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Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce December 2017 MAST Endorses CPT Program Written by Todd J. Tranum, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier The Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier has endorsed the Certified Production Technician program through Jamestown Community College. Working in partnership with the Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) at the University at Buffalo, JCC Continuing Education is offering this program to manufacturers from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties. Employees can achieve national accreditation as a Certified Production Technician, while the employers can access grant funding to help cover costs and upgrade the skills and knowledge of their production employees. CPT supplies the core knowledge and skills required for front line manufacturing jobs. Based on industry defined and federally endorsed national standards, the content prepares candidates for entry level to supervisory production roles with a portable credential. Curriculum was developed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit, industry led, training, assessment, and certification system. The program educates candidates in safety, quality practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, and maintenance awareness. To offset training costs, the Workforce Development Institute is available to assist organizations in applying for a subsidy to cover half of the training costs, pending successful completion of the program by participants. The CPT program recently debuted in Chautauqua County via a pilot with Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant. Cummins’ desire to offer the program locally stems from experiencing the value and effectiveness in providing a credentialed, nationally recognized training to employees at its manufacturing facility in Columbus, Indiana. Developing a skilled workforce is essential to the competiveness of manufacturers in the region. The MAST board of directors has endorsed the CPT because we see this as a valuable credential for both current and potential employees. The CPT is a helpful assessment and training tool that all manufacturers should consider implementing for their employees and request of their applicants. Candidates receive 109 hours of training. The program features web-based education as well as classroom learning provided by TCIE Director of Operational Excellence Peter Baumgartner. In-class sessions held at JCC’s Jamestown Campus and supplemental textbook reading reinforce the virtual workspace lessons through interactive discussion and hands-on simulations. “The CPT material addresses the new demands of manufacturing,” Baumgartner said. “There are safety, quality and maintenance components of manufacturing that, 10 years ago, weren’t on the minds of the average employee. Now they are an integral part of their jobs.” Candidates earn CPT certification after passing all production module exams. The CPT is accredited under the only global certification body for manufacturers, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI-ISO 17024). Enrollments are being accepted now through JCC Continuing Ed. The program runs January through June, 2018. For more information, contact Grant Umberger at grantumberger@mail.sunyjcc.edu or call (716) 338-1005.
Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events
12/8 - Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, noon, Clarion Hotel, Dunkirk 12/9 - 10am-4pm, Lakewood Christmas in the Village 12/9 - 10am-5pm, Holiday Shopping on Ice, Northwest Arena 12/12 - 5pm, Robert H. Jackson Center honors Randy Sweeney during Holiday Open House 12/16 - 7:30pm, 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present Christmas on the Great White Way, a special holiday musical revue 12/17 - Christmas Bird Count with the Audubon Community Nature Center, reservations are required a week in advance 12/18 - Rolling Hills Radio Featuring Almond&Olive and David Michael Miller 12/20 & 21 - World Juniors Exhibition Games, Hockey at Northwest Arena 12/30 - 7:30pm, Wits & Giggles Stand Up Comedy, Northwest Arena 1/6 - Winter Grapes & Hops Festival, Northwest Arena
For a year-round list of festivals and events, check the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Calendar For a complete list of courses through JCC Continuing Ed in Jamestown and Dunkirk, check the online course catalog
Shop Locally This Season Shopping locally is good for our economy and good for our friends, neighbors, and business climate. Time after time studies have shown that it does make a difference when people choose to buy from local merchants. A 2010 study by the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development shows that for every $100 in consumer spending with a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy and is dispersed through local wages, charitable donations, taxes that fund local services, and purchases of goods and services through other local businesses. The Michigan State study also shows that for each $100 spent with a non-locally owned business, just $43 remains in the local economy. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce works to promote local business yearround because we see the importance of supporting our local business owners and workforce. We encourage everyone to shop locally this holiday season!
Rolling Hills Radio December 18 Show Lineup The third show of Rolling Hills Radio’s eighth season, which takes place on Monday, December 18th at Shawbucks in the heart of Jamestown’s theater district, “promises to continue RHR’s long tradition of presenting the best of the Americana music genre”, according to the show’s producer and host, Ken Hardley. Headlining December’s two-act show will be David Michael Miller and Almond&Olive. According to Jeff Miers, Music Critic for the Buffalo Evening News, David Michael Miller, “is one of the finest soul-based singers in our region, and … proves he’s also one of our most vibrant songwriters. Elements of gospel, R&B, electric blues and singersongwriter leanings collide here to form a collection of elegant, stately and eminently grooving songs, delivered with consistent passion. This is incredibly spirited stuff, and it represents a new high-watermark for Buffaloborn recordings.” Performing with Miller, as she has on many occasions, is local favorite Marla Harris. Hardley says, “Harris’s vocals are the perfect accompaniment to Miller, adding seamlessly to the soulful depth of Miller’s already considerable solo skills.” December’s show will also feature Almond&Olive, two singer/songwriters, Natalie Alms and Ollie Davidson. This past January, on the occasion of the release of their album, “Standing at the Precipice”, Alex Gallacher, of Folk Radio, UK wrote of Alms and Davidson, “One of [our] first conversations about music revolved around their shared love of Bob Dylan and favourite bands and influences, including Simon and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, and Mumford and Sons. These influences provide a starting point while [they] layer steady acoustic guitar with the croon of a heartbroken harmonica, and rich harmonies with a hint of wavering grit.” Jason Sample, another local celebrity, host of WRFA’s weekly show Arts on Fire, and someone well-acquainted with the music scene in Jamestown and beyond, enthusiastically brought Almond&Olive to Hardley’s attention. In other Rolling Hills Radio news, as of the start of its eighth season, the show has been video recorded for airing on public access television stations. As of the November show, RHR began a collaboration with its first TV affiliate, Access Channel 5 in Mayville, NY. Viewers in Mayville will now be able to see all Rolling Hills shows beginning December 16 when it will initially air at both 1pm and 7pm. Collaboration with a second TV affiliate is in the works and will be announced when arrangements have been finalized. According to Hardley, “We are actively working to add additional public access affiliates in future months. Stay tuned.” As always, Rolling Hills Radio will continue to air on WRFA 107.9 FM every Friday night at 6pm. Hardley reminds the community that, “later this season, the Urban Pioneers,
Americana royalty Robin and Linda Williams, and legendary folk singer Tom Paxton will perform.” As the first two shows filled Shawbucks — although tickets will continue to be sold at the door — the show’s producers, Hardley and Cathie Pasinski, recommend that tickets be purchased in advance. Shawbucks’ doors open — to all those holding or purchasing tickets — at 5:30pm for the “Happy Rolling Hour.” Food and drink are available until 6:15 when food and drink service stops, audience members take their seats and audio and video recording begins promptly at 6:30. The bar reopens for 10 minutes at intermission and then again after the show when the audience is invited to a “Meet and Greet” with the performers. There continue to be four options for purchasing tickets; Until the show is sold out, tickets are available at the door the night of each show. If you choose, you can call ahead at (716) 484-1101. Tickets are also available online at http://www.chautauquachamber.org/ events If you’re out and about, stop in during the Chamber’s regular business hours at 512 Falconer St, Jamestown.
Jackson Center Honors Randy Sweeney at December 12 Holiday Open House The Robert H. Jackson Center, a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson and its relevance to current events and issues, will honor Randall J. Sweeney, Executive Director at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and former Jackson Center board member at its annual holiday open house event. Robert H. Jackson Center President Susan Moran Murphy made the announcement. The Tuesday, December 12 open house begins at 5:00 p.m. with a reception at the Jackson Center, 305 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, NY. Visitors are invited to enjoy light refreshments while viewing the center’s exhibits and holiday decorations, and mingling with friends, board members and staff of the center. A formal program paying tribute to Randy Sweeney will begin at 6:00 pm in the Jackson Center’s Cappa Theatre. At that time, Jackson Center cofounder and board member Gregory L. Peterson, will interview Sweeney about his life, career, and plans for the future. Sweeney has served as executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) for 20 years. He will retire from that position at the end of 2017. During his years at CRCF, Sweeney volunteered at numerous organizations, including the Jackson Center where he served as a member of the board and treasurer of the Jackson Center from its inception in 2001 until 2016. Prior to joining CRCF, Sweeney was vice president of sales at the former Quality Markets. As he retires from his post, the Jackson Center would like to thank Sweeney for the huge impact he has left on Chautauqua County during his 20-year leadership of CRCF. Randy has served the community in countless ways and leaves his own legacy of support for the many organizations and initiatives he has been involved with over the decades. The Jackson Center is eternally grateful for the expertise he lent to the Jackson Center as a founding board member and in leadership roles on our Board of Directors. People wishing to recognize Sweeney’s service to the community with a gift of support to the Jackson Center may make a donation in his honor to the “Robert H. Jackson Center, Inc. Endowment Fund”, held at CRCF, or to the “Robert H. Jackson/Randall J. Sweeney Education Fund” recently established at CRCF for the benefit of the Jackson Center. Please call the Jackson Center at (716)483-6646 if you need assistance with your gift intentions. The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages students of all ages, scholars, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the lens of Justice Jackson’s body of work.
A New Captain at the Helm of Lake Erie Wine Country Winery Association Representing 22 Wineries Names New Leader The Board of Directors of Lake Erie Wine Country announces Capt. Shaun Patrick Smith, USMM, as its new President & CEO. Shaun is a United States Merchant Marine Officer, business executive, educator, Ph.D. scholar and author from western NY. “There is no place on earth as beautiful as our region. I want the world to know about our vineyards, our lake, our people, our uniqueness and our excellence. Exciting ventures are on the horizon to do just that,” Shaun explains. With expertise in management, marketing and public relations, Shaun has led many organizations as a chief executive including the Grand Fallsview Hotel, the Boys and Girls Club, and Buffalo Transportation. Shaun replaces Julie Ellis, who loyally and energetically served the winery association for seven years and wrote a history of its wineries called Lake Erie Wine Country. Julie has moved to South Carolina and has taken a position in the tourism industry. Lake Erie Wine Country is the modern name of the association of wineries located in an historic wine and grape region on the southern shore of Lake Erie in both Pennsylvania and New York. The grape belt consists of more than 30,000 acres of grapes, making it the largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains and the largest Concord grape region in the world. Lake Erie Wine Country boasts 22 unique wineries, which make award-winning and nationally recognized wines, both dry and sweet. The wine association, rare for having winery members located in two states, was established in 2002 and stretches along a fifty-mile lakeshore between Silver Creek, NY and Harbor Creek, PA. For more information visit www.LakeErieWine Country.org or www.Facebook.com/ LakeErieWineCountry.. Shaun Smith may be reached at 877-326 -6561 or by email at info@lakeeriewinecountry.org. Instagram: #lakeeriewinecountry Twitter: @LakeErieWines
Support Small Businesses in Downtown Jamestown: Shop Local This Holiday Season The nooks and crannies and main streets of Jamestown are full of unique shopping experiences. From local treasures and souvenirs to gifts and necessities, our shops offer friendly, personal service to go along with items you just might not find anywhere else. The works of local artists and artisans abound along with homegrown produce and food products. A variety of specialty goods only available in Jamestown can be found downtown. Many people agree that you can't experience all that downtown has to offer from a car - you've got to get out and walk around. Park in one of the ramps and make an afternoon out of it! Step inside one of the historic storefronts and get to know the business owners who make downtown Jamestown a vibrant and unique destination. When was the last time you checked out Decorator's Gallery on First Street, in the historic
Broadhead Wollen Mills building? Have you had a chance to see the vintage collections at Discount Discs - Collectors Paradise on Main Street? How about the unique and fun offerings at Gifts, Décor, and More in the Pearl City Arts Building on Cherry Street? If you need an extra incentive to shop downtown, the Shop Small, Win Big contest is sponsored by Jamestown Up Close and powered by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and rewards shoppers that make purchases at participating businesses between November 25 and December 18. The kick-off of the contest is Small Business Saturday, an American shopping holiday that falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. First observed in 2010, it has become a popular nationwide counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. The contest also includes restaurants and other small businesses; for a complete list of participants, visit www.jamestownupclose.com. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Jamestown Up Close are organizations that support downtown and neighborhood revitalization by promoting reinvestment, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in the greater Jamestown, NY area. For more information, or for a complete calendar of events, please visit www.jamestownupclose.com. You can also learn more about the organization by joining our Facebook page.
World Juniors Returns to Jamestown Northwest Arena to Host Games Between USA, Belarus, and Slovakia The World Juniors Exhibition Games presented by DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown are coming to the Northwest Arena this December. This will be the first time that the World Juniors have returned to Jamestown since 2010, when they played three soldout games at the former Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Spectators can expect to see two days-worth of world-class competition. The December games will feature Team USA against Belarus on Wednesday the 20th and Belarus taking on Slovakia on Thursday the 21st. Several players from the 2010 World Juniors teams have gone on to have successful NHL careers, so fans can expect nothing but the best this December at Northwest Arena. Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $18 and $23 for Preferred Seating. There is a limited $10 VIP Add On that includes a pre-game party inside the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club with food and cash bar. Visit www.northwestarena.com, call 716.484.2624, or stop by the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office to reserve your tickets today. Don’t forget to follow the Northwest Arena on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for information on upcoming events.
Holiday Shopping on Ice Vendor & Food Event Comes to Northwest Arena Dec 9 Holiday Shopping on Ice presented by the Media 1 Group and Northwest Arena is coming to the Northwest Arena on Saturday, December 9 from 10am-5pm. The event will feature local vendors, food, prizes, cookie decorating, caroling, Santa Claus, a petting zoo,
a kid zone, and more. Holiday Shopping on Ice has compiled over forty local vendors to provide those in attendance with a variety of gift purchasing options. Shoppers can expect to see a wide range of items for sale, including clothing, jewelry, furniture, home décor, food, and more. Children in attendance are encouraged to visit the petting zoo, kid zone, and cookie decorating station. Admission is $5 at the door and children 12 and under are free. The first 100 adults will receive a free gift basket upon entering. Visit www.northwestarena.com, call 716.484.2624, or stop by the Northwest Arena today for more information. Follow the Northwest Arena on Facebook for information on confirmed vendors.
Christmas in the Village Set in Lakewood The Village of Lakewood is excited to announce their Christmas in the Village event on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This festive, family community event open to the public will include holiday shopping with craft and gift vendors located under a huge outdoor tent in the former Wilson Farms parking lot and the Lakewood Memorial Library until 4 p.m. Local business sidewalk sales and restaurant specials will also be available in the Village of Lakewood. Complimentary merchant coupon books with special offers will be available to all shoppers throughout the day. These books will include a map of all vendor and merchant locations as well as a village basket raffle game. Free hot cocoa and cookies will also be available to all guests along with all day sledding down the hill at the Richard O. Hartley Park and a chance to give back by donating to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. At the Lakewood Memorial Library, children and families can also enjoy storytellers on the hour, free holiday make and take crafts, mini book and gift sale, Kindle drawing, free hot cocoa and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A special violin performance will be hosted there by the Lakewood Suzuki Strings under the direction of Sue Tillotson in the afternoon. Vince Liuzzo of Tree Guys and Sherwood Arts Complex will present a live chainsaw carving demonstration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Independent Health insurance office at the four corners. A live reindeer from Sun Dance Kids Farm will make an appearance from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on the corners of Chautauqua and Summit Avenues and the village invites everyone to enjoy free horse drawn wagon rides provided by Rod Anderson from 2 to 5 p.m. with pick up at Group Ther-Happy in the former Yesterday’s parking lot. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive with their elves at 12 noon and will be available for children visits and photographs by parents until 4 p.m. Personalized event photos will be available for sale inside the former Wilson Farms building at a nominal fee provided by Priceless Studios Photography. Christmas carolers from the Lakewood Baptist Church will also adorn the streets in song from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting celebration at 5:00 p.m. in Recognition Park. Local sponsors of the event are Shults Auto Group, Matco Tools, Jamestown Awning and Party Tents, Hope’s Windows, Inc., Century 21 Turner Brokers, H & R Block, R-Patti Excavating & Concrete, Jamestown Mattress, H&R Block, Group Ther-Happy,
Larson Orthodontics and Eventz by Scott. Interested vendors/merchants or questions about Christmas in the Village should be directed to the Village of Lakewood office at (716) 763-8557 or on Facebook at Village of Lakewood, NY. Photo Attached: The annual Christmas in the Village event in Lakewood, New York will take place Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4-H Receives Funds from Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign By Kate Ewer, 4-H Community Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development program will once again be able to offer award trips to outstanding youth thanks to Tractor Supply Co. Tractor Supply Co has continued to partner with National 4-H Council to help raise funds for 4-H programming through the sale of Paper 4-H Clovers in their stores. Each year the store holds a spring and fall campaign. In 2017 $87,000 was raised in New York State with 90% of funds raised to back to state and local 4-H programs and National 4-H Council receives the remaining 10%. Thanks to generous patrons of the Dunkirk and Lakesood Tractor Supply stores Chautauqua County 4-H will receive $1,200.29 in 2018. The funds must be used to support youth participation in leadership development programs or camp programming. This includes but is not limited to County Regional, statewide or National 4-H Animal Science career development and competitions, NYS 4-H Career Exploration at Cornell, The State Teen Action Representative Retreat (STARR) in Syracuse, 4-H Capital Days in Albany, and other award trip opportunities. In the past these opportunities were given as award trips for outstanding youth. In order to be considered for an award trip youth have to successfully complete a cover letter, resume, and interview and be in good standing in 4-H. Because of funding restrictions Chautauqua County 4-H has not had the opportunity to fund trips for deserving youth. The Tractor Supply Paper Clover funds will reintroduce award trips to deserving youth and allow Chautauqua County 4-Hers to broaden their horizons. Four youth were able to attend the Agri-Business Career Conference held at SUNY Cobleskill October 19-20 of this year thanks to funds raised during the 2016 Paper Clover Campaign. Youth had the opportunity to tour a variety of agricultural businesses, learn more about SUNY Cobleskill, and network with 4 -Hers statewide. Chautauqua County 4-H is grateful for this partnership with Tractor Supply Co and would like to thank community members who purchased Paper Clovers in support of 4-H in Chautauqua County. Photo Caption: Chautauqua County 4-Hers were able to attend the ABC Conference with funds raised from the 2016 Tractor Supply Co Paper Clover Campaign. The youth who attended the conference were (left to right) Emily Starceski, Kelsie Jackson, Kayla Schauman, Josephine Allen, and Brooke Andera (from Cattaraugus
County and traveled with the Chautauqua group). The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Technology Vs Grape Rootworm By Tim Weigle, NYS IPM Program Historically (early 1900s) grape rootworm (GRW) was the major insect pest of grapes growing in New York and surrounding states. Adults do some minor leaf feeding in early to mid-summer. However, the grape rootworm spends most of its life cycle in the larval stage, feeding underground on grape roots, which can reduce vine vigor or even cause vine death at high densities. For various reasons, including the seasonal use of broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides, the pest status of GRW declined during the second half of the 20th century. Research conducted in the Lake Erie Region has helped growers implement the use of insecticides that are more pest specific as well as reduce the number of applications needed during the season. Since GRW has not been the target pest, this has led to GRW damage to increase dramatically in recent years, especially in the Lake Erie Grape Belt. Because adults and their feeding damage are not easily observed without extensive scouting, and feeding by larvae is done out of sight, it is likely that New York grape growers greatly under estimate the impact of GRW. While grape rootworm management was not part of the LERGP’s current SCRI project, Efficient Vineyard, project team members saw the potential to use technology from the project to locate potential GRW populations by identifying areas of the vineyard with lower vine size. Vineyard blocks involved in the GRW project have been assessed annually using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) sensors mounted either on a grower’s tractor, or on a John Deere Gator operated by LERGP staff since 2015. This data is then compiled into maps, which show relative vine size, or management zones for vineyards involved in the project. These maps also allow for comparison of changes in vine size that may occur over time due to treatment/no treatment of grape rootworm populations. Using these maps, Tim Weigle, NYS IPM Program, was able to identify areas of smaller vine size within a vineyard and set up a scouting regime in that area. Scouting for the adult GRW is conducted on a weekly basis beginning in early June to determine first and peak emergence dates, as well as, last capture date (which can go into September) for vineyards not receiving insecticide applications for control of GRW. As shown in photo, the maps produced through yearly NDVI scouting are a valuable tool in determining the effect of
management strategies on vine size and the total area affected by GRW management strategies over a span of years. The total area affected by grape rootworm decreased from 2015 to 2016 as shown by the area identified with orange and yellow as a result of treatments targeting GRW. Looking only at the map developed in 2017 it would be easy to assume that the grape rootworm populations have moved from the left side of the vineyard to the right. However, when combined with weekly GRW scouting information, GRW populations were found to have decreased from 2016 to 2017 in the left side of the block and no GRW were not found in the right side of the block where relative vine size had decreased. The cause of the decrease in vine size in 2017 is thought to be a combination of drought conditions during the 2016 growing season and competition from the trees found on the vineyard edge. This identifies a very important aspect of what information an NDVI map can provide. Without calibrating the map through measuring vine size during dormant pruning, the map will only provide vine size relative to the other vines in the block, not a hard number like two or three pound vines. It also should not be used to monitor pest populations like GRW without scouting data to assist in determining the presence of the pest. When working with growers that are new to NDVI mapping, it has been determined that the maps are immediately useful for identifying potential problem areas within a vineyard block. Growers can then work with a member of LERGP to determine the root cause of the problem. For more information on the work of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program and the Efficient Vineyard project, please go to https://www.efficientvineyard.com/ The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is a cooperative effort between Cornell and Penn State Universities; the participating Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations of Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties in New York and Erie County in Pennsylvania; and participating industry partners National Grape Cooperative (Welch’s), Constellation Brands and Walkers Fruit Basket. The LERGP extension team provides research-based educational programming for commercial grape growers throughout the year at venues across the Lake Erie grape belt. For more information on LERGP, call 716-792-2800 or visit our website at http://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/ The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
The Importance of Food Safety By Iris Ruiz Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s EFNEP Program along with the Partnership for Food Safety Education team (PFSE) are working together to educate consumers on the importance of food safety with the fundamentals of Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill. A delicious and healthy holiday feast begins with basic food safety practices that are known to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. “We want to engage holiday cooks in an interactive way
as they host holiday meals and parties and create seasonal traditions,” said Shelley Feist, PFSE executive director. “Food safety basics are so important during the holiday season and will ensure everyone has the most enjoyable Friendsgiving, Hanukah and office Christmas parties. Nobody has time to get sick!” The Story of Your Dinner stresses the importance of food safety practices. At StoryOfYourDinner.org, consumers can download recipes with food safety steps built in and see 1 minute videos showing preparation of delicious, holiday dishes with food safety reminders. Cornell Cooperative Extensions EFNEP Program reminds consumers to keep the “Core Four” Fight BAC!® food safety practices top-of-mind throughout the holiday season: • Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often. • Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate. • Cook: Cook to the safe internal temperature. • Chill: Refrigerate or freeze promptly. Use or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days. For more information please call Cornell Cooperative Extensions. We offer free Nutrition Education Classes, to speak to an EFNEP Educator to see if you qualify call us at 716-664-9502 ext. 217. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Three Things You Can Change in Your Holiday Meal Plan By Else Alonge-Nutrition Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s EFNEP Program would like to provide changes you can make this holiday season to help keep off those extra pounds. While we certainly aren’t advocating you become the scrooge of holiday meals, we are suggesting that with a little extra planning beforehand. You may be able to keep some of those extra pounds from finding you, much of it begins with your holiday meal plan. Control what goes in your mouth by controlling what goes on the table. This year develop your holiday meal plan with making small changes to the foods you serve. Following these three simple changes can help keep the pounds off this holiday season: Cut Sugar in Hidden Sources Besides the mountains of Christmas cookies and tableful of freshly baked pies, some of our most loved holiday dishes pack hidden mounds of sugar. As you develop your holiday meal plan this year, look to eliminate sugar in these unnecessary areas, so you can save your sugar consumption for that (not-too-big) slice of pumpkin pie. 1. Sweet Potato Casserole – This beloved dish normally comes packed with added sugar. Consider changing up your sweet potato routine this year by looking for a variation on this traditional marshmallow and brown sugar dish. You can find more healthful recipes which combine vegetables, little to no added sugars, and healthy oils. For yummy, healthy recipes visit
www.fnec.cornell.edu/recipes 2. Salad Dressings – Another hidden source of added sugar, salad dressings can be deceiving. Opt out of the sugary poppy seed dressings or sweet and tangy raspberry vinaigrettes (they have to balance that tang with something – sugar!). Check the sugar content on dressings before putting them in your cart this year. Sugar is often the second ingredient in dressings. Better yet, consider making your own dressing this year. You can control the sugar amount and make your friends and family think you’re a whiz in the kitchen. Add in Good Fats While we certainly know all the warnings about too many potato chips and heavy whipping cream, we often forget that our body still needs some fat – the good fats. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are found in a variety of foods and provide not only needed nutrient absorption but also fat-fighting properties. Found in things like nuts, good oils, fish, seeds and avocados, these fats work to satiate your hunger and lower bad cholesterol while raising the good cholesterol. It’s actually easier than you think to add these fats into your holiday meal planning: 1. Pair your green beans with slivered almonds. 2. Sprinkle your salad with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch. 3. Top your sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts with a handful of chopped pecans. 4. Offer hummus dip for an appetizer with cut veggies. 5. Make your famous pumpkin cream cheese cookies with some added flax and chia seeds. The flavor punch may surprise you! Eliminate Processed Foods This holiday, take a little extra time to determine how you can eliminate as much processed food from your holiday meal planning as possible. While any redemptive nutritional qualities most assuredly will not be found in processed foods, they almost always come with added health detriments as well. Processed foods are usually high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, sodium, saturated fats, and sometimes partially hydrogenated oils. All of these wreak havoc on your health and your weight. 1. When making your green bean casserole, it only takes an extra 5 minutes to make your own cream-of-mushroom base. 2. As already mentioned, whip up some homemade salad dressing 4-5 days in advance and pop it out the day of. 3. Homemade bread always taste better – be the talk of the holiday meal by being the one to make it this year. Whatever you do, make sure that you make health conscious decisions about the prep stages of your holiday meal plan. Having a plan always helps when in-the-moment. Make sure you have plenty of healthy options on the table for this year’s holidays. But don’t worry…this doesn’t mean you have to cut the flavor! The EFNEP Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCEChautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with
general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Visit Audubon’s Giving Tree and Choose Your Gift to Give The next time you visit Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) you will be greeted by a beautifully welcoming Giving Tree in the lobby. The Giving Tree provides you the opportunity to give a gift to Audubon. Whether it is the Day Camp program, the animals in the Discovery Room, the wildlife outdoors, or the staff and volunteers who run it all, a little bit goes a long way. You can take a tag from the tree to select a gift you can give. A list of gift possibilities will also be at Giving Tree on the Programs page at auduboncnc.org You are welcome to drop off wrapped gifts anytime, but if you do so prior to Wednesday, December 27, children will open the gifts that day at Christmas with the Critters. Your Giving Tree gift also gives you an admission to the 1011:30 a.m. Christmas with the Critters program. Call (716) 5692345 during business hours if you would like more details While you are at the Nature Center, you can do some holiday shopping of your own at the Blue Heron Gift Shop. You will be delighted with its varied selection. The Giving Tree will remain in the lobby of the Nature Center through January 3. The Nature Center’s new year-round hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. To learn more, call (716) 5692345 during business hours or visit the Programs page at auduboncnc.org. Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways. Photo caption: The Giving Tree in the lobby of Audubon Community Nature Center welcomes visitors. It invites them to take a tag from its branches that suggests a gift for the animals or to help the staff and volunteers who maintain them. Wrapped gifts will be opened on Wednesday, December 27, by the children at Christmas with the Critters. Photo caption: The Giving Tree in the lobby of Audubon Community Nature Center welcomes visitors. It invites them to take a tag from its branches that suggests a gift for the animals or to help the staff and volunteers who maintain them. Wrapped gifts will be opened on Wednesday, December 27, by the children at Christmas with the Critters.
Reservations Required a Week Before Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count in Warren and Jamestown, December 16 and 17 On Saturday, December 16, in Warren and Sunday, December 17, in Jamestown local bird watchers will take to the roadways, woods, and backyards to see how many birds and species they observe. Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) is supporting National Audubon Society’s 118th Annual Christmas Bird Count. For more than a century birdwatchers have been counting birds to add to the information of which species are found in a defined area. The first bird counts were organized to draw people away from traditional Christmas bird hunts, when groups went out to shoot raptors for entertainment. You are invited to participate in this historic census of birds in a defined circle performed by volunteer bird watchers. You can participate by watching a feeder, by driving through an assigned area, or by walking in an assigned area. Participants must be able to identify the birds, or be willing to go with a person who can do so, and to report using the protocol. Once assigned a location, you can spend as little or as much time as you want on the count day, but this will be a part of the reporting. If you live in the Christmas Bird Count circle, you can also help by filling your feeders and then keeping a list of the birds you observe on the counting day. It is amazing to note the changes from year to year, and over time. “We really appreciate it when people who feed the birds make the extra effort to fill their feeders before the Count Weekend. That way we are likely to see more birds,” reported ACNC president Ruth Lundin. “It’s also important for people to know that we will be out in our cars and on foot that weekend, so that residents will not be worried if they see a slow-moving carload of folks staring at their feeders.” Each day, in the evening, the bird watchers get together for a pot luck and to report their sightings. It is a great time to tell the day’s stories, note the trends and celebrate any unusual species seen. People who enjoy watching birds or who would like to learn more about bird watching are encouraged to call the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345 and leave a message for Lundin. Don Watts, who organizes volunteers for the Warren Count, said, “We are always looking for new birders to help us.” People in the Warren area interested in Saturday’s count can reach him at (814) 723-9125. Reservations are required a week in advance to be assigned a count area. For more information or to register, call Audubon Community Nature Center at (716) 569-2345 during business hours or go to the Events page at auduboncnc.org. If you register online, click all the way through checkout, even though the cost is zero. Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally
responsible ways. Visit at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa., or online at auduboncnc.org. Photo caption: You can be part of a national contribution to conservation by joining Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count in Jamestown or Warren on Saturday or Sunday, December 16 or 17. A bird like this Wild Turkey would be easy to spot, especially against a snowy background. Reservations are required a week in advance to be assigned a count area.
“New Choices in Recovery” Educational Forum at Mental Health Association Friday Afternoon, December 8 If they know how to make use of the services available, Medicaid enrollees with mental health and substance use experiences can benefit from a variety of community-based programs. At 2 p.m. on Friday, December 8, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) is hosting “New Choices in Recovery,” a statewide peer-to-peer educational forum to help with these issues. David Ferencz, New Choices in Recovery Community Outreach Specialist with New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS), will travel from Albany to speak at the event. Participants can learn about coordinating peer and family support, work and school, and about transportation services that are now available. They can take a fresh look at their health, work, social and other personal goals and meet with someone who can help their providers work more closely together so they can achieve those goals. Ferencz said, “Our aim is to inform eligible Medicaid enrollees with mental health and substance use related conditions about managed care, Health and Recovery Plans (HARP), Health Homes, and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). There are a lot of misconceptions around HARP and HCBS, and it can be confusing. Our mission is to clear up some of this confusion, to educate people about these new possibilities, and to encourage them to take the steps to make use of them.” The MHA is a designated HCBS provider in peer empowerment services and will continue to provide support services free of charge. The presentation is delivered in an informal, conversational, and interactive manner with lots of encouragement for shared identification and empathy. It will last about 90 minutes. A purely educational initiative, there will be no direct services provided. While providers are welcome, this is a peer-delivered training for a peer audience and is meant to be very practical. The Mental Health Association is located in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Door #14, Jamestown, N.Y. The MHA is a peer-run organization offering support services to people with substance use disorders and all other forms of mental health diagnosis. It is staffed by certified peer specialists who provide recovery coaching and work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and treatment courts to help participants succeed in attaining their goals. Over two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the MHA, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting and much more. All services and programs are offered free of charge. To learn more about the MHA and its many programs, call (716) 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or facebook.com/
MHAChautauqua.
Mental Health Association Outreach to the Spanish-Speaking Community Thanks to the Spanish language skills of Luis Rosa, a Certified Peer Specialist trained in Recovery Coaching and a Certified Mental Health First Aid trainer, 74 Spanish-speaking participants got connected to resources during the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s (MHA) last fiscal year. Rosa’s story is featured on the cover of the MHA’s Fall 2017 Newsletter. It tells of his journey from the Bronx back to his native Puerto Rico, his subsequent schooling at Columbia University in New York City, and his eventual settling in Jamestown. Downturns in his life led to substance use disorders, till he found his way through support at the MHA, where he can now help people who might otherwise go unaided. Of the Mental Health Association, Rosa says, “If I had to start all over again, I would start here.” Pointing out that participants come back even after they are out of a crisis situation, he said, “I like this place because I’m helping others. I encourage them: ‘I did it, you can, too.’” The newsletter also describes Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s visit to the MHA, Mental Health First Aid Training, and collaborations with the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention, A Fresh Start, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and Jamestown Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Another piece explains the ACE score, a tally of different types of abuse, neglect, and other hallmarks of a rough childhood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences study found a stunning link between multiple stressful events in childhood and chronic diseases, as well as social, emotional and behavioral problems. The newsletter can be read in its entirety on the MHA website by clicking on “Read Our Newsletter” at mhachautauqua.org. The Mental Health Association is located at 31 Water Street, Door 14, in the rear of the Gateway Center, in Jamestown, New York. More than two dozen peer support groups meet there every week, with focuses including Veterans, Jobs, Spanish Language, Women’s PTSD, AA Living Sober, Parents in Recovery, and many more. The MHA works in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and treatment courts to help participants be successful in attaining their goals. In an accepting environment, it provides recovery coaching by certified peer specialists as well as support groups and classes. There is no charge for any of the MHA’s services or programs. To learn more about the MHA and its many programs, call (716) 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua. A list of support groups and classes is at mhachautauqua.org/services. Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in. Hours are Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.chautauquachamber.org 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048 (716) 366-6200 512 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 484-1101