A Booming Fourth

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:36:21 -0700

City Set For July 4th Celebration at Bradner Stadium

OLEAN - The City of Olean’s Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration is set for Friday, July 4 at Bradner Stadium in Olean. The fireworks are organized by the Olean Professional Firefighters Association, OPFFA. The stadium gates open at 5:30pm. Coolers and packages carried into the stadium will be checked for security reasons.
City of Olean Firefighters took over the local fireworks program in 2001. The fireworks have been held in Bradner Stadium since the early 1960’s. The actual fireworks program - not just the ground displays - were shot inside the stadium. However, due to the rising safety issues, the fireworks are now being shot from Forness Park. The ground displays are still shot inside the stadium, but at a safe distance away from the spectators. Young Fireworks of Rochester, New York, now shoot our shows. A wide range of shells are shot in their programs. The shells range from 1” shells all the way up to 10” shells. The 10” shells are the largest shell that can be shot safely in the area.
“The 2008 Fireworks Celebration will be a fun-filled evening of great music, mouth-watering food, family entertainment and socializing culminating with a spectacular fireworks show at dusk,” reports Dave Bauer, Olean Fire Department staff and co-chair of the Fireworks.
Music will be provided by area bands, KG2, Two-Hour Notice, and Birdswamp Bob and the 4 Point Bucks, who will be performing inside the stadium starting at 6pm. The WMXO-FM Radio Station, the fireworks broadcast sponsor, will be on-hand and will provide music to accompany the fireworks. Those watching the fireworks inside the stadium will be eligible for prizes such as amusement park tickets and a trip to a fun location, possibly Myrtle Beach or Nashville.
In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be scheduled for the next clear night. For more information, please visit the fireworks new website, designed by Mellon Technology, www.oleanfireworks.org.

Serving Olean’s Schools

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:36:16 -0700

Mark Ward Ends Olean Tenure

BY NICHOLAS PIRCIO
WPIG 95.7 FM

“It’s been a pleasure serving as Olean School Superintendent the past four years.” Mark Ward addressed the Olean Board of Education with those words during his final board meeting on Monday, June 30. “While we’ve accomplished a lot” during this time, Ward said “there’s certainly more to be done” by the next administration, headed by Colleen Taggerty.
Ward said he’s pleased and proud “many things” that have happened during his term, “but none better than some of the test results” now coming back from the state. Ward said Olean has some “great teachers and administrators” doing some wonderful things with our young people. Ward also thanked school board members and the entire community for passing recent school budgets. Referring to the recently adopted capital building project, Ward said in eighteen months or so “things will start to happen.” Ward promised to watch progress being made in the Olean School District as he begins his new job as School Superintendent of the Ellicottville Central Schools effective July 1.
Concerning recently released test scores, Ward said there have been “significant improvements “in the English Language Arts and Math scores this year in each of the elementary schools and in the middle school. Results have been embargoed by New York State until recently. They are currently available for public inspection. Ward said there are “a variety of reasons” for the improvement, but that it “all goes back to the teaching staff.” Ward believes the district’s Reading First program has had a “dramatic impact” on the English Language Arts and reading test scores. About 80 percent of Olean students in kindergarten through grade three are reading at grade level. Ward said two years ago, that number was 53 percent. Ward added that testing in grades three through eight required by “No Child Left Behind” show that three of Olean’s schools will qualify as “buildings of distinction,” based on results of the ELA scores. Math results are to come soon. Ward said middle school scores are “up dramatically” in social studies, English, and math, with science about the same. These results show students are “achieving at a higher level.”
Ward said Olean is starting a whole new math series for kindergarten through grade five, which will be implemented this Fall. He said it’s similar to Reading First in that teachers will have alternative ways to teach the same material, which will help meet the differing needs of the children. A collective group of teachers, administrators, and representatives of St. Bonaventure University helped in the process of selecting the new math series. Ward said teachers want to get started with this new series in September of 2008.
Next year will mark the fourth year for “Project Lead the Way” at Olean High School, which is a program connected with Rochester Institute of Technology. Next year Olean will add a course called “Principles of Engineering.” Also, Latin will once again be taught at Olean High School, along with a new course in advanced economics. These will join with the existing courses where Olean partners with Jamestown Community College, and a partnership in chemistry with Syracuse University. Ward said Olean High School is challenging those students who need to be challenged. Many students graduate from the high school with twenty to thirty college credits. Ward said the future at Olean “continues to be bright,” citing the high school business department courses which did not exist three years ago. Olean business students “competed and placed” on the international level this past year in the DECA program.

City Kids Head To Olean

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:36:11 -0700

Underprivileged Children from NYC Stay with Local Host Families

BY NICHOLAS PIRCIO
WPIG 95.7 FM

Each summer, underprivileged children from New York City head out of town to spend a few weeks in the country, courtesy of the Fresh Air Fund. A busload of kids arrived in Olean and Wellsville on Tuesday, July 1. They will spend time with host families, many of whom have been part of the program for many years. Another group will drive up to Olean and stay in the region from July 22-Aug. 5.
Fresh Air Fund representative Jackie Schasre of Bolivar explained how places visited by the children are divided into “Friendly Towns,” which cover large areas. The Olean Friendly Town extends to Salamanca and Arcade, while the Wellsville Friendly Town includes Angelica and Andover. In nearby Pennsylvania, there are the Potter-McKean and Tioga County Friendly Towns. Schasre said a total of 29 children will visit these areas. The Fresh Air Fund is involved with thirteen states and Canada.
The Fresh Air Fund was started in 1877. Each summer, children from one of the boroughs of New York City stay with host families across the eastern seaboard. Schasre said although the number of kids is “way down,” our area has one of the highest “re-invite rates,” where children stay with the same host family year after year. The average is 65 percent, but in Olean and Wellsville that number climbs to about 88 percent. Children can keep coming back until they are 18, and they begin at the age of 6. While the records are not precise, Wellsville Friendly Town has probably been around “for about 60 years.”
Some kids from New York City visit Rochester, which while still a city at least offers the kids a “yard to play in.” Host families are encouraged to treat the children like their own kids by including them in “normal family activities” like swimming, bicycling, camping, or just playing outside in the backyard. These are things the kids don’t get to experience at home. Schasre stressed that host families do not have to “entertain” the children with special trips to the amusement park or something similar. Schasre said many of the kids that come to visit are “just fascinated” by sitting outside and watching the stars, or listening to the crickets - things that most of us take for granted.
The children enjoy the seven or eight hour bus trip as they take in the scenery along the way. They can also pass the time by playing games or watching a movie on the bus.
Fresh Air kids are often selected by home agencies like schools, churches, or police precincts. Some kids are chosen by teachers who feel the child will benefit from the program. The children go through an application process, as do the host families. As host family applications are submitted, they are matched up with applications of children who have registered in New York City. There is an income guideline for the kids, and they would have to be children who do not have the opportunity to get out of the city any other way.
Schasre said there are never enough host families. The numbers have dropped from over fifty just in the Wellsville area alone when Schasre started in the program fifteen years ago. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of children on the waiting list. Anyone wishing to host a Fresh Air child should contact Jackie Schasre and then fill out an application, which requires four references. Background check forms are also required. Potential host families are interviewed and their questions are answered. Host families can request a boy or a girl and the general age range. Schasre noted that one girl who stayed with her for twelve years became “part of the family.” That girl has just finished her second year in college.
Schasre said people who open their homes to a child for two weeks are “truly blessed.” People often tell her that those two weeks go by very fast.
Word of the Fresh Air Fund is spread by word of mouth, in the schools, and newspaper articles. Interested individuals should call 585-928-1638 or 1-800-367-0003.

Portville Heritage Day

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:36:07 -0700

An Annual Celebration of Food, Fun … and Plenty of History

BY NICHOLAS PIRCIO
WPIG 95.7 FM

Food, fun, games, and Civil War history can all be found at Portville Heritage Day on Saturday, July 12. Portville Mayor Tim Emley, who is coordinating many of the activities, said most of them will take place at Pioneer Park, in the center of the village. Events take place all day, starting with a pancake and egg breakfast put on by the Eastern Star at the Masonic Temple on Temple Street. At the park, bands will be playing throughout the day. There’s a traditional barbecue, and different types of craft vendors and carnival activities for the younger children will also be there. Emley said a “unique hair and fashion show” being put on by the New York Style hair salon of Portville will take place at 1pm and 3pm.
Many local church groups will participate, and you will find homemade pies and local artisans raffling off their quilts. The Portville Quilting Guild has donated a beautiful quilt which is currently on display at the Portville Free Library. The Friends of the Library will be holding a book sale at the library, located at 2 North Main Street.
Mayor Emley heads up the Portville for Youth group, which will provide carnival rides in Pioneer Park. The group raises money which “goes back into the community,” funding a scholarship program, the yearly after-prom party, and a summer recreation programs. Emley gave credit to Portville High School teacher Pat Stromberg for encouraging students to help out with the food and children’s games, for which the students receive community service credit.
Emley is not sure just how many years Portville has celebrated Heritage Days, which used to take place over an entire weekend. He noted the event was a favorite of his while he was a sophomore in high school, 28 years ago. Portville High School alumni will gather on the evening of July 12 at the Olean Knights of Columbus for the 109th annual Portville Alumni Banquet.
The Portville Historical and Preservation Society will tell the story of Amos Humiston, a Portville harness maker who served with New York’s 154th Hardtack Regiment in the Civil War and died at the Battle of Gettysburg. His is the only monument at Gettysburg dedicated to an individual soldier. Humiston’s family was the subject of a nationwide search after his body was found following the battle, clutching an old-style photograph of his three children. Ronda Pollock of the Historical Society said visitors can see a display about Humiston’s life at the society’s office near Pioneer Park, at 17 Maple Avenue.
Also attending Portville Heritage Day will be Hinsdale author Linda Hooper, who will sign copies of her new book, The Rosebud Stalker, at a booth set up by Portville Historical and Preservation Society in Pioneer Park.

Students Aid Victims

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:36:02 -0700

Disaster Relief Squad Plans Trip to Help Victims of Recent Flooding

BY KATHLEEN M. MOULTON

ST. BONAVENTURE - BonaResponds, St. Bonaventure University's disaster-relief squad, has announced plans for a relief trip to Iowa to help the victims of the recent flooding, and they need your help.
The group, led by founder Dr. James Mahar, assistant finance professor at St. Bonaventure, will be making the 12-hour drive on Monday, July 7 and will work through July 13.
BonaResponds will be working in the Cedar Rapids area in conjunction with other disaster-relief groups, such as Hands on Disaster Response and Randy's Rangers. Work will include cleanup, gutting interiors, mold abatement, putting up drywall, painting, rough electrical work, and more. There is also a need for volunteers to cook and clean the camp, run errands, help organize work orders, and to be present and talk with the victims.
The group expects to start work in the small community of Palo. According to Mahar, Palo has 500 homes, 470 of which have flood damage. "This definitely shows the need for volunteers is there," he said.
Two BonaResponders are currently in Iowa working with Hands On. Recent graduates Mike Vieyra and Tessa Ocke arrived on June 22. Vieyra was impressed by the attitude and work ethic of the people who had so recently lost everything.
"The Midwest attitude is to put your head down and get to work. The people here are very grateful for our help and are more than willing to work right along with you, which is not always the case in service trips," he said.
Vieyra, a veteran of the group, also explained that the victims are not the only ones who benefit from the trip. "The physical work you do is important, but it's not half of what makes these trips what they are. The people you meet-fellow volunteers, homeowners, as well as people from the local communities-truly make the trip the life-changing experience that it is," he said.
Thanks to a $500 donation and the generous use of the University's vans, the cost of the trip will be $100 per person. This includes ground transportation and three meals a day. Volunteers can also meet the group there; ground transport can be arranged from Cedar Rapids Airport.
BonaResponders will be staying in a church hall and showering at the local YMCA. A sleeping bag is recommended.
Like all BonaResponds events, this mission is open to anyone over 18 (16 with parental supervision). Volunteers are asked to bring steel-toed boots, proof of insurance, an up-to-date tetanus shot, and a good attitude.
For more information, visit www.BonaResponds.org.

Residence Hall Named

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:35:57 -0700

Univ. of Pitt-Bradford Approves the Naming of Fesenmyer House

BRADFORD - The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will name its new residence hall in honor of Howard Fesenmyer, a retired Zippo Manufacturing Co. executive who is executive secretary of the Blaisdell Foundation, a board member of Zippo, and a member of the advisory board of Pitt-Bradford, where he is a leader in fundraising.
The University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees approved the naming of Fesenmyer House at its annual meeting held last week in Pittsburgh. Fesenmyer attended the meeting.
Fesenmyer House will become home to 144 students this fall. Pitt-Bradford broke ground for the $7.3 million residence hall last July. It is located near Blaisdell Hall.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have thought this could happen to me,” Fesenmyer said. “I am humbled, honored and pleased, and I thank Pitt-Bradford for this remarkable recognition.”
Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford said, “Howard is not only a major fundraiser for Pitt-Bradford, but he also is our greatest cheerleader and advocate. What drives Howard to ask for a gift is precisely what motivates our donors to give - an unselfish dedication to our campus and an abiding commitment to our students.”
Fesenmyer has been chair of the institutional advancement council of Pitt-Bradford’s advisory board for more than a decade, helping to lead teams of volunteers to successfully raise $10 million for the campus’ Campaign 2000 and also serving as chair of the Complete the Campus Campaign, which raised $13.1 million for campus construction; the Reed-Coit Scholarship Challenge, which raised $2 million for scholarships; and the Blaisdell Fine Arts Challenge, which raised $3.4 million to build Blaisdell Hall. He is currently spearheading the fundraising campaign for a campus interfaith chapel, to be built solely with private donations.
In 1998, Pitt-Bradford awarded Fesenmyer its highest honor, the Presidential Medal of Distinction, given to those who make significant contributions to the campus and the community.
“I cannot think of a single volunteer who has had more of an impact on raising support for Pitt-Bradford and advancing the college than Howard,” said Karen Niemic Buchheit, Pitt-Bradford’s executive director of institutional advancement. “His enthusiasm for, and devotion to, Pitt-Bradford is contagious - which is the reason he has been so successful in garnering such support.”
Fesenmyer House will bring Pitt-Bradford’s on-campus resident capacity to 800 students. It is a three-story building with 21 four-person suites, 10 five-person suites, and five two-person suites. Each bedroom will have a private bathroom, cable hookup, telephone jack, and computer port. Students will share a living room, kitchen, and storage area.
A formal ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony is planned for Sept. 5.
Fesenmyer, who earned the Bachelor of Science degree at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, was an executive at Zippo from 1953 to 1991, when he retired as executive vice president. In addition to performing his extensive volunteer work for Pitt-Bradford, Fesenmyer is a trustee of the Bradford Family YMCA, the YWCA of Bradford, Guthrie Medical Center (Sayre, Pa.), and the Bradford Area Public Library. He is a member of the board of directors of Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, the Bradford Educational Foundation, the Bradford Exchange Club, the Friendship Table, and Isbrand Co. (Denmark). He also is a member of the Bradford Area Alliance. Fesenmyer and his wife, Dorothea, live in Bradford.