Author: Brian O'Neil

October 20, 2026

FROM BELMONT AMERICAN LEGION AUX UNIT 808 PRESIDENT, SHANNON HARDING: Honor Our Service Members This Veterans Day—Help Bring Christmas to the Crew of the USS Jason L. Dunham. JUST 11 DAYS LEFT: Allegany County Community Rallies to Send 300 Christmas Care Packages to U.S. Navy Sailors. Local businesses, veteran-supporting employers, civic organizations, and residents are urgently needed to help meet the $10,500 shipping goal by October 31.

With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, the Allegany County community has an opportunity to show its gratitude to the men and women who serve our country by helping deliver a little piece of home to the sailors aboard the USS Jason L. Dunham (DDG 109) this Christmas.

Organized by Debra and Dan Dunham, with support from Shannon Harding, President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808, and the Belmont American Legion Family-Post 808, the campaign aims to send 300 Christmas care packages to the ship’s crew. The community has just 11 days remaining to reach its October 31 fundraising deadline.

Every Donation Brings Us Closer
As of October 20, the campaign has raised $3,675 toward its $10,500 shipping goal. That funding covers the shipping costs for 105 of the 300 care packages, leaving 195 boxes still to fund and $6,825 to go.

Shipping each box costs $35. While donations of supplies are welcome, financial contributions are urgently needed to help ensure all 300 packages can be shipped.

With Veterans Day just around the corner, this is a meaningful way to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military members. Veterans Day honors veterans across the country, and this Christmas effort offers a personal reminder to the sailors aboard the USS Jason L. Dunham that they are remembered, appreciated, and supported by the people back home.

Every donation—whether from a local business, corporate sponsor, civic organization, veteran-supporting employer, or individual—brings us one step closer to making Christmas brighter for these service members.

Local Students and Community Members Are Pitching In
The campaign is bringing together people of all ages to make the holidays special for the ship’s crew. Students from the Scio, Wellsville, and Genesee Valley Central Schools, Driving Donation Itemsand making cards.

Sculpture artist Eric Jones has also gone live to ask the community to support the cause, helping spread the word and encourage donations.

Businesses and Organizations: We Need Your Support!
Local businesses, corporate sponsors, civic organizations, and employers that support veterans are encouraged to contribute toward the remaining shipping costs or donate useful items for the care packages.Monetary sponsorships from those efforts will be listed in a sheet sent in the packages and on future posts in the https://www.facebook.com/BelmontLegion808

Suggested donations include quality socks, travel-size hygiene and personal-care products, baby wipes, beef jerky, protein bars, drink mixes, gum, non-chocolate candy, playing cards, puzzle books, and other practical items suitable for sailors.

As a thank-you, all donating businesses and organizations will be included on a recognition list sent to the ship’s crew and receive a shout-out on Allegany County Legion social media accounts. This is an opportunity to show your support for our military while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to the community.

Generous Sponsors Are Already Making a Difference
The campaign thanks the following sponsors for their contributions:

Allegany County SAL — $1,000

Wreaths Across America Belmont Legion Family Branch — $500

SAL Post 808, Belmont — $250

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808, Belmont — $250

Belmont Legion Post 808 — $250

Angelica SAL Post 414, Angelica — $250

Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR — $100

Allegany County American Legion — $100

These contributions are part of the overall $3,675 already raised along with individual sposorships. The organizers are grateful for this generosity and hope more businesses, organizations, and individuals will step forward to help close the remaining gap before the deadline.

How to Help
Financial donations

Goal: $10,500 for shipping 300 care packages

Cost to ship each box: $35

Checks payable to: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808

Deadline: October 31, 2026

Donations of care-package items

Items can be dropped off at ANY ALLEGANY COUNTY LEGION POST.

To make a donation, arrange an item drop-off, or ask questions, contact:
Shannon Harding
President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808
Phone: 716-909-2601
Mail Checks to: 29 Schuyler St, Belmont, NY ATTN: Shannon Harding, ALA President

Financial donations can also be made using the campaign’s Venmo QR code @ALAUnIt808
Let’s Make Sure Our Sailors Know They Are Remembered
With Veterans Day approaching and Christmas on the horizon, the time to act is now. The organizers are asking Allegany County residents, businesses, civic groups, and veteran-supporting employers to help make this effort a success.
The goal is 300 care packages. The deadline is October 31. With only 11 days left, every dollar and every donation matters.
Together, our community can remind the sailors aboard the USS Jason L. Dunham that even when they are far from home, they are never forgotten.
Learn More about the story of Corporate Jason L. Dunham by watching the Documentary , “The Gift, Avaliable on Amazon and Apple TV

October 20, 2026

FROM THE HORNELL PUBLIC LIBRARY: “Join us on Wednesday, October 21st at 6 pm as Nancy Lynch presents, “The Real Women, Veterans of Vietnam.” Lynch will read selected war letters, all addressed to her from real nurses and a Donut Dolly from the frontlines. Contrary to public perception, about 10,000 women served in Vietnam, working in communications, intelligence, and administative jobs. This presentation is an ode to all the women who served.”

October 20, 2026

Erie County accountants Dresher and Malecki, gave Hornell City Hall a clean audit. They presented their audit results last night at the Hornell Common Council meeting. The accountants said there were no critical findings and no deficiencies.

 

October 20, 2026

 

The Shawmut Park will be getting a new pump track, for skaters and bicyclists.  Mayor John Buckley says this will draw bicyclists and skaters in from all over the region.  “We’re excited to bring a new pumptrack to the Hornell Municipal Skatepark in 2027 and add another great recreational opportunity for our residents and visitors. The pumptrack will be designed for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and inline skaters, making it an exciting addition that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners just getting started to experienced riders looking for a new challenge. Quality skateparks and pumptracks have a way of attracting enthusiasts who are willing to travel to experience great facilities, and we expect this addition to draw visitors from throughout the region. It’s another investment in recreation that will give people more reasons to get outside, stay active, develop their skills, and enjoy everything Hornell has to offer.” 

October 20, 2026

Nine forensic science students traveled to Pocono Manor, PA to attend the 52nd annual Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS) Conference. This year’s conference was a combined meeting between NEAFS members and Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS). Accompanied by faculty member Professor Wayne Bensley, the students were able to hear various speeches from working professionals along with learning about research projects that were presented by students from multiple colleges and universities. Topics included DNA technologies, drug chemistry, firearms examinations, and toxicology. “I had a great experience at the NEAFS conference,” commented Emma Munoz (Wappingers Falls, NY). “I was able to speak to different graduate schools, forensic labs, science labs, and scientific instrument companies, giving me a wide range of ideas for future education or employment opportunities. The student posters and projects were a highlight of the conference, because I got to see my peers sharing their findings about the scientific studies, that they are passionate about.”

Shakiera Stupart (New Rochelle, NY) felt her internship at a forensic laboratory helped her feel more prepared and confident attending her first NEAFS Conference. “Being exposed to laboratory work allowed me to connect the presentations to real experiences and better understand the discussions. Meeting professionals who share my passion for forensic science made the experience even more meaningful and strengthened my excitement for a future in the field.”

Making new connections with peers and professionals was key to Aubrea Broker (Pittsford, NY). “I especially loved the breakout sessions because we were able to see scientific progressions in areas I didn’t even think were possible.”

Alfred State forensic science technology seniors have attended the NEAFS Conference annually.

Caption: A group of nine forensic science students: Front L to R: Mickelle Green (Portville, NY), Jordan Sauerbier (Hornell, NY), and Abigail Perrotta (Frankfort, NY). Back L to R: Aubrea Broker, Julia Eddy (Grand Island, NY), Rhiannon Blakeslee (West Seneca, NY), Shakiera Stupart, Emma Munoz, and Mairead Caulfield (Buffalo, NY) traveled to Pocono Manor, PA to attend the 52nd annual Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists.

An Alfred State degree gets results!

At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, 100 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …

October 20, 2026

FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL: “Every day, the public servants who maintain our highways perform the essential duty of keeping New York’s roads safe for all who use them. They perform this work day and night, no matter the weather, and in close proximity to high-speed traffic. The death of New York State Thruway Authority Maintenance Worker Jamil Wilson on Monday from injuries resulting from a multi-car crash is a tragic loss of a committed, dedicated public servant. Jamil was performing maintenance activities near exit 6 on the Cross Westchester Expressway when the crash occurred. This is a tragic reminder that the safety of the employees who maintain our roads is the responsibility of every member of the driving public. No employee should come to work and not return home safely. I extend my deepest condolences to Jamil’s family and friends, and to the men and women of the Thruway Authority’s workforce as they grieve during this difficult time.”

October 20, 2026

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) visited the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) on Tuesday to present a Legislative Resolution they sponsored this year to help celebrate the museum’s 75th Anniversary.

The O’Mara-Palmesano resolution (J2135/K1387) was unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly in May during the closing weeks of the Legislature’s 2026 legislative session.

The resolution reads, in part, “The success of the Corning Museum of Glass is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors.”

In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano and Assembly members Chris Friend and Joe Sempolinski said, “Congratulations to everyone at the Corning Museum of Glass, past and present, on 75 remarkable years! It has been an amazing journey. Every step of the way, your efforts and vision have built CMoG into a world-class destination, annually attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors locally, regionally, and from across our state, nation, and the world. The museum anchors local tourism economies, and provides a world-class campus for artists, and supporters of the arts and culture, in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, across America, and around the globe. Your contributions to the Corning community have been an enormous source of pride, excellence, and quality, and CMoG has made a lifetime of good memories for countless families and students. We are grateful to have this opportunity to help commemorate and celebrate the Corning Museum of Glass!”

October 19, 2026

FROM THE STEUBEN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE: Friday afternoon, after several hours of deliberations, a Steuben County jury returned a verdict convicting 42 year old Walter Golden, of Arkport, of two counts of 1st degree Assault,each a class B violent felony. During trial, it was proven that Golden intentionally used his car as a weapon on March 30, 2025. He stalked his two victims as they took an evening walk ultimately finding an opportunity to attack them with the vehicle on a dirt path. He ran them down, intentionally, causing serious physical injury to both. Deputy District Attorney Joan Merry, who tried the case for the People, praised the bravery of the victims throughout the process, and during their testimony on stand: “ These are truly innocent victims, simply out for an evening walk when the defendant chose to bring violence and pain into their lives. Even as they try to overcome the injuries inflicted, they were still able to stand up, appear in court and testify to keep him from doing the same thing to other people. “ The case was investigated by the New York State Police and Merry also had high praise for Investigator Luke Szymanski, who demonstrated tremendous persistence and professionalism in putting this case together and making justice happen for these victims. The case was tried before the Hon Christopher Tunney, Steuben County Court Judge, and Attorney Dan McGill represented the defendant. Golden faces up to 20 years in prison when he appears before Judge Tunney December 15, 2026. Defendant was immediately remanded to the Steuben County Jail to await sentencing.

October 19, 2026

FROM STEUBEN COUNTY SPOKESMAN EDDIE VANSTINE: Steuben County Commissioner of Public Works Eric Rose announces a maximum weight limit of 15 tons for the bridge on McChesney Road over the Canisteo River in the Town of Canisteo. The restriction applies to Bridge No. 07-07-01, BIN 2216630, located between County Route 119 and Matt Dickey Road. The weight limit is established in accordance with Section 234 of New York State Highway Law.

Motorists and commercial vehicle operators should observe the posted weight limit when traveling through the area.

October 19, 2026

FROM STATE SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO: “An important victory has been achieved for our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers: legislation I was proud to co-sponsor to significantly increase their state income tax credit has been signed into law. The new law quadruples the credit, raising it from $200 to $800 for individual volunteers and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married couples. This increase is long overdue. The credit hasn’t changed since it was established nearly 20 years ago, even as the demands and costs associated with volunteer service have continued to grow.
“Our volunteer first responders are there when we need them most, whether it’s the middle of the night, a holiday or in treacherous weather. They sacrifice time with their families, spend countless hours training and often put their own safety at risk to help our neighbors. And they do it all without a paycheck.
“Volunteer fire departments and ambulance services are especially important in rural communities like ours. They also provide tremendous savings to taxpayers. According to a study by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), volunteer firefighting saves New Yorkers $4.7 billion a year. That’s an extraordinary contribution, both to public safety and to taxpayers.
“This larger tax credit is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their service and will also help departments address the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers. I’ll continue pushing for additional benefits that recognize the time, commitment and personal sacrifices these volunteers make in serving their communities.
“I want to thank bill sponsors Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Karen McMahon, my colleagues who supported the legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it into law. This is an important step toward supporting the people who give so much to keep our communities safe.”

October 19, 2026