Allegany County Source 08-22-2025

allegany county community

Jones Memorial receives 4-star rating for second year in row

WELLSVILLE — Jones Memorial Hospital has once again achieved a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million Americans though Medicare, Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The hospital achieved this designation in 2024 and has maintained the classification for 2025.

Jim Helms, president and CEO at JMH, stated, “Receiving a 4-star rating from CMS for the second year in a row is a proud moment for our

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

Ever seen a food vendor or food truck parked somewhere but just didn’t have the time to visit it? Well, you’ll have the time this weekend when the annual Taste of Wellsville brings more than 20 food vendors to Island Park 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

It’s still a few weeks until the end of summer, and the Rotary Club is whetting everyone’s appetite for summer foods and year-long treats as it sponsors the annual Taste of Wellsville for the first time. The event has been organized in the past by the Wellsville Develop-

entire hospital family and the community we serve. This recognition reflects the heart of who we are and the values we live by every day — Wellness, Empathy, Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (WECARE).

“As a rural hospital, we are deeply rooted in this community, and every step we take is guided by our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home,” Helms added. “While we celebrate this milestone, we know our work is never done. We remain committed to continuous improvement and to bringing advanced healthcare

services to our region — so our patients and families don’t have to travel far to receive the care they deserve.”

Among 132 New York hospitals that received a rating, the average grade was 2.5 out of 5 stars, which was 48th out of the 50 states.

That marked a slight improvement from last year, when New York ranked 49th with an average score of 2.4 stars.

Some of the metrics contributing to the high marks for Jones included communication with nurses and medical staff

ment Corporation and has taken place on Main Street. This is the first year the event is being held under the auspices of the Rotary Club with the help of the WDR

and with the original committee still intact.

“It’s a family friendly event with something for everyone,” said Mike Miller, Rotary president.

He said there are a

couple of reasons the Rotary decided to take over the event when it was asked. The first is insurance. Rotary International provides insurance for such

events held by Rotary Clubs and the local club is also trying to rebuild after COVID.

“We’ve been in Wellsville for 104 years and we’re the oldest Rotary Club in the county,” Miller said. “We’re rebuilding and trying to attract new members. COVID hit us very hard. We’re looking to update our events and do something that will attract a wider variety of people.

“We’re hoping the Taste of Wellsville will become our signature event,” he added. “It offers events for both kids and adults, and everyone likes food.”

However, Miller went on to explain that the TOW is not a fund

raiser for the Rotary.

“We’re doing this for the community,” he said.

As for the change in venue, Miller explained that to include all the local food establishments the event would stretch from Rauber Street to State Street, and that’s just too large an area.

“The park is the ideal place to keep it confined and easy to get around and visit all the vendors,” he said.

The group is also making it easier to visit each food booth with vendors offering the sale of food samples costing $5 or less along with their other menu items.

with several trophies awarded to participants.

Several trophies awarded at 34th Andover Kids Fishing Contest

ANDOVER — The Andover Wetlands Annual Kids Fishing Contest celebrated its 34th anniversary with participants from Andover, throughout Allegany County and beyond as well.

Guests in attendance who assisted in handing out trophies included Andover Town Supervisor Steve Martinelli along with Allegany County Legislator Gary Barnes.

Trophies were awarded in several categories.

Age 5 and under: First place, Bryden Shephard of Jasper with a 1-pound, 1-ounce,

from patients reporting over 90% that their care team communicated well, treated them with courtesy and respect and listened to their concerns. The hospital also received strong scores in perinatal care, health equity, mortality rates, low 30-day read-

16-inch carp; second place, Oakley Faulkner of Wellsville, 8-ounce, 5-inch sunfish; third place, Myla Hills of Wellsville, 7-ounce, 4¾inch sunfish.

6-8 age group: First place, Brenda Shephard of Jasper, 1-pound, 6-ounce, 16-inch carp; second place, Kiera Tierney of Wellsville, 11-ounce, 5½-inch sunfish; third place, Dawson Bergreen of Cuba, 10-ounce, 5½-inch sunfish.

9-11 age group: first, Jack Kroll of Belmont, 1-pound, 4-ounce, 15-inch bass; second, Eli Johnson of Friend-

mission rates and stroke care.

Jennifer Scheible, senior director of nursing and quality management, said, “Every associate at Jones plays a key role in helping us achieve our 4-star rating. We are committed to continuous improve-

ship, 3.73-ounce, 8-inch bullhead; third, Amelia Wagner of Andover, 3.17-ounce, 6¾-inch pumpkinseed.

12-15 age group: first, Kaleb Clair of Arkport, 14-inch, 1-pound, 1.92-ounce bass; second, Natalee Cornell of Andover, 12 3/4-inch, 15.54-ounce bullhead; third, Matthew Bentley of Andover, 11 3/4-inch, 12.11-ounce bullhead.

Trophies were also presented for:

Largest fish: Iris Davis of Wellsville, 19¾-inch, 3-pound, 2.56-ounce carp.

Smallest fish: Hayden Hanes of Wellsville, 4

ment, always striving to be better for our patients, our teams, and our community. While the star rating reflects how we performed on key CMS measures historically, we remain focused on identifying every opportunity to further enhance the quality and safety of the care we provide.”

Dr. Kevin McCormick, JMH’s chief medical officer, called the rating “powerful affirmation of the

3/4-inch, 0.07-ounce sunfish.

Most fish: John Wlasniewski of Andover, 10 fish.

Largest bass: Arianna Porter of Andover, 2-pound, 5.6-ounce, 17 inches.

Largest carp: Isabella Seiger of Cameron Mills, 1-pound, 14.72-ounce, 16 3/4 inches.

The annual Jess Present/Pat McGee Memorial Sportsmanship Award, given in memory of the late state senators for their work on the Andover Wetlands Project, went to Jeffrey Seiger of Cameron Mills.

dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and entire medical team. Every day our staff go above and beyond to provide evidence-based, compassionate care with a singular focus: improving outcomes for every patient we serve.”

For more information and to learn more about the star rating system, visit medicare. gov/care-compare/.

LOOKING TO RENT

a place near Wellsville NY for the months of Oct.-Nov.-Dec. Preferably not in town but within 5-miles of Wellsville. 2-bdrm. minimum. Call Mike at 717-503-3040.

MOVING SALE

28 So. Broad St., Wellsville. Fri-Sat, 8/22-23, 9 to 5. glass coffee table, matching end table, oversized office chair, HP copier, Foreman elec. grill, 4-n-1 play yard gate, swivel hose reel & hose, figurines (dolphins & owls). MUCH MORE!

OLEAN — Finding

a viable central location has always been front of mind for those planning Remote Area Medical clinics that have come to Cattaraugus County in recent years.

The first was held at St. Bonaventure University in 2017, and although successful, moving the clinic to downtown Olean made it more convenient for city residents without reliable transportation.

The clinic moved to SUNY Jamestown Community College’s downtown Olean Cattaraugus County Campus in 2021 and to the nearby Olean YMCA in 2023, offering a walkable destination for hundreds.

As RAM returns to the YMCA on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14, those leading the clinic

have made it even more accessible for people to receive needed care.

Free busing will be available to and from the clinic throughout Olean, Allegany County and Salamanca for those without vehicles.

“There is much more concentration on transportation because that has gone to the top of people’s basic needs,” said Paula Snyder, JCC’s Cattaraugus County Campus executive director who oversees planning and management of the clinic. “Many individuals don’t have cars or any ability to obtain the services they need.”

Through the help of Keri Kerper of the city of Olean, Snyder worked with the Ardent Solutions Allegany County team that oversees the

regional bus system to offer free transportation for Saturday of the clinic, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Clinic hours are 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on that Sunday as well.

“We know we needed more funds this year, to house and feed volunteers, promote the clinic, provide vaccines etc.,” Snyder said. “We added the possibility of transporting out of area patients at no cost to the patient. Ardent Solutions could not have been more helpful in this process, and were on board from the beginning.”

Ardent Solutions has planned two bus routes on Saturday with pick up and drop off locations in Wellsville, Bolivar, Ceres, Portville, Rushford, Canea-

“I’m a foodie and I like to visit as many of the food vendors as I can — and this makes it a lot easier,” Miller said. The park venue also offers more parking space. The event is scheduled to get started

at 1 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Admission is free, so Miller advises visitors to come early and stay late. More than half of the 40 vendors signed up for the event are food vendors. Music will be

provided by Ballad At Midnight and John Wise and Friends and starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. when some of the vendors will offer adult beverages.

The food vendors at the Taste of Wellsville are: Kum Essa, Savory & Sweet Soul, Napoli Pizza of Wellsville, Marlaina’s Slavi Dawgz, Old Mill Inn, KP Sweet

dea, Belfast, Belmont, Friendship, Cuba and Hinsdale.

Ardent Solutions also offers buses connecting various locations in Olean and Salamanca and its regular city of Olean loop on Saturdays.

“We know we needed more funds this year, to house and feed volunteers, promote the clinic, provide vaccines etc.,” Snyder said. “We added the possibility of transporting out of area patients at no cost to the patient. Ardent Solutions could not have been more helpful in this process, and were on board from the beginning.”

Additionally, the Olean City School District, through the work of Jen Mahar, the district’s director of special programs, has pledged

Creations, She Brews, Out of the Box, L’Italia, N’dulge Bakery, Ramsey Fresh Foods, The Arena, ScandinaviRen’s, LolaRiri’s Cafe, Hot Diggity Delights, Clover Knoll Creamery, B.D. Concessions, 2 Sisters and a Smoker, Bossmans BBQ, Catering, E&H Fusions LLC, ZETs Italian Ice and Yardie’s Kitchen.

buses to assist with transporting people to and from the city’s housing projects.

The 2023 RAM clinic in Olean served 367 people, including 51 children. With busing now available, Snyder expects more than 500 patients over the two days.

Jim Mahar, leader of the BonaResponds volunteer organization and clinic co-chair with Snyder, said about a quarter of Olean city households do not have vehicles.

The St. Bonaventure University finance professor added that even those who do have solid transportation might not have the means to fund needed medical, dental and vision services that RAM provides to anyone at no cost.

“Just because some-

Free busing planned for RAM clinic at JCC in September

one is working, it doesn’t mean they have health insurance or dental insurance,” Mahar said. “There’s a lot of need everywhere, from Olean to whatever way you want to go.” He continued: “More than 40% of the people in the United States can’t afford a $600 emergency. What happens if they need a tooth pulled or something like that? They don’t have the resources to fall back on. If they don’t have insurance, what do you do? Or a new pair of glasses. How many people need a new pair of glasses, but they can’t get an appointment? It’s a pretty significant portion of the population.”

Snyder has been a

RAM Clinic continued on PAGE 6

home improvement

Remedies for creaky floors

Hardwood floors are coveted features in many homes. The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood

floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills.

Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.

Loose hardware

Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place, says The Home Depot. When nails or screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can

rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced by rubbing. Tightening or replacing the hardware can help reduce the squeaking.

Counter-snap kit method