I found these photos in the local Dunkirk NY newspaper, describing an annual auction of Amish furniture and other hand built items. The amish people do not have health insurance and as a result they accumulate large bills at hospitals for emergency care. The proceeds of the auction pays for these expenses. The auction is held in the same community as that of my sister Julie, many people attend from in and out of state as there are some great deals to be found...
"Six years ago, the Conewango Amish community found out they had racked up over $750,000 in hospital bills. Without health insurance, they were charged the full price for doctor bills and hospital care.
Cullen, who has spent time advising the Conewango Amish said, “We have health plans, the Amish are charged retail. We hire lawyers, they choose not to negotiate like this. They told me that they want the Children’s Hospital to make this money.”
Nearly 40 Amish communities participated in the sixth annual Amish Relief Auction at the Empire Livestock Cherry Creek Market. None of the Amish members interviewed would give their names and it’s against their beliefs to be photographed."
Neff's Canyon is located at a lower altitude in the Olympus Cove area, I believe we hiked this area in the past for Geocaching in the early 2000's. I'm told that it is snow free and will result in some great views and lots of opportunity for calorie burning excitment, yum!
