DOWNLOAD THE OLEAN TIMES HERALD MOBILE APP NOW!
Local author’s new book remembers Christa McAuliffe of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
SCAN THE QR CODE
6 2026
community
FEBRUARY
allegany
FREE
to begin reading the Olean Times Heald on your mobile device.
PAGE 2
county
Alfred • Allentown • Alma • Andover • Angelica • Belfast • Belmont • Bolivar • Caneadea • Ceres • Cuba • FilLmore • Friendship • Genesee Houghton • little genesee • portville • richburg • Rushford • Scio • shinglehouse • Ulysses • Wellsville • west clarksville • Whitesville
‘Everyday Talismans’ on display at Howe Library in Wellsville in everyday life from a pebble to a spirit. The dictionary defines talisman as: “An object typically an inscribed ring or stone thought to have magical powers and brings good luck.” Lagreca defines a talisman as an object or person that inspires you. “There are all kinds of talismans that you see every day, if you are open to them,” he said. Lagreca, who chose to live in Wellsville a little over a year ago,
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The works of two artists will be on display in the exhibition room at the David A. Howe Library — “Everyday Talismans” features the works of Chaz Lagreca and Casey O’Connor, with a reception set for 5 p.m. Friday in the gallery for the public. The show will feature ceramics and paintings and mixed media and is built around the use of talismans that are found
spent most of his life cooking for the rich and famous in California and in other cities. Now retired, he has put down his spatula and picked up a paint brush, returning to an earlier passion. “My artwork has to make a point and say something. If you can inspire one person with your work, than it has been successful,” he said. He went on to explain that the show, Everyday Talismans continued on PAGE 2
Photo provided Casey O’Connor’s artwork, which is on display at the David A. Howe Memorial Library in Wellsville.
Kassas, Acomb to retire from pediatrics at JMH in Wellsville WELLSVILLE — Dr. Zahi Kassas, a pediatrician who has treated children in the Wellsville area for more than 25 years, announced he will officially close his general practice this spring. As of May 1, Kassas will transition to a more limited role, according to Jones Memorial Hospital. He will provide hospital pediatric services and caring for a select population of complex pediatric patients. Jones Memorial will also say goodbye to Monica Acomb, a pediatrics nurse practitioner, who has assisted Kassas for more than 25 years
Dr. Zahi Kassas
Monica Acomb, PNP
at the Bradley Building location in Wellsville, working closely with families, attending to sick visits and caring for the community. She has dedicated 32 years to health care, including time as a regis-
tered nurse at JMH. She will also retire on May 1. Throughout her career, Acomb has been a trusted, steady presence for generations of patients, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, commitment and heartfelt care
in the community she proudly served. “We are deeply grateful for Dr. Kassas and Monica’s years of dedication and service to our hospital and this community,” said Carrie Walker, vice president of professional services at Jones Memorial. “Their contributions have had an immeasurable impact on this community, through their practice alone, and we wish them the best as they transition toward retirement and part-time care.” Throughout his career, Kassas has been a dedicated leader, community-minded provider and physician.
In addition to serving the community as a provider, he served as JMH’s chief of staff from 2019-20. He was also chief of pediatrics from 2016-25. Kassas has served on numerous committees at the hospital and is a trusted community leader, serving as the chief of the Allegany County Board of Health, of which he is currently still a member. He has been the neonatal resuscitation program instructor as well as a clinical instructor at multiple colleges and universities in the Rochester, Buffalo and Olean areas. Kassas was the re-
3 DAY
cipient of the New York State Rural Physician of the Year award in 2022 and was recognized for his dedication to instructing next generations with numerous teaching awards from the University at Buffalo Family Residency Program in 2023 and 2024. Two other pediatricians also currently serve the Wellsville area with Jones Memorial Hospital: Dr. Nishit Shah and Dr. Yoojeong Oh. Families with questions regarding transitions may call (585) 596-2051 or email JMH-WeCare@URMC. rochester.edu.
Friday February 6th thru Sunday February 8th
football frenzy! Fri. 6th | Sat. 7th | Gameday Sun. 8th
Full ad online at GiantFoodMart.com
Pepsi
Original Pizza Logs
6 Packs • 16.9 oz. Bottles Several Varieties Plus Deposit
399
3 Days February 6th - 8th
football frenzy!
Fresh ‘n Tender
Utz Family Size Potato Chips
Pork Butt Roast
199
7.5 - 7.75 oz. • Several Varieties BUY 1 GET 1
FREE! Cheez-It Crackers
PER LB.
3
great for pulled pork!
Hot or Mild
Save up to $1 50
PER LB.
Save up to $2 00
PER LB.
Chicken Wing Portions PER LB.
Ground Fresh Daily!
31 - 40 Count Sold in 2 LB. Bag for 13.98
Save up to $402
PER BAG
Save up to $600
PER BAG
FAMILY PACK!
73% Lean
88
¢
PER LB.
Save up to $2 00
PER LB.
Save up to $20 00
PER BOX
EACH
Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson
30 Pack • Plus Deposit $15.99 after $10 digital rebate $25.99 minus $10 = $15.99
399
15
99 After Rebate
CUBA • 72 GENESEE ST • 585-968-2333
699
799 12 oz.
3FOR$5 Vernon Manor Pepperoni 2 LB. Bag
Sold in 10 LB. Box for $39.90
Dutch Farms Cheese
399 PER LB.
Upstate Farms Milk Whole, 2%, 1%, Fat Free
With an additional $15 purchase Total purchase is prior to sales tax and after application of coupons. Total purchase excludes price of milk, bottle deposits, lottery, gift cards, postage, bill pay, alcohol & tobacco purchases. Coupon Valid 2/6/26 thru 2/12/26
SAVE 3.00!
The Market in the Square Pizza Sauce
599
FREE HALF GALLON PLU ZIP CODE
Taco, Buffalo Chicken, or Supreme! • 22 - 27 oz.
Ready to Cook Breaded
PER LB.
Chicken Fingers
Ground Beef
Avocados
PER LB.
Shrimp
Sold in 3 LB Bag for 5.97
199
299 Bowl & Basket Frozen Fully Cooked
Grade A Frozen
9 - 12.4 oz. Several Varieties
99
STORE MADE!
While Supplies Last Spiral Italian Sausage
Bar or Shredded • 7 - 8 oz. Several Varieties
8FOR$10 Smirnoff or Twisted Tea
12 Pack • Plus Deposit Several Varieties
1499
After Rebate
$14.99 after $5 digital rebate $19.99 minus $5 = $14.99
Listed Prices are valid February 6th - 8th. Only while supplies last. WELLSVILLE • 44 PARK AVE • 585-593-3354