Dickens of a Christmas 2016 Schedule of Events Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Dickens of a Christmas

2016 Schedule of Events

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Friday, December 2

All Day

          Merchant Sales & Discounts

 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

         Professional Dickens Portraits

          Lobby, Deane Center

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

          Indoor Book Sale      

          Green Free Library

 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Indoor Craft Show

United Methodist Church

 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

          Indoor Craft Show, Food

          Wellsboro Senior Center

 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  

          Dickens Eve House Tour

          Check-in for tickets/information

          Lobby, Deane Center

 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

          Dickens of a Dinner

          Trinity Lutheran Church

 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

          VESTA Art and Craft Show & Sale

          w/music & refreshments

          Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center

 7:00 p.m.

          Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”     

          Arcadia Theatre

 7:30 p.m.

          HG Choirs

          Dickens of a Concert

           St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Saturday, December 3

All Day

          Area Merchants Sales & Discounts

 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Dickens of a Breakfast

With Father Christmas

Trinity Lutheran Church

 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Indoor Craft Show, Food

Wellsboro Senior Center

 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

          Indoor Craft Show

United Methodist Church

 9:00 a.m.

Wellsboro High Dickens Choir

Arcadia Theatre

 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

          Street Vendors & Performers

          Outdoors on Downtown Streets

 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Model Train Show, Cookie Sale

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Indoor Craft Show, Food

Wellsboro Firemen’s Annex

 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

          Professional Dickens Portraits

          Lobby, Deane Center

 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

          Trolley Rides at 45-minute intervals for

Highland Chocolates Factory Tours

          Parking Lot, First Citizens Bank

10:00 a.m.

          Victorian Stroll

          Outdoor Stage, Deane Center

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Alternative Christmas Fair

w/refreshments & music

          First Presbyterian Church

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

          Open House w/refreshments

          Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

          Lunch, Church Tours, Thrift Shop

          St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Open House w/refreshments

Tioga County Historical Society

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

          Live Music & Refreshments

          United Methodist Church

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

          VESTA Art and Craft Show & Sale

          Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Indoor Book Sale

          Green Free Library

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

          Clara’s Court story time & crafts

          w/Nutcracker characters

          Lobby, Deane Center

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

          Festival of Trees

          Goodwill building

          Wellsboro Plaza

10:30 a.m.

HG Productions

“A Christmas Carol”

Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center

11:00 a.m.

          Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

          Arcadia Theatre

11:00 a.m.

HG Productions

“A Christmas Carol”

Warehouse Theatre, Deane Center

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Open House w/ refreshments

Green Free Library

11:00 a.m.

          New Heights Dance Theater

          “Nutcracker in Motion”

Main Street Window, Deane Center

 12:00 p.m.

Best Dressed Contest Registration

Outdoor Stage, Deane Center

 12:00 p.m.

          New Heights Dance Theater

          “Nutcracker in Motion”

Main Street Window, Deane Center

 1:00 p.m.

          Best Dressed Contest Judging

          Outdoor Stage, Deane Center

 1:00 p.m.

          New Heights Dance Theater

          “Nutcracker in Motion”

Main Street Window, Deane Center

 1:00 p.m.

HG Productions

“A Christmas Carol”

Warehouse Theatre, Deane Center

 1:30 p.m.

HG Productions

“A Christmas Carol”

Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center 

 1:45 p.m.

          Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

          Arcadia Theatre

 2:00 p.m.

          Victorian Stroll

          Outdoor Stage, Deane Center

 2:00 p.m.

          New Heights Dance Theater

          “Nutcracker in Motion”

Main Street Window, Deane Center

 3:00 p.m.

          New Heights Dance Theater

          “Nutcracker in Motion”

Main Street Window, Deane Center

 3:00 p.m.

          Wellsboro Men’s Chorus

          Arcadia Theatre

 3:20 p.m.

   Wellsboro Women’s Chorus

   Arcadia Theatre

 3:30 p.m.

HG Productions

 “A Christmas Carol”

Coolidge Theatre, Deane Center

 3:40 p.m.

Combined Chorus Sing-a-long

Arcadia Theatre

 4:00 p.m.

HG Productions

 “A Christmas Carol”

Warehouse Theatre, Deane Center  

 4:00 p.m.

Choral Evensong Service

 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

 5:00 p.m.

Candlelight Walk for Peace

Packer Park to The Green

 5:30 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony w/Santa

The Green

 7:00 p.m.

          Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

          Arcadia Theatre

Sunday, December 4

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

          VESTA Art and Craft Show & Sale

          Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

          Festival of Trees

          Goodwill building

          Wellsboro Plaza

1:45 p.m.

          Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

          Arcadia Theatre

 2:30 p.m.

HG Productions

2016 AREA HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES LISTED

Rush Weekend Racing Results

(Pulaski, PA)...Another full weekend is in the books in the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance family of race tracks. It was a weekend with familiar faces in victory lane amongst the RUSH Late Models, RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, RUSH Pro Mods, and RUSH Pro Stocks as Mike Knight was the only new winner with his Late Model victory at Eriez Speedway.

The weekend started on Friday night at Dundee, New York's Outlaw Speedway where Brian Knowles picked up the RUSH Late Model victory over Adam Depuy, Jason Knowles and Bob Buono. It marked Brian Knowles' fourth win in the past six events, while his brother Jason won the other two. Another "Super Six" show is on tap for this Friday with FREE grandstand admission!

At Lernerville Speedway on Friday night, RUSH Pro Stock member, Corey McPherson, captured his season's fourth win. McPherson competes on the $135 sealed, spec Bilstein Shocks. Lernerville also announced that the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds have been added to the Friday, September 2 show with the World of Outlaws Late Models. 
 

Saturday night at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Daryl Charlier emerged from a 20-lap special event in the Stock division and climbed into his own #12 RUSH CLate Model. Charlier took the early lead and stretched it throughout the 20-lap race taking a commanding win over Brandon Burgoon, John Mollick, Michael Reft and Ben Policz. Charlier's chances to pull off a double came to an end earlier in the evening in the Stock when a battery mount broke when he was driving the Laboon Racing #14. Charlier, who had to settle for only one win on the evening, joined Mollick as the only repeat winners in the potent RUSH-sanctioned division at PPMS. Action returns this Saturday with a regular program along with the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds in their third of four visits to PPMS this year.

Busti, New York's Stateline Speedway was the site of the first ever special event for the RUSH Pro Mod division. Justin Carlson and Kelley Frederes brought the race to green. After a short first lap yellow flag period, Carlson dominated the event leading each of the 25 laps for his division leading fifth win. Frederes settled for second with Jeramy Williams, Scott Gurdak and Jason Covey for the top five. It was also the inaugural "Manufacturers Night" presented by MSD Performance as over $7,000 in products were distributed to the 10 eligible racers. 

Another pair of seasoned winners in Darrell Bossard and Scott Gurdak brought the field of RUSH Late Models to green. A lap one caution slowed things before they got started when Jason Genco and Ryan Scott got together. On the complete restart, Bossard took the early lead and held on throughout the event. Bossard got into some late race trouble when he made contact with a lapped car, but he kept his car straight and held on for his third win of the 2016 campaign, which propelled him into the $3,000 to-win Pace Performance "Summer Chase" point lead. Following Bossard were Dave Lyon, Jeff Hoffman, Andy Boozel and Damian Bidwell. Racing returns to Stateline this Saturday for Fan Appreciation Night with FREE grandstand admission.

An action packed feature at Wayne County Speedway on Saturday night saw tight action in the RUSH Late Model feature event. For 16 of the 20 laps the top three of Alan Dellinger, Jason Fosnaught and Charlie Duncan battled. Fosnaught, from the Pittsburgh area, led the race for a short time, no small feat for a first time visitor. By mid-race, Justin Chance and Matt Aber joined the action up front putting the top five in a close battle for the lead. A lap 16 dust-up between Aber and Fosnaught put Aber to the rear. In the end Duncan, the defending track champion, pulled away for his second straight win. Dellinger and Chance got past Fosnaught for second and third. Aber charged back to finish fifth. The BOSS Wingless Sprint cars are part of the action at the Orrville, Ohio oval this Saturday night.

Saturday night at Fulton Speedway, Jason Parkhurst led the first 11 of 20 laps in the RUSH Late Model feature event. But in the fourth turn of lap 12, A.J. Kingsley powered past Parkhurst and was off on his own easily winning the event for his third victory of 2016. Parkhurst settled for second with Johnny Hill, Bret Belden and Brandon Ford rounding out the top five. Action returns to the Fulton, New York speedway this Saturday for $20 Car Load Night. 

Twenty laps was the distance of the RUSH Late Model Feature Saturday night at Genesee Speedway in Batavia, NY. And 20 laps was how many laps Brady Wonderling led at the 1/3 mile oval. Wonderling would take an early lead well out in front of the field. He did see some pressure from Bill Holmes a couple times during the event, but held strong and took the win. Ironically, it was Wonderling's first appearance since winning back on June 4. Holmes settled for second with Beamer Guzzardi, TJ Downs and John Venuto completing the top five. Another 5-Star racing card is on tap for this Saturday at Genesee. 

Saturday at Sharon Speedway , RUSH Sportsman Modified pilot Chas Wolbert made it two wins on the season at the Hartford, Ohio oval and three overall on Bicknell Racing Products circuit. Early on there was plenty of racing going on near the front between Kyle Martell, Kole Holden, Chelsie Kriegisch and pole sitter Michael Kristyak. Wolbert took advantage of a lap six restart to get around Kriegisch, Holden and Martell. After a half straightaway lead was erased by another yellow, Wolbert went on to take the victory over Martell, Holden, Kriegisch and Calvin Clay.

"This Bicknell by RKR has been super fast," explained Wolbert. "We got in a jingle last week at Thunder Mountain and tore the rear end and front axle out. We got it done at about 3:30 today and I guess this is where we are! I absolutely love this class. Everyone is so close." The RUSH Sportsman Modifieds take a break from Sharon this Saturday and will compete in an event at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. 

Mike Knight and Scott Gurdak led the field to green on Sunday night at Eriez Speedway in the RUSH Late Models. Mike Knight survived multiple caution periods and took his season's first win over Max Blair, Chad Wright Jason Genco and Kyle Zimmerman. The RUSH Late Models are off this week as the World of Outlaws Late Models invade the Erie County, PA oval.

The familiar #71L of Dennis Lunger, Jr. once again found his way to victory lane on Sunday night at Ontario's Humberstone Speedway. Colton Ledingham led Jeff Dayman and company in the 20-lap main event for the RUSH Late Models. Lunger worked his way to the front early on and with plenty of racing going on behind him, went on to a convincing win, his fifth of the season. Finishing a full straightaway behind was Sam Pennacchio in second. Rob Pietz, Jeff Dayman and Tim Gillespie were third through fifth. Humberstone hosts a regular program Sunday along with a 30 lap Enduro. 

Freedom Motorsports Park in Delevan, NY had a rain storm hit them in the evening forcing the races to be cancelled. They'll try again this Friday night. The RUSH Late Models return to Path Valley Speedway Park on Friday night in Spring Run, Pa. The RUSH Late Models had the night off last weekend at Bradford, Potomac, and Winchester Speedways and the same will continue this weekend. The RUSH Late Models will return to Winchester next Saturday and Bradford next Sunday, while Potomac hosts action next on August 26.

Current RUSH Late Model point leaders are Bryce Davis (Tour), Max Blair (Weekly), Darrell Bossard (Summer Chase), Kris Eaton (Bilstein Bandits), and Wyatt Scott (Futures Cup).

Current RUSH Sportsman Modified point leaders are Brian Schaffer (Weekly), Chas Wolbert (Tour), and Kyle Martell (Futures Cup).

Current RUSH Pro Mod point leaders are Kelly Frederes (Weekly) and Brian Mohawk (Futures Cup), while Corey McPherson leads the Sweeney RUSH Pro Stock Weekly Series points.

RUSH Late Model marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Precise Racing Products, ARbodies, TBM Brakes, K&N Filters, Lincoln Electric, FK Rod Ends, Velocita-USA, Classic Ink USA, Rocket Chassis, Bobby Lake Motorsports High Gear Speed Shop, CrateInsider.com, B.R.A.K.E.S., RockAuto.com, and Valley Fashions.

RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners: Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Bicknell Racing Products, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, MSD Ignition, Maxima Racing Oil, Jones Racing Products, FK Rod Ends, Sherwood Racing Wheels, Velocita-USA, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, K&N Filters, TBM Brakes, Lincoln Electric, CrateInsider.com, Rocket Racing, and B.R.A.K.E.S. 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
 

Fully Involved Structure Fire In Nelson Township

Shinglehouse Ambulance To Rt. 44 South

At 4:38 PM on Thursday, Shinglehouse Ambulance & Olean 10 have been dispatched to Rt. 44 South for a person ill.

Foundation honors Carol and James Stitt and 2016 scholarship recipients

OLEAN, N.Y., July 28, 2016 – At its 10th annual Friends of the Foundation Luncheon, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation honored two of its closest friends, Carol and James Stitt, for their long-time dedication to the foundation.

“The Friends of the Foundation award is CRCF’s highest honor for those people who’ve been true friends of the foundation on a number of different levels,” said Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit. “The award is for those who’ve been dedicated to a cause and worked closely with the foundation as well as generously supporting one or more foundation funds. In that respect, Carol and Jim are two of the foundation’s most enduring and closest friends.”

Wendy Brand, CRCF board president, presented the honor to Carol Stitt, the foundation’s first executive director, and words of appreciation about Ms. Stitt.

Describing the evolution of CRCF, Ms. Brand said “With little more than a desk and some paper files to start, Carol laid the groundwork not only for what the foundation was at the time, but for what it would become. She was and is CRCF’s biggest ambassador.”

Carol’s stepping down from the Executive Director position did not end her service to the foundation. “When she retired as Executive Director, Carol was more than your typical board member. She quickly took on leadership roles. She served as board president and chaired the executive, finance and strategic planning committees,” said Ms. Brand.

Ms. Stitt acknowledged that Ms. Brand’s remarks were not hyperbole. She said that she indeed thought of the foundation as her “third child.”

It is a child that she’s nurtured for 22 years, since the foundation’s establishment. “She grew the foundation from its infancy to the strong organization it is today,” said Ms. Brand. “She truly saw the potential of a community foundation and the good it could do for our region when it was just a seed of an idea in the Olean area.”

Together, Carol and her husband, James, established the Stitt Family Fund at the CRCF. Today, they still regularly donate to other foundation causes. Mr. Stitt has also volunteered to speak at CRCF’s annual Nonprofit Networking Day.

James Stitt, Cutco CEO, has shared his expertise and resources to further the foundation’s visions and goals, said Brand. “The foundation has benefited from the advising of Cutco’s marketing, HR and IT staff,” she said. “So with Jim on your team, you don’t get just one person, but a whole crowd behind you.”

Mr. Stitt, who also serves on the St. Bonaventure University board of trustees and the Dresser-Rand Challenger Learning Center’s board, spoke about “keeping the lights on,” meaning that community members should focus on making the region the best it can be so that anyone who goes away has a strong community to return to.

It’s that shared vision of building a better tomorrow for the Greater Olean area that has driven the Stitts do so much good. It’s that shared vision that makes them the perfect 2016 Friends of the Foundation honorees.

Ms. Brand also recognized some of this year’s new funds, which included the OHS Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund, established by Duane A. Geuder and members of the Olean High School class of 1961; the St. Mary of the Angels Future Fund, established by parishioners at St. Mary of the Angels Church; and the Hamburg Track Scholarship Fund, established by William V. Malican III.

All students who received scholarships managed by the CRCF in 2016 were also honored at the luncheon. The foundation managed and distributed 80 scholarships this year, totaling $112,730 for area students.

Ms. Stitt reminded the recipients of the generosity that made their scholarships possible. “In many cases you’re receiving scholarships from people you’ve never met,” she said.

She said that fact should encourage them to embrace the vision of her and her husband, James. “Please, take that to heart, and when you are out making your way in the world, make sure that

the community in which you are living is a better place.”

In other words, help to make sure that the light stays on in the community.

As an afternoon of touching stories and companionship among friends came to a close, one thing was clear; CRCF plans to continue keeping the lights on for its scholarship and other grant recipients. But even more, they plan to join the Stitts in their mission to keep the lights on all across the region.

Established in 1994, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).

 

Safe haven: Sober house for women set to open May 1 in Cattaraugus, N.Y.

By SANDY RHODES 

Haven.

By definition, a haven is a place of safety, a refuge.

Trina Rickard has made it her mission to draw from her own experience as an addict to provide a clean and sober place — a haven — for women struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

Rickard hopes that this place is 97 Washington St., Cattaraugus, N.Y., a small village with a population of around 1,000, located north of Salamanca, N.Y. Nakeema’s Haven is set to open its doors on May 1. Rickard also hopes the third time’s a charm as two previous locations did not pan out.

The requirement for admittance? A commitment and drive to be clean and sober — regardless of where they come from or what path they have traveled. All women are welcome to make Nakeema’s Haven their home on their road to recovery.

“Our top priority here is for women to come in, get hope and get in recovery. That is all we care about,” said Rickard, executive director of Nakeema’s Haven.

A Place for Recovery

It’s a sobering fact that drug and alcohol abuse is running rampant and is taking lives in the process.

Rickard knows this all too well. She herself is a recovering addict — her sobriety date is July 14. This year, she will accomplish 23 years of sobriety.

From the struggles of her own past, Rickard has sought a way to pay it forward and provide an opportunity for women to get the help they need. That is why she started Nakeema’s Haven, a place for women who “don’t want to go back” to a life of drugs and alcohol.

Five beds will be available, including one room that can accommodate a mother and two children. Keeping a mother with her children is an important part of recovery.

“They are getting their lives turned around. They shouldn’t have to lose their kids in the process.”

While the place is not ready for full occupancy yet, they can house someone in case of an emergency.

“We have a bed ready; it is livable,” Rickard said of the house.

The mission of Nakeema’s House is to provide women with “decent, affordable, supportive, clean and sober housing as they begin their journey to recovery.”

Rickard stressed that women can stay regardless of income. One woman who went to social services and discovered she could not receive help there, burst into tears thinking she could not pay rent.

“That is not what we are about. We are not going to turn anyone away. There are no roadblocks. I want to make it clear — all are welcome who want recovery.”

Yes, Nakeema’s Haven helps women in the here and now, but it also prepares them for life beyond its doors.

On the residential side, the women plan and prepare meals together and help with household chores. They also work on becoming more employable by either volunteering or working towards a GED or college degree.

While Nakeema’s Haven is a residential unit, its doors are always open for women who need support or a safe place to hang out for a few hours or a couple of days.

“You never know what life deals you. They may be scared of failure,” Rickard said. “They can come in, hang out, grab a recovery book or do puzzles.”

On the recovery side, they attend outpatient counseling and attend 12-step meetings.

Between the two, Nakeema’s Haven provides the structure these women need to succeed. People are on site 24/7.

Transportation is provided to and from meetings, doctor’s appointments as well as other necessary travel.

All the people working at Nakeema’s Haven are certified to use Narcan, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioid medication and is used when people overdose.

Rickard said they have not had to use it yet, but volunteers have it on them at all times in case the need arises.

A vast majority of the women in the program have drug addictions and may rely on alcohol only when they can’t get their drug of choice.

To date, Nakeema’s Haven has helped 26 women. Only seven were solely addicted to alcohol.

“That is where we are now. People are using more drugs than alcohol … this is a serious epidemic.”

The women can stay eight months to a year. A minimum of eight months is to provide them enough time to get sober and ready to leave. A maximum of a year is needed so they have a deadline and not rely on others.

“If they get comfortable, why would they move to the next stage ... it sets the pace for them" in the marathon journey of recovery.

However, if extra time is needed to take the next step and move on their own, allowances will be made.

“We are not going to set someone up for failure.”

To date, only one woman has been turned away. That was because she was on suboxone, a drug which is used to help heroin addiction. No controlled substances are allowed at Nakeema’s Haven.

The place is open for any woman regardless of where they live.

“We don’t care where you come from,” Rickard said, adding they have helped women from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and throughout New York state.

Battling the Stigma

Nakeema’s Haven is not new. It has been in existence for two years. There is no doubt that these types of residences come with a lot of baggage and that is true of this one. It has had an uphill battle to find the right place and to gain acceptance.

Nakeema’s Haven first opened in Olean. On the surface, that place did not work because they could not get a variance to have a recovery house in a residential neighborhood. But below the surface, the stigma of having a recovery house in the neighborhood was too much for locals to bear.

“They don’t want to get real about it,” Rickard said of some of the neighbors. As with anything, some were accepting as others were not.

In fact, one neighbor was quoted as saying, “I would rather live next to a murderer than a junkie.”

Rickard then thought she had a second chance when a house in Little Valley was donated. In the end, that deal fell through when issues with the owner developed and they discovered the construction was more than they could tackle to get it ready for occupancy.

"It was for the best. We don't need that stress."

Enter the home in Cattaraugus — a true haven.

What's in a Name?

Nakeema's Haven was named for the one being Rickard could rely on while seeking sobriety — a Rottweiler.

"They say to get a plant because it teaches responsibility, but I have never had a green thumb."

Instead, she had “Nakeema,” a source of unconditional love and someone who lends a sympathetic ear, will keep secrets and teach tolerance.

"What an amazing gift," Rickard said.

In that spirit, a dog and two cats are on site to lend a paw in recovery.

"They are safe to talk to, to cry to. They have that instinct. They are very rewarding.

Getting by with a Little Help

"... With God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Spirituality plays a big part in Nakeema's Haven and so does the help of volunteers.

When the house in Cattaraugus was donated, it needed a lot of work before they could plan on accepting applications. This included a new hot water tank, a new roof and repairing water damage. Several volunteers and area businesses have stepped up to the plate to get the place ready.

Bob Bolles is one of them. He spends one day a week in his free time to do whatever is needed, whether it is plumbing or patching walls. And he often stays to 2 or 3 a.m.

Why?

"These people need help: they don't need prisons,” he said.

Rickard echoed Bolles' words, saying when an addict is incarcerated with no rehabilitation, "the same person comes out.

"They are caged like animals. We need to show them how to live different ... or they will get caught in the system.”

In addition to the volunteers helping with the house, there are six who help with the residents and more are welcome.

Also welcome are donations of clothing, household items, hygiene products and money.

Nakeema's Haven is run solely by volunteers and does not receive any state funding.

The residents are the top priority, Rickard said. Extra donations — such as dishes and silverware — are set aside and given to the women when they leave.

"Our goal is to have enough donations to help them set up their first apartment when they leave us."

If there are extras, they are given to others who may need them.

Rickard’s plans for the future include another living facility for women who are ready to leave Nakeema’s Haven, but not ready to head out on their own, as well as one for men.

“In the end, I will not stop.”

Eric Wilson wins 2016 Mike and Jim Duffy Memorial at McKean County Raceway!

Eric Wilson wins 2016 Mike and Jim Duffy Memorial at McKean County Raceway!

East Smethport, PA (April 23, 2016)
By Jay Pees
The air was cold but the racing hot under crystal clear blue skies for the 2016 season opener with Tom McFall, Eric Wilson, David Scott, Bruno Mowery, and Kurt Babcock picking up the opening night checkers.
Tom McFall, a past MCR Champion, resumed his racing career after several years of retirement and brought the Advocare by Advozuvy.com Street Stocks to the green and led Brady Church and Ted Masco at the end of one lap. By halfway McFall was leading Church by half a straight while they fought over the runner up spot. Mascho edged by Church at lap thirteen but Church again was second at fourteen complete. McFall extended his lead to a full straight by the end of the twenty lapper with Church prevailing for second by a car length at the stripe. Mascho was third wth Michael Bergel and Ed Coast filling out the top five. The win for McFall was his first win in nearly fifteen years at MCR.

  

photos by Jimmie Porter

Eric Wilson and John Waters brought the Jim and Mike Duffy Memorial feature to the track with a double “Missing Man” formation four-wide salute to the fans. Wilson, all the way from Cortland, OH led lap one with Waters right behind. At lap eight Wilson was into lapped traffic when Zach Weich came to a halt in turn four. At green Dave Lyon ran second for half a lap before Waters came back by him. At halfway it was Wilson, Waters, and Lyon when Weich again stopped, this time on the front straight. Damian Bidwell and Jeremy Wonderling filled out the top five at halfway. Again Lyon came to second at green, this time holding it but three cars , Brad Mesler, Andy Michael, and Wyatt Scott, spun in turn four, again bringing caution over the event. Over the last half of the race it was Wilson maintaining his lead and going on to his first ever McKean County Raceway feature win. The win came on the eve of his nineteenth birthday. Lyon held on for second with a Waters third, Damien Bidwell fourth, and Jason Knowles fifth.

Greg Johnson and John Woodward brought the Close Racing Supply E-Mods to green Johnson grabbing the lead at the drop of green. Darren Taribori came to second at the end of one lap with “Slowride” David Scott up to third. At eight laps in, Scott got to second and started chasing down the leader. At halfway Scott edged by Johnson and drove off to the win. Johnson held on for second at the checkers with, Vic Vena third, Kirk Bradley fourth, and Al Brewer fifth.

The Peters Graphics and Designs Pure Stocks were brought to green by Bruno Mowery and Alex Wulff with Mowery grabbing the immediate lead. Yellow flew at three complete when Dan Ott looped his mount in turn four. On the restart the front row failed to fire, negating the green. At halfway the front five were Mowery, Wulff, Ryan Snyder, Ott, and Glen Layfield. With two laps remaining Zack Gustafson had his engine erupt in a cloud of smoke, dropping a trail of oil on the front straight, again forcing yellow. At the checkers it was Mowery and Wulff followed by Snyder, Ott, and Layfield.

The Mary Norgrove Notary Service Mini-Stock feature had a four-wide race for the lead on the back straight on lap one but two of the leaders, pole sitter Dylan Strade and Casey Burch ended up in the front straight wall. For the restart the front row was Kurt Babcock and Jacob Dunn. Babcock led the first lap with Burch taking over at lap two. Burch steadily pulled out to a lead of only one car length by lap five. In lapped traffic Babcock was able to regain the lead at halfway. Babcock extended his lead to three lengths by lap ten. At eleven complete Burch appeared to suffer mechanical ails and fell back, exiting pitside at twelve complete. Babcock went on to the win over Dana Haver, and Kurt Goodell. Haver would be disqualified for not crossing the scales and not going to tech after the event awarding second to Goodell and Dave Lowe Sr. third.

MCR returns to action on THURSDAY, May 26 as the Zimmer’s Service Center UEMS Emod Series makes their first appearance to MCR of the year in the Rayce and Zoiee Zuver Memorial featuring a pair of Twin 20s features paying $700 to win. A full program of RUSH Late Models, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be on the card. Race Time will be 7:30pm for the Thursday night event.
Little Power Shop RUSH Crate Late Models:
Heat 1: John Waters, Jeremy Wonderling, Eric Wilson, Randy Hall, Bryce Davis, Jason Knowles, Garrett Mott, Doug Ricotta
Heat 2: Jason Tingue, Dave Lyon, Damian Bidwell, Andy Michael, Mike Onderling Jr, Wyatt Scott, RJ Pistner, Zach Weich, Brad Mesler
Feature: Eric Wilson, Dave Lyon, Hn Waters, Damian Bidwell, Jason Knowles, Randy Hall, Jeremy Wonderling, Mike Wonderling Jr, Bryce Davis, Jason Tingue, Doug Ricotta, Brad Mesler, Garrett Mott, Wyatt Scott, RJ Pistner, Andy Michael, Zach Weich
Close Racing Supply E-Mods:
Heat 1: Greg Johnson, John Woodward, Darren Tarabori, Dave Scott, Vic Vena, Kirk Bradley, Butch Southwell, Al Brewer
Feature: Dave Scott, Greg Johnson, Vic Vena, Kirk Bradley, Al Brewer, Butch Southwell, Darren Tarabori, John Woodward
Advocare by Advozuy.com Street Stocks:
Heat 1: Tom McFall, Brady Church, Critter Hemphill, Jamie Colewell, Rick Wojtowicz, Dan Maybee
Heat 2: Ted Mascho, Ed Coast, Michael Bergel, Dustin Goss, Devin Dudenhooeffer
Feature: Tom McFall, Brady Church, Ted Mascho, Michael Bergel, Ed Coast, Dustin Goss, Dan Maybee, Critter Hemphil (DNS)l, Rich Wotjowicz (DNS), Devin Dudenhoeffer (DNS), Jamie Colewell (DNS)
Peter’s Graphics & Designs Pure Stocks:
Heat 1: Bruno Mowery, Roger Schweikert, Glen Layfield, David Warrior, Ryan Snyder (DQ)
Heat 2: Alex Wulff, Cliff Eastman, Matt Putt, Dan Ott, Zack Gustafson
Feature: Bruno Mowery, Alex Wulff, Ryan Snyder, Dan Ott, Glenn Layfield, Roger Schweikert, Zack Gustafson, Matt Putt, Cliff Easton, David Warrior
Mary Norgrove Notary Mini Stocks:
Heat 1: Kurt Babcock, Casey Burch, Dave Lowe Jr, Dylan Strade, Duane Powers, Dana Haver, Dave Lowe Sr, Mike Eastman
Heat 2: Holden Heinemann, Kurt Goodell, Jacob Dunn, Dylan Edminster, Michael Provorse Leonard Britton, Eric Canfield, David Kunes
Feature: Kurt Babcock, Kurt Goodell, Dave Lowe Sr., Jacob Dunn, Leonard Britton, Casey Burch, Dyllan Edminster, Duane Powers, Dylan Strade, Michael Provorse, Eric Canfield (DNS) David Kunes (DNS), Dave Lowe Jr. (DNS), Mike Eastman (DNS), Holden Heinemann(DNS).