Allegany County Community Source 01-20-2023

Kinley moving new division into Wellsville’s former Dresser site

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

After sitting idle for nearly two years, the former Dresser-Rand facility in Wellsville will once more be home to a company with roots in the area’s oil industry.

Kinley Construction Group of Arlington, Texas, announced that its newest division, Kinley Advanced Technical Services (KATS), is moving into the former Dresser-Rand manufacturing complex on Coats Street where it will provide service, maintenance and parts manufacturing for a wide range of industrial engines, equipment and components.

KATS specializes in inspection, repair and overhaul of complex steam turbines, trip and throttle valves, reciprocating compressors and engines and centrifugal compressors.

Before moving to the Lone Star State, the Kinley family lived in Olean, where it still maintains construction and oil businesses. Kinley Corp., a general contractor and construction management company serving Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, is headquartered in Allegany.

“KATS service and repair facility will soon

open in Wellsville, bringing new jobs to the Allegany County area,” a Kinley news release stated. “The facility was a former manufacturing facility that closed in 2020, taking with it multiple manufacturing jobs. Given Kinley Construction’s rich history in Western New York, KATS is especially proud to play an important role in driving economic growth in the region.”

Kinley Construction is managed by the sixth-generation of Kinley family ownership, Jimmy Kinley and his sister Katherine Kinley.

Kinley CEO Jimmy Kinley explained, “As a family and company with deep roots in Western New York, this location aligns with our goals to continue expanding our presence in the area and take advantage of some of the best people and talent in the country —something we’ve been doing for over 100 years in this region. We’re elated to reopen this facility to serve the oil, gas and power generation markets and drive new job growth in Allegany County.”

Bill Glenn, chief market officer of Kinley, said of the number of employees destined to work for KATS in

Wellsville, “The facility will open with a smaller team of mechanics/technicians and field service personnel. We are currently hiring skilled field services personnel, specifically supervisors and mechanics/technicians. All job vacancies for this facility are posted on Indeed.com. We look forward to potentially expanding the number of employees in line with our business growth and customer needs.”

Cuba Circulating Library begins renovation of children’s and teen area

CUBA — The Cuba Circulating Library will begin renovation of the children’s and teen wing of the library over the upcoming months. This renovation will create a unique destination for children of all ages to enjoy reading, playing, studying and spending time with their parents and caregivers.

Library Director Tina Dalton says, “The new design will have more open spaces for playing and learning, as well as better accessibility for all patrons.”

“Plans for this proj-

ect have been part of the library’s long-range plan for the last four years,” states Dalton. In 2019, the library

surveyed

to learn what services people were seeking from the library. “One theme kept

Ulysses

Wellsville

west clarksville

Whitesville

Borrello named chair of Senate GOP campaign committee

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Kinley Advanced Technical Services (KATS) is refurbishing the maintenance area of the former Dresser-Rand facility in Wellsville, with plans for operations to begin in the spring.

Kinley continued on PAGE 4

community members

coming up over and over again. People want a place to go with their

Library continued on PAGE 5

Photo provided

The Cuba Circulating Library children’s area.

Alle-Catt seeks fewer, taller, more powerful turbines

Alle-Catt Wind

Energy filed an application this week with the New York State Siting Board seeking authorization to use bigger wind turbines and taller, but fewer, towers in the proposed 340 megawatt Alle-Cat Wind Farm in northern Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

Alle-Catt Wind Energy applied for authorization from the state Board of Electric Generation Siting and the Environment to reconfigure the project in

the Cattaraugus County towns of Freedom and Farmersville, the Allegany towns of Centerville and Rushford and the town of Arcade in Wyoming County from 118 turbines to 84 — a reduction of 32 towers.

Invenergy, the parent company of Alle-Catt Wind Energy LLC, notified state lawmakers from Western New York and advertised in local newspapers that it was seeking water quality certification from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers to cross and fill federally-protected streams and wetlands.

Invenergy first proposed the $450 million Alle-Catt Wind Farm in 2017 and began signing leases that grew into a 30,000-acre footprint across Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. It would power 134,000 homes. The company’s website still calls for construction to begin next year.

Alle-Catt proposes to use a different turbine than was approved by the Siting Commission when it granted a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need on June 2, 2020.

Instead of a 3-megawatt turbine, a new turbine in the 4-megawatt range would be used.

The project would still generate 340 megawatts of electricity.

Environmental attorney Gary Abraham,

who represents several groups opposed to the Alle-Catt project, said Friday the filings caught everyone unaware. The amended application includes a detailed description of the modifications All-Catt proposes from 116 turbines to 84.

To meet the 340-megawatt threshold with 84 turbines will

require one of two turbines in the 4-megawatt range, Abraham said.

Instead of a 600-foot turbine from ground to blade tip, the 4-megawatt turbines have a tip height between 684 feet and 720 feet.

The tip height for the 3-megawatt turbines for which Alle-Catt received approval from the Siting Board was 600 feet.

The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency, where Alle-Catt would seek millions in tax breaks, has already stated it will not accept an application for a project the public is opposed to. County lawmakers have also opposed the wind farm.

Besides the wind farm, Invenergy is seeking an 8-mile transmission line to connect to National Grid substations. County lawmakers have opposed that too.

Abraham noted that with fewer wind turbine sites, there would also be a reduction in impacts from fewer access roads, collection lines and wetland crossings.

However, Alle-Catt hasn’t provided a detailed map of the 118 sites it originally proposed, so it will be hard

File photo

This Siemens 4-megawatt turbine’s blade tip is 720 feet tall. Alle-Catt Wind Energy is proposing fewer turbines than the 118 original proposed for northern Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, but would require bigger turbines on taller towers.

Turbines

What caused the company to look at Wellsville?

Kinley wasn’t courted nor did it work with the county office for economic development. Glenn said they worked directly with the building owner, “Having had a business presence in the region for over 100 years, we were aware of the site’s history and current availability, as well as the talented and skilled workforce in and around the region. The combination of these factors made the location very appealing and a logical choice.”

About a dozen workers are already at the facility in Wellsville, where they are refurbishing the former maintenance building.

Ben Hall, out of KATS’ Pennsylvania operations, is helping with the renovations. He said that it is not certain when the facility will be ready, but that the company is looking at March.

“This will keep growing,” he said of the Wellsville site, “KATS is looking to build a legacy here. We know how much it means to Wellsville.”

Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler is excited about the new arrival.

“This is outstanding news,” he said. “It’s exciting to see employers recognize their opportunities and skilled workforce available here in Wellsville.”

Kinley’s website chronicles its history, which dates back to

the mid-1800s when Adam Kinley started tannery-manufacturing and timber harvesting in Western New York.

“In the late 1800s, oil was discovered in the region and Adam Kinley’s son, William, formed Kinley Oil Company in 1909. Kinley Oil Company continued producing oil and gas in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania for the next 80 years.”

The contribution of the Kinley family to the oil history of the county was recognized by the Bolivar Pioneer Oil Museum in 2016 when James Kinley, past president of Kinley Oil, was inducted into the Wall of Fame highlighting the pioneer oil producers of the area.

According to its history, “The Kinley family extended their operations in the early 1980s by establishing oil and gas operations in Oklahoma and Texas.

At the same time, they began industry-related construction projects across the U.S. This was spear-headed by J.L. Kinley, the fifth generation of Kinley family to own and manage the business. Now known as Kinley Construction Group (KCG), the company is headquartered in Arlington, Texas.”

KCG specializes in industrial projects related to fuel, energy and transportation throughout the United States and North America, focusing primarily on

hydrocarbon products including crude oil, ethanol, liquid propane gas, natural gas, condensate, jet fuel, diesel and gasoline.

The Wellsville industrial site was redesignated the Wellsville Business Park in December 2020 after Siemens Energy closed operations there earlier that year. There is 400,000 square feet of factory and 50,000 square feet of office space at the former Dresser and Siemens site, which had been vacant since April 2020.

The site had been one of the largest employers in the area for decades, with manufacturing contracts both national and international. It was one of the largest employers of a skilled, industrial workforce and at any given time employing as many as 1,000 workers.

The facility was first opened as the Moore Steam Turbine Co. in 1916, going through several mergers until it was acquired by Dresser Industries in 1985. Dresser Industries partnered with Ingersoll Rand in 1986 to create Dresser-Rand. In 2015, German conglomerate Siemens purchased Dresser-Rand.

Siemens officials announced in 2018 the division would be sold to Curtiss-Wright, which immediately announced it would close the facility and move production to an existing plant in South Carolina.

dining & Entertainment

Money management tips for retirees

What constitutes a perfect retirement is different for everyone. Some people may imagine spending their golden years fishing their days away, while others may aspire to finally embrace their inner globetrotter. Though individuals’ retirement dreams differ, every retiree will need money, which only underscores the importance of a wise and disciplined approach to money management.

Average life expectancies have risen considerably over the last several decades.

According to estimates from the United Nations Population Division, the average life expectancy in Canada for both sexes is just under 83 years, while it’s slightly more than 79 in the United States. Those figures are a welcome sign,

but they may inspire a little fear among seniors who are concerned that they might outlive their money. No one knows how long they will live, but everyone can embrace a handful of money management strategies to increase the chances that they won’t feel a financial pinch in retirement.

• Study up on the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts. Every retirement investment vehicle, whether it’s an IRA or a 401(k), has tax implications. Money withdrawn too early may incur tax penalties, and even money withdrawn long past retirement age could elevate retirees into a new tax bracket that could prove costly. A financial advisor

can help retirees determine the tax implications of withdrawing money from their retirement accounts and may even develop a detailed guideline of when withdrawals should be made and how much should be withdrawn in a given year in order to minimize tax liabilities.

• Prioritize your own needs. Though retirees, particularly those with children and grandchildren, may feel an obligation to help their families in difficult financial times, generosity can be very costly for adults who have stopped working. Retirees may or may not have op-

portunities to generate new income, and even those who do likely won’t make enough to meet their daily financial needs. Given that reality, retirees must prioritize their own financial needs, including their immediate needs and those they will have for the rest of their lives. Though it might be difficult to turn down loved ones’ requests for financial help, retirees must make sure they can pay their bills and maintain a quality of life that won’t jeopardize their longterm health.

• Examine your housing situation. Equity in a home is a feather in the cap of many retirees. Retirees who own their homes and live in locations with high property taxes might be able to cash in on their equity by selling their homes and downsizing to a smaller home with lower property taxes. If moving is not a consideration,

Bolivar-Richburg Central School COACHING POSITION

The Bolivar-Richburg Central School District has the following coaching position available for the 2022-2023 school year:

SPRING SEASON: (2 NEEDED)

Track

Assistant Coaches

Candidates will need to meet the coaching certification requirements prior to the start of the season.

Applications are available on our website www.brcs.wnyric.org, in the main office at either campus, or in the athletic office.

Please submit applications by FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023 TO: Dustin Allen, Athletic Director

Bolivar-Richburg Central School 100 School Street, Bolivar, NY 14715

discuss a reverse mortgage with a financial advisor.

A trusted financial advisor can highlight the advantages and disadvantages of reverse mortgages, which are a great option for some people to improve their financial well-being in retirement.

• Stick to a budget during retirement. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that roughly 70 percent of individuals who turn 65 will need longterm care in their lifetimes. That’s just one expense retirees must budget for, and it’s more sizable than some people may

recognize. In fact, the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate found that the average retired couple age 65 in 2022 will need roughly $315,000 to cover health care expenses in retirement. And health care costs are just one of many expenses retirees can expect to have. Budgeting and avoiding overspending can ensure retirees have the money they need when they need it. No one wants to outlive their money in retirement. Various strategies can help retirees effectively manage their money so they can enjoy their golden years without having to worry about their finances.

build the tree.

children — a warm, welcoming space where they can play, read, and spend time together.”

The results of this survey sparked the plan to renovate the library’s children’s area. Last July, the library applied for a New York State Construction Aid grant, seeking funding assistance with this project. The project was approved, and the library anticipates receiving a $125,000 grant to help fund this project. The remainder of the funds will come from a variety

of sources such as additional grants, donations through Friends of the Cuba Library, the library’s endowment fund, and memorial donations to the library. No local tax dollars will be used to fund this project.

The renovation will be completed in two phases, with phase one starting towards the end of this month.

In phase one, the teen section will be updated to include a new seating area and video gaming center. The children’s

area will have wall nooks and stages added, to encourage play and reading. The lighting will be updated, and the water fountain will be replaced with a water bottle filling station.

Phase two, which begins in 2024, will include the replacement of all carpet in the main library, the addition of a wall to further delineate the children’s area, and a large interactive tree sculpture. The library will commission a local artist to design and

“We will have to get creative during this time to keep providing the same level of service to the community,” says Dalton. During the renovation, a temporary children’s and teen space will be set up in the library’s community room. Although the library will remain open during most of the construction, they will partner with area organizations to hold some of their programs offsite. Some library programs

will take place on the main floor of the library or in the preschool story time room.

“We appreciate the Palmer Opera House and Cuba Baptist Church for allowing us to hold programs at their facilities,” said Dalton.

The redesign of the space was completed by Edge Architecture

out of Rochester. Edge also designed the teen space in the Rochester Central Public Library. The contract for the construction work has been awarded to Kinley Corp.

If you wish to donate to this project, donations can be sent to the Cuba Circulating Library at 39 E. Main St, Cuba, NY 14727.

Volunteers welcomed back to Jones Memorial Hospital

WELLSVILLE — Volunteers are expected to return shortly to Jones Memorial Hospital after an almost three-year absence.

Officials reported that volunteers have always played a crucial role in the day to day operations of the hospital for many years, helping in roles from greeting patients and family members as they enter the hospital to helping staff members.

Unfortunately, officials said volunteering opportunities were eliminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in early 2020, and they have not been welcomed back until now to help in sore-

ly-missed roles.

“We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as greeters/ ambassadors,” said hospital Human Resources Director Kris Green at Jones. “They will be responsible for greeting patients and

visitors when they enter the hospital, conducting COVID-19 screening questions, and providing general guidance, directions, and information to visitors.”

Qualified volunteers will be able to

work Monday through Friday between 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; and on Saturdays between 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Hospital officials reported all volunteers are subject to stateCOVID-19 vaccination mandates and other state and federal health requirements.

Volunteer application can be found at www.urmc.rochester. edu/jones-memorial-hospital/giving/ volunteer-opportunities. aspx. Completed applications may be sent to Bridget_Christman@ URMC.rochester.edu or via fax to (585) 596-4122.

For more information, call the Human Resources department at (585) 596-4019.

ALLEGANY COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING SR. NUTRITION PROGRAM

ALFRED: UNION UNIVERSITY CHURCH

AMY ACTON, (585) 808-5201

CUBA: AA ARNOLD COMMUNITY CENTER JANICE RUPRECHT, (585) 808-6405

WELLSVILLE: GRACE UNITED CHURCH MARJORIE SMITH (585) 593-6985

FRIDAY 1/20

MONDAY 1/23

THURSDAY 1/26

TUESDAY 1/24

So. Tier Health Care System launches telehealth program across Allegany, Cattaraugus counties

BY BOB CLARK

Five public sites across the Allegany and Cattaraugus counties will allow residents to access telehealth services.

Southern Tier Health Care System Inc. partnered with CASA-Trinity, Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Clarity Wellness Community, Seneca Health, and the Cattaraugus County Department of Commu-

nity Services to expand access to health care services in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. The coalition has assessed the broadband accessibility issues in Western New York and established five locations within the two counties, called telesuites.

Officials said a telesuite is a private and discrete space located at a community organization equipped with all the technology needed to participate

in a telehealth session.

Currently, five locations host these telesuites: the Healthy Community Alliance of Gowanda, Randolph Free Library, Wide Awake Club Library of Fillmore, Whitesville Public Library, and Friendship Free Library.

“Tele-counseling has drastically increased in popularity since the pandemic,” said STHCS President and CEO Donna Kahm. “We are thrilled to offer these telesuites throughout Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and give everyone the opportunity to participate in these services.”

Individuals can

book a private room at no cost that includes a computer and internet access. Users must already have a telehealth appointment with their provider to utilize a telesuite. The telesuites can be used by individuals who need a private space, do not have a computer or internet, or have long commutes to their provider’s office. With the winter weather in our area, a telesuite is a great alternative for those not wanting to commute to the office or clinic. If you have been wanting to try out telehealth, but navigating technology is daunting, the staff at the telesuite locations will happily

orient you and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, the privacy and discreetness of using a telesuite, rather than having an in-person appointment, could be advantageous to those whose barrier to receiving help is the stigma associated with the services.

“Making these telesuites available within the two counties is crucial to the future of healthcare and the health and wellness of our community,” said ACASA Executive Director William Penman.

STHCS has offered distance learning

➡

services to area first responders and other agencies since 2018, using similar systems being rolled out for telemedicine. In October 2020, STHCS officials announced a $218,557 grant for development through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those interested in learning more about the telesuites or would like to reserve one for their next telehealth appointment can visit www. sthcs.org/telehealth. html or contact program coordinator Jordan Yaros at 716-372-0614 ext. 210 or mft@sthcs. org.

Turbines

to judge the impact of the remaining turbine sites being proposed without a new map, Abraham said.

A new hearing in front of the Siting Board will be needed to assess the amended application, Abraham said. Issues will include increased noise from bigger blades, increased shadow flicker and the wear and tear on the roads from larger loads.

“Each one of these

continued from PAGE 2

blades is the length of a football field,” Abraham said of the new turbines.

Still to be determined is whether the Siting Board will consider Alle-Catt’s request for modifications to be major or minor. The Siting Board will be asked to provide intervenor funding for stakeholders to prepare for an evidentiary hearing.

The result of bigger turbines and blades will be that “they will kill more bats and eagles and other birds,” Abraham said. Even the smaller turbines and blades will kill hundreds of thousands of birds. Alle-Catt must provide suitable alternate habitat for the endangered Northern long-eared bat and for eagles to cut down on bat and eagle mortality.

The application for modifications “came out of the blue,” Abraham said. Alle-Catt hadn’t applied for a water quality certificate. It is a joint application to DEC and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The water quality certificates require Alle-Catt to detail how it will identify locations to be avoided in cleaning trees, vegetation and topsoil and placement of fill in wetlands and streams.

File photo

Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.

home improvement

Home interiors can be spruced up in a number of ways. Ideas run the gamut from relatively inexpensive changes in paint color to more extensive (and expensive) remodels that may include demolition and reconstruction. Investing in new home decor is another way to breathe new life into spaces, and this approach that falls somewhere in the middle in regard to cost.

Material and product costs remain high across the board, so individuals interested in changing the furniture and other design elements in their homes might be seeking ways to do so in the most affordable way possible. In such instances, homeowners can try these budget-friendly ways to overhaul their home decor.

• Create the illusion of more space. Light, bright and white are key attributes to remember when selecting design elements for rooms where you want to create the illusion of more square footage. Painting the walls in very light

colors, increasing natural and artificial light, including using well-placed mirrors to reflect light, and decorating with light-colored fabrics can help a space seem more roomy.

• Replace the accessories. Replacing curtains, area rugs, throw pillows, and chair cushions is an easy way to change a room without a big investment. Consider updating some wall art and tying color schemes together with all of the newly introduced elements.

• Splurge on statement pieces that will be used frequently. These may include

chandeliers, unique rugs or an eye-catching piece of furniture.

• Shop ‘discount’ stores for furniture and accents. Tradi-

tional design centers can be great places to find plenty of high-quality merchandise. However, don’t overlook local discount or closeout centers that may have items at very reasonable costs. Stores like Home Goods, At Home and Big Lots routinely get new merchandise that changes with the season, helping homeowners to refresh their spaces without having to dig deep into their pockets. Shop the high-end stores for inspiration, then try to find “dupes” in

the discount stores that will mimic the looks for less.

• Cut out the clutter. Modern homes are lean and clean.

A home’s interior instantly looks more high-end and appealing when the clutter is removed. Consider keeping main living areas free from too many knickknacks and other accents. If you want to display a special collection, set aside a room specifically for such items.

There are many budget-friendly ways to make interior spaces more inviting.

Borrello named chair of Senate GOP campaign committee

State Sen. George Borrello has been named campaign committee chairman for New York Senate Republicans in the upcoming election cycle.

Senate GOP Leader Rob Ortt selected Borrello to succeed Sen. Pam Helming, who has led the campaign committee as chairwoman since July 2020.

“I want to thank Sen. George Borrello for stepping into this role to help us grow the Senate Republican Conference,” Ortt said in a statement. “An effective campaign committee is critical to our goal of electing Republican senators who will fight to make New York safer and more affordable, and help end one-party rule in Albany.”

Ortt of North Tonawanda said he’s confident Borrello, a Chautauqua County Republican, has the “energy and leadership skills

necessary to strengthen our political operation heading into 2024 and compete in every corner of this state.”

Borrello, easily re-elected in November to a new term, said he was honored by the appointment, while expressing gratitude to Ortt for the opportunity and commending Helming for her leadership.

“This past election proved that the Republican Party can compete and win in every region of the state,” he said.

“I am excited to get to work recruiting top-tier candidates and developing the resources, relationships and alliances that will help us end one-party domination of our state government.”

Helming noted that in the past two years 13 new Republican senators have been elected and she said Borrello will build on efforts to bring qualified leaders to the GOP conference.

“While I take on new roles within the conference, Leader Ortt, Sen. Borrello and the SRCC team will continue to have my full support,” she said.

SEN. O’MARA JOINS CALL TO CRACK DOWN ON ‘STICKER STORES’

State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, joined fellow Southern Tier lawmakers and law enforcement officials Thursday in calling for legislation and a

crackdown against the proliferation of so-called “sticker stores” illegally dispensing and selling marijuana.

O’Mara, whose newly formed district now includes the eastern half of Allegany County, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, R-Corning, and Assemblyman Chris Friend, R-Big Flats, sponsor legislation that, if enacted, would strengthen existing law, outlaw sticker stores and establish criminal and civil penalties for violators.

Any civil penalties collected by the state would be remitted to the county of the violating establishment.

The lawmakers called on Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democrat leaders of the Senate and Assembly to immediately move on the legislation.

New York state legalized adult-use recreational marijuana in 2021. Since then, com-

mercial establishments, commonly known as “sticker stores,” have used their businesses as a front to sell or gift cannabis without the requisite lawful authority or permission from the state.

The stores have taken advantage of what they consider a loophole in the state cannabis law because the law’s language does not expressly prohibit the “gifting” of cannabis products to individuals. To take advantage, sticker stores sell a number of inexpensive items, such as stickers, at a substantially inflated price and then provide marijuana as a “free gift” along with their purchase.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers said the illegal operations diminish the quality of life and risk the safety of the communities and neighborhoods where they operate.

“New York state is

establishing a legal and appropriately regulated network of adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries, with all the necessary safeguards,” the lawmakers stated.

“While we opposed the legalization of marijuana from the outset, if it’s going to go forward, it needs to take place under a legally established system with the appropriate oversight.”

The lawmakers said the state, which is slowly rolling out operating licenses for marijuana sales, must make it clear that illegal marijuana stores cannot operate and that there are criminal and civil consequences for any owners who continue to do so.

Several cannabis businesses have been legally operating on the Seneca Nation of Indians territories in Western New York since New York legalized possession of amounts for personal use.

Sen. George Borrello

What certain noises may indicate about your car

Automobiles have come a long way since their introduction more than 100 years ago.

Though modern cars and trucks still employ some of the same principles as their forebears, the vehicles people drive today bear little resemblance to those that made waves in the early part of the twentieth century.

Modern automobiles are technological

marvels, which has made both driving and maintaining a vehicle much simpler. In regard to maintenance, built-in diagnostic systems can now alert drivers when something is wrong with their vehicles. Though that feature is undeniably useful, drivers can still benefit from learning to recognize issues by ear. Many issues that can affect a car or truck produce unusual

sounds, and learning what certain noises may indicate can help drivers detect problems as soon as possible.

• Rattling sound in a wheel well: Most people have mistakenly placed clothing in a dryer without realizing they had spare change in their pockets. That mistake is immediately apparent once the dryer starts thanks to the unpleasant noise of coins bouncing off the interior of the machine. Drivers may hear a similar sound when behind the wheel and wonder what’s behind it. Such a sound is often indicative that there’s a loose lug nut inside the hubcap. This issue can arise when

drivers don’t tighten the wheel properly after changing their own tire, or if mechanics make the same mistake when rotating or replacing tires during a routine maintenance session.

• Squeaking sound: The auto insurance experts at Geico® note that rear-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles may produce a rhythmic squeaking sound when an issue arises with the universal joint. JD Power notes that the universal joint, often referred to as a U-joint, is part of the system that enables the rotating crankshaft in the engine of a vehicle to transfer that rotating motion to the rear wheels. U-joints get

a workout whenever vehicles are driven, so they require maintenance, and a squeaking sound is one indicator that the U-joint needs to be addressed immediately.

• Squealing sound : A high-pitched squealing sound is typically indicative of worn out brake pads. However, Cars.com notes that if such a sound is only present when a car is first driven in the morning, it could just be surface rust being scraped off the rotors. After a few initial applications of the brakes, that sound might disappear. If it doesn’t, the vehicle will likely need new brake pads.

• Scraping on the windshield during rain: The scraping sound on a windshield when the wipers are in use should not be taken lightly or be interpreted as a sign that the rain is only falling slightly. In fact, that sound indicates the wipers are worn out, which means they’re not effectively clearing the windshield. In addition, the wipers could be scratching the windshield each time they produce this sound, ultimately necessitating a costly windshield replacement. Wiper blades can be replaced in a matter of minutes, so address this issue promptly.

health & Wellness

Fun ways for seniors to stay active

Physical activity is an important component of overall health. Health experts advise that exercise can increase lean body mass, prevent

conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improve balance, and positively affect mental health/cognition. Exercise also can

foster socialization with others, helping people overcome boredom and isolation.

As individuals get older, they may not be able to participate in all of the activities they enjoyed as youths, but that doesn’t mean older adults must resign themselves to sedentary lifestyles. There are plenty of entertaining ways to remain physically active that can accommodate any limitations a person may have. Explore these methods for staying active.

Explore senior center offerings

Community senior centers often fill calendars with a vast array of activities, some of which can include physical activities. Hikes, walking tours, dances, and other activities all serve as entertaining ways to get out and about while meeting some fitness goals.

Garden or do yard work

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotions says adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn,

digging in flower beds, trimming bushes, and other outdoor tasks could help a person meet this quota in a way that doesn’t seem like exercise at all.

Play games with grandchildren

Little kids may inspire older adults to be more active, as it can be difficult to keep up with those youngsters. Take infants or toddlers for walks or push them in strollers. Attach a child seat or towing carriage to a bicycle and ride around the neighborhood. Play games that require movement, such as hide-and-seek or Marco Polo in the pool. If it’s snowing, have a snowball fight or make a

snowman in the yard. Take up a new hobby Find hobbies that incorporate physical activity. Perhaps learning to salsa dance or taking Zumba™ will be fun?

Pickleball has caught on across the nation. The sport is a mix of tennis, racquetball and bad-

minton that caters to all ages. Joining a bowling team is another way to get active and meet new people.

Physical activity is important at any age. Seniors can explore fun ways to stay in shape and be active to reap all the benefits of exercise.