin Creek will be closed starting on Feb. 2 until further notice for a replacement project. The Allegany County Department of Public Works stated that there will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes.

Griffin’s kidney recipient is a complete stranger, and she still does not know who it is, but they plan on meeting in-person at their one-week follow-up appointment. She said that even though they are strangers, there’s already a bond, and their connection is built on something unique.

“We both went through major surgery, we both put our lives in the hands of the same medical team and in a very real way, our stories are now forever connected,” said Griffin. “It’s not a traditional relationship — it’s something deeper. It’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest con-

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — The temperature may have been in the single digits, but that did not stop people from coming out to hear about what’s happening with the reclamation of the Babcock theater.

Organizers of Tuesdays with Grace, a monthly luncheon and speaker program organized by Grace United Church, never expected the number of guests at the recent event would number in the 40s, when the guest speaker was Barry Glickstein, chair of the Babcock Movie Theatre Preservation Society.

And while they worried that their slow cooker full of sloppy

joes might not feed the crowd, somewhat like loaves and fishes, it did the job.

Glickstein brought the audience up to date on what is happening with the iconic theater, where it’s headed, an expected cost and timeline — and he answered their questions. In 2024, he said the village of Wellsville purchased the theater

from the county, saving it from the annual tax auction and the possibility of it being purchased by an outside interest.

“Mayor Randy Shayler said it was the best thing the village board had done during his time in office,” Glickstein told the crowd.

He went on to explain that, early that summer, Angela Glickstein (his wife) approached the board asking what their plans were for the theater. The board put her in charge. She organized public meetings, which took place every month until December, when the group decided to run a survey to see what the public wanted to do with the theater. They received 900 responses to the questionnaire that was distributed mostly to village residents. Overwhelmingly, the responders wanted the theater to reopen.

“In January, my wife, Angela, decided what needed to be done was above her pay grade, so I took her place,” Glickstein said.

He explained that the group had brought in experts in the field, who urged the reopening of the theater, but who didn’t want to take it on themselves.

said the group’s 501(c) (3) designation and other certifications enables it to apply for grants and conduct fundraisers.

An audience member asked who owns the theater. Glickstein explained that while the BMTPS is working with the village on a usage agreement, the village retains ownership.

Another asked what it would look like after learning the current facade with the outstanding marquee was not the original 1919 facade. Glickstein said the plan calls for returning it to its 1930s style, with a similar but updated marquee, a theater with one screen and reopening the balcony.

“People seem to want to reopen the balcony, for obvious reasons,” he said. He added that the balcony may be used as a small gathering area utilizing a small screen.

Another audience member asked if there are ways the public can help.

“We’re working on a capital fundraising campaign with the help of area experts who have experience in fundraising,” Glickstein said. “We’re also applying for grants, but most grants require funding up front, so we’ll be asking for help from the community.”

He added that

After that he explained that the theater would cost between $2 million and $3 million to restore and renovate, according to a study done by the LaBella architectural firm for the village, and that the project would take about two years. Plans discussed by the BMTPS, he said, call for a new digital, marquee, retractable screen, restoration to its Art Deco style from the 1930s and ’40s, a small museum, reimagining the balcony and enlarging the stage to make it a multi-use facility. He

Babcock Theater group chair gives update on Wellsville project

BMTPS is working on obtaining merchandise to sell on its webpage and Facebook page and organizing smaller fundraisers to take place throughout the year. He explained that to raise funds the marquee is for rent — one side for three days, for $100.

“We will be calling on the community for their help,” Glickstein emphasized.

Before the program ended, another audience member praised BMTPS for stepping up and the village board for its foresight.

“This is a small community and I praise the committee for taking the leap to bringing this building back,” he said.

Glickstein responded that when it comes to help from the board and the community, “We have the wind at our backs.”

The next Tuesday with Grace will take place Feb. 18 with former county historian, photographer and bird enthusiast Craig Braack presenting a program on owls of the Genesee Valley.

Jones Memorial Hospital

past two years the CMS 4-star rating designation, and just this year were recognized as a FORBES Top Hospital for 2026. We are proud of what this affiliation has made possible and remain deeply committed to ensuring our hospital continues to serve this community with integrity, accountability, and vision.”

The effort came as other local hospitals joined the Southern Region of the UR network — made up primarily of Jones, St. James in Hornell in 2018, and Noyes in Dansville in 2016 — has partnered on several lines of treatment, including pain management, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and urology.

Many of the services are provided by doctors who travel between the hospitals — expanding opportunities for treatment that would otherwise require a drive to Buffalo or Rochester to receive.

Noyes Health in Dansville joined as an affiliate hospital in 2016, with St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell joining in 2018. Jones officials said the partnership with UR Medicine and the other recent affiliates, the local hospital was able to expand services.

In 2018, Jones partnered with St James to open the Women’s & Children’s Health Services Suite, bringing these services to the Steuben County region

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and expanding the Jones Memorial primary care footprint into a larger region. In 2024, this partnership expanded further with St. James and UR Medicine, with the opening of the Neurology, Rheumatology and Infusion space in the Hornell Medical Office Building. The partnership was also a major benefit during the largest health crisis in the nation in more than a century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed 125 lives in the county, Jones officials said the partnership with area hospitals and UR Medicine allowed Jones to navigate this complex situation with greater flexibility as other hospitals struggled.

“Working with our partners allowed us

meeting in February.

With frigid temperatures locked in for at least the next week, the mayor urged the public to be prepared with

to gain access to supply lines, technology and expertise that we otherwise would have struggled to manage,” Helms said.

Officials are particularly proud of increased cancer care in the region. In early 2017, Jones Memorial, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Noyes Health collaborated to establish The Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center at Noyes. The Wilmot Cancer Institute partnered with Jones Memorial on an infusion center in Wellsville, and an oncology and infusion center opened in Olean in 2020. In 2025, the Wilmot Cancer Institute received National Cancer Institute designation, and the Wellsville location combined to provide both oncology and infusion in one state

alternative ways to heat their homes in the event of a power outage.

“Think about what you’re going to do before it happens,” he

of the art suite. The partnership also helped with the transformation and modernization project of 2021. The project included a 14,000 square foot addition to the third floor, housing orthopaedics, family medicine and OB and pediatrics in a new Medical Village. The total project also included a 5,000 square foot renovation to surgical services, adding two additional procedure and operating rooms, as well as a new upgraded MRI machine and renovated space. Work wrapped in 2025, and now includes a combined oncology and infusion suite as well as an expanded general surgery clinic allowing providers to address more concerns directly without scheduling with surgical

said during the village board meeting Monday evening, referring to the stretch of low-digit temperatures predicted into early next week.

services. Also housed in the site are oncology and infusion.

Jones was designated as a Rural Health Clinic for their Primary Care offices, allowing Jones to continue operating primary care offices in Belvidere, Bolivar and Wellsville. The hospital also opened new practices in Andover and Alfred in 2023, and assumed operations in the Hornell Primary Care in 2024.

“By bringing primary care to more people in our region, we improve the quality of life for all,” Helms said. Looking ahead, officials said the hospital’s future objectives include primary care expansion, provider recruitment and continued assessment of service line strategies.

have the approval of the fire chief.

At the end of the meeting, the Department of Public Works requested and received board approval to issue a request for qualifications to select a water infrastructure project engineering firm.

Treasurer Melissa Mullen was approved to issue a request for proposals for the village refuse contract.

Following the visitors’ portion of the meeting, the mayor requested acceptance and approval of LaBella as the environmental professional for the New York Forward Small Project Fund as is required by the state. It was approved. In other business, Trustee Tim Colligan requested acceptance and approval to add Arthur J. Kellogg Jr. and Cassandra R. Kellogg to the rolls of Dyke Street Engine Company #2. Both candidates already

The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. following a 5:45 p.m. public hearing for the purpose of approving the Charter Communications franchise agreement for Spectrum cable TV service.

At one point during the second quarter of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, a game that ended with the Eagles hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time since 2017, 138 million people were watching. Such viewership is a testament to the popularity of the National Football League and its championship game,

which has become a cultural phenomenon that attracts diehard fans, casual enthusiasts and even those who don’t know a first down from a facemask penalty.

The chance to win the biggest game of the year in professional football has inspired many teams and athletes to produce record-breaking performances. As fans gather for this year’s

big game, they can consider these records and see if any are broken this February.

• Most Super Bowl wins (player): 7, Tom Brady, New England Patriots (6) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1)

• Most Super Bowl wins (head coach): 6, Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

Falcons; and Marv Levy (Buffalo Bills)

• Most Super Bowl losses (player): 5, Gale Gilbert, Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers; Cornelius Bennett, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons; and Glenn Parker, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants

• Most Super Bowl losses (coach): 4, Don Shula, Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins; Bud Grant, Minnesota Vikings; Dan Reeves, Denver Broncos and Atlanta

Most passing touchdowns (single game): 6, Steve Young, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995

• Most rushing touchdowns (single game): 3, Jalen Hurts, Super Bowl LVII, February 12, 2023, and Terrell Davis, Super Bowl XXXII, January 25, 1998

• Most receiving touchdowns (single game): 3, Jerry Rice (twice), San Fran-

cisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995, and Super Bowl XXIV, January 28, 1990

• Most sacks (in a single game, player): 4, L.C. Greenwood*, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl X, January 18, 1976

* Greenwood is not the official record-holder, as sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982. Various players have recorded three official sacks in a

Super Bowl since 1982.

• Field goals made (single game): 4, Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVIII, February 11, 2024, and Don Chandler, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl II, January 14, 1968

• Longest Super Bowl game (in game time): 74 minutes, 57 seconds, Super Bowl LVIII, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, February 11, 2024

Red Cross in WNY faces severe blood shortage

The American Red Cross in Western New York says it is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month.

Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood, the Red Cross said.

In Allegany County, a blood drive is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Friendship Central School, 46 W. Main St.

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross’ national blood supply. At the same time, hospitals already feeling the strain of the worst flu season in nearly 20 years are now also forced to triage critical blood products. Without immediate action, patients who count on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk. Donors can book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCross-

Blood.org or calling (800) 733-2767.

Those who give through Sunday will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay area, Feb. 6-9, plus a $1,000 gift

card for expenses. All who donate blood Jan. 26-Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

The Red Cross said about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weath-

er last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations have gone uncollected. With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.

“The holidays and

winter months are typically a challenge to maintaining our blood supply,” said Nick Bond, CEO of the Red Cross Western New York Region. “It’s been especially challenging given the impact of a terrible flu season combined with tough weather conditions that have kept prospective donors away. We hope those who are able will step forward and make an appointment to donate blood.”

For first-time donors, Bond said it’s a “wonderful opportunity to consider a donation that may be lifesaving for a patient in immediate need.”

Comptroller: Over half of local schools saw fiscal stress scores rise last year

BY BOB CLARK

The majority of local school districts saw fiscal stresses increase in the last year, the state’s fiscal watchdog reported.

Statewide, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office reported that 31 school districts were designated in some level of fiscal stress for the 2024-25 school year based on scores from the self-reported Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, up from 22 during the 2023-24 school year. Of those, one district

in the region was classified at the lowest classification of susceptible to financial stress, including Bolivar-Richburg, with a score of 38.3 out of a maximum of 100.

In nearby counties, two districts in Steuben County — Addison and Jasper-Troupsburg — received the classification, as did Fredonia in Chautauqua County. No school districts in the area saw scores in the top two categories — significant stress with a score of 65 points or higher, or

moderate stress with a score of at least 45 points.

“In recent years, pandemic-related federal funding as well as increases in state aid have provided districts with significant financial support,” DiNapoli said. “With much of the relief funding having been spent, the number of school districts in fiscal stress has returned to pre-pandemic levels this year.

As districts continue to adjust to these conditions, officials should make every effort to ensure budgets are structurally balanced to avoid fiscal problems going forward,” he said.

The system bas-

es scores on factors including year-end fund balance, operating deficits, cash position and reliance on shortterm debt for cashflow. Higher scores indicate a more severe level of fiscal stress. The scores are regularly released for all county and municipal governments, as well as school districts.

The OSC launched the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System in 2013. The system is designed to provide an early warning to local officials about potential fiscal issues and give the public insight into their communities’ financial health. Receiving a higher score does not indicate a municipality is in financial trouble.

Eight of Allegany County’s 12 school districts saw higher fiscal stress scores in the 2024-25 school year, while the other four remained steady. Genesee Valley received a score of 20, while Belfast received a score of 10.

Five of Cattaraugus County’s 12 school districts saw higher scores than the year before, while six saw steady scores and one — West Valley — saw a lower score. Hinsdale had the highest score in the county, at 21.7

points, followed by 20 points for Olean. Cattaraugus-Little Valley and Ellicottville each received a score of 13.3.

DiNapoli urged district officials to take advantage of available resources, such as the Comptroller’s self-assessment tool and financial toolkit, which offer guidance, resources, training and reports, to help officials manage through complex fiscal circumstances. For more information, visit osc.ny.gov/ local-government.

home improvement

Things to know when replacing windows

Windows are durable, but they do not last forever. The experts at This Old House say the life span of home windows is between 15 and 50 years, with most reaching the upper limits of their life expectancy at around 20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals begin to weaken or fail, and windows become susceptible to drafts and water seepage. Replacing windows can be a good invest-

ment. Such a project is one of the more effective ways to elevate a home’s curb appeal and value. New windows are energy efficient and make homes more secure. They also tend to look better than old, fading windows. When pondering a window replacement project, it’s important to consider these factors.

• Know the window types. Double hung windows are classic and have operable upper and lower sashes. Lowering the upper sash allows warm air near the ceiling to escape and cooler air can to flow in through the bottom. Single hung windows only have an operable lower sash. Sliding

windows have one or more panels that move horizontally, and picture windows are fixed models designed to offer wide, unobstructed views and lots of light.

• Repair or replace windows. Existing windows might just need to be repaired, saving homeowners thousands of dollars. It’s best to consult with a professional to see if certain components can be repaired rather than replaced. Typically, rotten framing, wet or weeping windows or significant drafts require replacement.

• Identify the differences between replacement windows and construction windows. Traditional replacement windows are sometimes called pocket windows, says Consumer Reports. They fit inside an existing window frame. Construction windows require the removal of the entire old window, including the frame, sill and trim.

The latter cost more to install.

• Familiarize yourself with window frame materials. Various window frame materials are available for purchase, and variables such as heat transfer, maintenance and durability differ with each product. Vinyl is a common material that’s low-maintenance and affordable. Alumi-

county Community Source

num and aluminum clad windows can be economical options, and they are corrosion-resistant and require little maintenance. Wood also is popular for the interior parts of a window, and offer a traditional look. Wood is available on new construction windows. Fiberglass windows also are available in new construction win-

dows. They won’t crack, warp, rust, corrode, or peel, and the frames will not expand and contract as much as other materials.

• Keep costs in mind. According to Fixr, an online marketplace for local remodeling services, the average national price for a professional to replace a window is around $800. For a one-story house, a

window replacement project of multiple windows may cost around $8,000.

When selecting replacement windows, look for The National Fenestration Rating

Council label to get a snapshot of the window’s energy performance to compare with others. The Energy Star logo indicates that the window meets Energy Star standards.

Fatal accident involving Amish buggy in Allegany County

WELLSVILLE — A 24-year-old operator of an Amish buggy died after a collision with a log truck Jan. 20 in Allegany County, the New York State Police reported.

Troopers out of the Amity barracks responded at 1:35 p.m. to a collision involving an Amish buggy on Route 29 (Stone Dam Road) in the town of Willing. Accident investigators reported the horse-drawn buggy was traveling on Route 29 when it turned into the path of a fully-loaded 2009 International log truck.

The operator of the buggy, Atlee Miller, 24, of Willing, was transported to Jones Memorial

pital and succumbed to his

FRIENDSHIP — A group of Friendship churches is hosting a free Valentine’s dinner by a popular local chef next month as part of its extended focus on strengthening marriages and families. Required reservations for limited seating are currently being taken for the 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, event, which will occur the day after Valentine’s Day, with a pasta course being prepared by Chef Reuben of SoutherTier ALIVE Restaurant in Friendship. The annual activity, which is being moved this year from Houghton University to the community to enable easier access by area residents, is being provided by the WhatGo-

disDoing in Friendship ny alliance of participating churches at the Bible Baptist Church at 43 W. Main St.

First-come, firstserved requests for the dinner, which is open to both individuals and families and will include a families-focused program, can be made at WhatGodisDoing@outlook.com or (585) 664-9989, with names, community of residence, telephone number with area code, and email address.

Additional activities by participating congregations will include publication of free resources available to couples in developing and maintaining strong marriages, participation in the National Marriage Week observance

Friendship Churches Alliance hosting free Valentine’s dinner

during the seven days prior to Valentine’s Day, and highlighting the Weekend to Remember couples retreat in Rochester, with a registration discount available through the alliance. That gathering, one of dozens hosted around the country annually by the national Family Life ministry, will be held Friday night to Sunday noon, March 6-8, with a discount available when registering online at https://tinyurl/Weekend-to-Remember or during normal business hours at (800) 358-6329 and using the Friendship alliance’s savings code of WhatGodisDoing. Registration includes a dozen learning sessions over the three days, two guidebooks, access to the event app and special couples projects.

The churches alliance savings code not only is available for use by any Allegany County couple and that event, but by others registering for any U.S. location. An online brochure which provides information on the weekend is available at https:// tinyurl.com/Weekend-to-Remember-Brochure. Additional information about National Marriage Week, Feb. 7-14, including both free and fee-based resources to help in strengthening marriages, is available at https://tinyurl. com/National-Marriage-Week.

Cattaraugus, Allegany counties COAD seeks committee members

OLEAN — Representatives from emergency services, government agencies and community organizations in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties met Wednesday to establish a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) group for the region.

The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties (UWCAC)

BY JIM ECKSTROM

President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law on Jan. 14, giving schools flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, which advocates say will help boost overall nutrition levels.

“I have worked for over a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

“Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love,” he added.

The House passed the legislation on Dec. 15, after it had been passed by the Senate with bipartisan support.

Nondairy drinks such as fortified soy milk could also be on the menu in the coming months as the law allows schools partici-

hosted the online meeting to begin forming the COAD committees’ structure. Representatives in attendance were invited to join committees based on their strengths and interests. Committees seeking members include the Executive Committee; Steering Committees for Community/Public Health, Civilian Corps Program, Children/

pating in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole and 2% fat milk along with the skim and low-fat products required since 2012.

“Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, whole milk is a great thing,” Trump said at a White House signing ceremony that featured lawmakers, dairy farmers and their children.

“Kids need nutritious meals to learn and thrive, and whole milk provides those critical nutrients,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. “The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act invests in children’s health and supports New York State’s dairy farmers.”

Her office noted that New York state is the fifth-largest producer of dairy in the country, and the dairy industry is New York’s largest agricultural sector. New York’s nearly 2,800 dairy farms produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, representing over 7% of total U.S. milk production.

The Associated Press reported the law also permits schools to serve nondairy milk that meets the nutritional standards of milk and

Childcare for Responders, Donations Management, Volunteer Management, Long Term Recovery Group, Emergency Assistance, Mass Care and Emotional/Spiritual Care; and the Funding Committee. Next steps will include convening the committees and ensuring the necessary community members are aware of the COAD and

requires schools to offer a nondairy milk alternative if kids provide a note from their parents, not just from doctors, saying they have a dietary restriction.

U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, a Washington state Democrat who is also a pediatrician, said ensuring that children have access to a healthy diet is fundamental to their physical growth, academic performance and overall well-being. She was the co-lead sponsor of the legislation with Thompson.

“Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients that keep them full and healthy,” she said.

Trump’s signing comes days after the release of the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasize consumption of full-fat dairy products as part of a healthy diet. Previous editions advised that consumers older than 2 should consume low-fat or fat-free dairy.

The change could take effect as soon as this fall, though school nutrition and dairy industry officials said it may take longer for some schools to gauge

health & Wellness

invited to participate.

From there, committees will begin a membership capacity matrix, assessing what the community already has and what it needs for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

COADs are county or regional coalitions that coordinate nonprofit efforts in times of emergency. They work in partnership with county

demand for full-fat dairy and adjust supply chains.

Long sought by the dairy industry, the return of whole and 2% milk to school meals reverses provisions of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act championed by former first lady Michelle Obama. Enacted more than a dozen years ago, the law aimed to slow obesity and boost health by cutting kids’ consumption of saturated fat and calories in higher-fat milk.

Nutrition experts, lawmakers and the dairy industry have argued that whole milk is a delicious, nutritious food that has been unfairly vilified, and that some studies suggest that kids who drink it are less likely to develop obesity than those who drink lower-fat options. Critics have also said that many children don’t like the taste of lower-fat milk and don’t drink it, leading to missed nutrition and food waste.

The new rules will change meals served to about 30 million students enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

emergency management offices and are chartered by New York VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). Currently, 46 counties across New York have active COADs.

“The strength of our COAD will come from the diversity and commitment of the people involved,” said Susan McAuley, UWCAC executive director.

described the new law as “a long-overdue correction to school nutrition policy.” Agriculture

Secretary Brooke Rollins said it fixed Michelle Obama’s “short-sighted campaign to ditch whole milk.”

Schools will be required to provide students with a range of fluid milk options, which can now include flavored and unflavored organic or conventional whole milk, 2%, 1% and lactose-free milk, as well as non-dairy options that meet nutrition standards.

The new dietary guidelines call for “fullfat dairy with no added sugars,” which would preclude chocolate- and strawberry-flavored milks allowed under a recent update of school meal standards. Agriculture officials will have to translate that recommendation into specific requirements for schools to eliminate flavored milks.

The new law exempts milk fat from being considered as part of federal requirements that average saturated fats make up less than 10% of calories in school meals.

AP reported a top nutrition expert, Dr.

“Every organization, business and resident brings a unique perspective and set of skills that can make a difference when disaster strikes. The more voices we have at the table, the better prepared we’ll be to respond and recover together.”

For more information on the COAD and to join a committee, visit www.uwcac.org/coad.

Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University, has said there is “no meaningful benefit” in choosing low-fat over high-fat dairy. Saturated fatty acids in dairy have a different composition than other fat, such as beef fat, plus different beneficial compounds that could offset theoretical harms, he added.

“Saturated fat in dairy has not been linked to any adverse health outcomes,” Mozaffarian said in an interview.

Research has shown that changes in the federal nutrition program after the Obama-era law was enacted slowed the rise in obesity among U.S. kids, including teenagers.

But some nutrition experts point to newer research that suggests that kids who drink whole milk could be less likely to be overweight or to develop obesity than children who drink lower-fat milk. One 2020 review of 28 studies suggests that the risk was 40% less for kids who drank whole milk, although the authors noted they couldn’t say whether milk consumption was the reason.

Symptoms of common heart conditions Trump signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death around the world, indicates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Globally, CVDs were responsible for around 19 million deaths in 2022. In the United States, heart disease affects around 128 million adults. Learning to recognize symptoms of potential heart conditions can ensure people know when to take action that may prevent further problems down the road.

Heart conditions can present in many ways, and symptoms of various conditions can overlap. This general guide, based on data from the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, serves as a warning and not a diagnosis. Those with any sudden, severe or “not right” symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

• Coronary artery disease: CAD can result in chest pain (angina), often with exertion. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and

pain that may radiate to the arm, jaw, neck, or back are possible.

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack): A heart attack can produce different symptoms in men and women, so it’s best to treat any out-of-theordinary signs with caution. Intense chest pressure or squeezing; pain spreading to arms, jaw, back, or stomach; shortness of breath; nausea; cold sweats, lightheadedness; fatigue; or back pain merit medical attention.

• Heart failure: Those experiencing heart failure may have persistent shortness of breath; swelling in legs, feet or abdomen; rapid weight gain from fluid retention; fatigue; and difficulty lying flat due to breathing trouble.

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat): Irregular heartbeat can lead to palpitations or fluttering of the heart; dizziness or fainting; shortness of breath; chest discom-

fort; and fatigue.

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): AFib is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that starts in the heart’s upper chambers. It can cause fast heartbeat; fatigue; shortness of breath; dizziness; and chest discomfort. Heart conditions can lead to a variety of symptoms, many of which will overlap. For a thorough diagnosis, it is best to first see a primary care physician, who may then refer patients to a cardiologist.

Find the love all over Allegany County this February by pairing the hearts pictured here with the business displaying its match in the store!

Hint: Check the stores on this page.

Mail or drop off (9am–3pm) the completed entry form below to: Allegany County Community Source, 639 Norton Drive, Olean, NY 14760

Valentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter.

Come February 14, sweethearts celebrate their love and affection for one another on this day devoted to happy couples.

The origin of Valentine’s Day has generated much speculation over the years. Most early accounts do not point to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Rather, a few distinctive tales may paint the picture of early Valentine’s Day, and they have nothing to do

with stuffed animals or romantic dinners.

Roman festival

One of the earliest records of the term Valentine’s Day is traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival. This annual event held on February 15 included animal sacrifices and priests called the Luperci who would take pieces of animal hide and touch it to the foreheads of women in the hopes it would make them more fertile. Fortunately for the squeamish (and

the sacrificial animals), Pope Gelasius I ended Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day by the end of the fifth century.

Two or three St. Valentines?

Most people attribute the origins of Valentine’s Day to the holiday’s namesake, St. Valentine. But it seems that Valentine was the surname of a few different individuals. According to History.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valen-

tine or Valentinus. One Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with the decree and would perform marriages in secret.

Others believe it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome, who was the true namesake. Yet another Valentine may have been jailed

Accounts vary on Valentine’s Day origins

daughter while in prison. He purportedly wrote to her, beginning the first Valentine card or letter tradition. Other stories say the imprisoned Valentine actually was writing to a blind woman he purportedly healed, and signed the note “from your Valentine.” It is hard to know who is who in regard to the name Valentine,

behind them are used interchangeably. Some historians believe they actually are the same person rather than several Valentines, while others insist there were multiple martyred individuals.

However you slice it, the defiant actions of one or more people named “Valentine” set the course for centuries of romance to follow.