Allegany County Community Source 02-17-2023

Allen, Sibble win wrestling titles as Bolivar-Richburg sets new standard

allegany county

Wellsville going for a St. Patty’s Day world record

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

Many Wellsville teams have earned athletic records over the years, but one group is vying for a world record.

The Wellsville contingent of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is throwing its cap into the ring for the Guinness world record for the smallest St. Patrick’s Day parade and they got the go ahead Monday night from the village board to close up a block of North Main Street.

They even got the OK to suspend the open container law on March 17 for the Shortest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Hibernian Brian Cannon pitched the parade to the board, pointing out that currently the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at only 98 feet long. The Hibernians plan to beat that distance by at least 80 feet.

Wellsville’s parade will take place in front of the entrance to Eaton Court, the alleyway located between the Irish business Have A Hart and the Wellsville Brewing Company. It is about 12 feet wide. The AOH plans to contact the high school band, bag pipers, dancers, car enthusiasts and find a color guard and parade marshals. But they didn’t want to get too far down the road without getting approval from the board, Cannon said.

He explained that while New York City, Buffalo and even Hornell stage St. Patrick’s Day parades they are often long, drawn out events that take much of the day, “Our parade will be short and quick and give people the time to visit our stores and restaurants. I think this will draw a lot of people to Wellsville and they will even have time to go to the Hornell parade if they want to.”

He pointed out that about a third of village residents have Irish heritage.

He went on to say that they will document the parade with video and statements that will be sent to the Guinness Book of World Records for the record.

The proposal received the full approval of the board with Mayor Randy Shayler saying, “I think this is the coolest idea I’ve seen in awhile,” and he wondered if he can get his vintage Thunderbird on the parade route.

With the event permit granted, Cannon said he will be advertising more information about the parade as it becomes available.

The board also issued an event permit for the Dyke Street Engine Company and the Wellsville Fire Company for a chicken barbecue. The event will be held on March 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dyke Street Engine Company at 89 E. Hanover St.

During the trustees’

comment period the board heard from Mike Roeske, the liaison to the planning board. He requested that a half hour be set aside before the next board meeting on Feb. 27 for a presentation by representatives of Taco Bell.

“Taco Bell wants to discuss building a Taco Bell facility here in Wellsville,” he said.

There were questions as to whether the meeting would be open to the public. The mayor said he will direct the clerk to nail down the time and date and post the information appropriately.

Roeske said that he was not at liberty to reveal what site on Main Street the Taco Bell people are looking at.

Prior to adjourning,

village treasurer Melissa Mullen announced that there is state assistance for low-income water and sewer customers.

“The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps low-income households pay the cost of water and sewer services,” she said.

“The program can assist households who have

past due bills for water and or sewer services.”

Applications for the program are available on the state’s website at www.otda.ny.gov, at the Department of Social Services in Belmont or at the village office.

Applications may also be mailed to NYSLIHWAP, P.O. Box 1789, Albany, N.Y., 12201.

Allegany County recognizes rising Public Works employee

BELMONT — The Allegany County Legislature has recognized the contributions of Robert Langdon, a junior engineer with the Department of Public Works.

The resolution passed last week details the hard work and dedication Langdon has displayed while working for the county. He was hired in 2011 as an engineer technician and has since received promotions to senior engineer technician in 2017 and to his current title in October 2022.

Langdon performs all surveying responsibilities for the department, including records and deeds verification, coordination with utility companies on department projects, the acquisition of easements and permits and assistance with bridge and culvert design.

Tom Windus, su-

perintendent of Public Works, lauded Langdon’s commitment to the county.

“Rob exemplifies the employee that most deserves this type of recognition,” Windus said. “He is passionate about his work and does it with professionalism, thoroughness and attention to detail. Rob is also a great leader and mentor. He is always

willing to help others with whatever is asked of him.”

In addition to his work with DPW, Langdon has displayed a commitment to the community with volunteering in youth sports. He has served seven years as a coach for the Friendship Little League as well as coaching baseball for Friendship Central School modified and junior varsity teams,

as well as coaching for the Friendship Summer Youth Soccer League.

Previously, Langdon served his country with three years of active duty and three additional years in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of E-4 specialist, field artillery surveyor. He is a three-time recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, which honors outstanding achievement and meritorious service in the performance of one’s duties.

Board Chairman W. Brooke Harris, in a presentation of the resolution to Langdon, thanked him for his contributions.

“The board is privileged to be able to present Rob with this recognition,” Harris said. “Thank you for your continued examples of hard work and commitment to the people of Allegany County.”

Photo provided

Robert Langdon (second from right) was recognized by the Allegany County Board of Legislators. With him (from left) are Mandy Langdon, Joey Bednez, Braylin Langdon and Daejin Langdon.

Allen, Sibble win wrestling titles as Bolivar-Richburg sets new standard

BY JEFF UVEINO

BROCKPORT — Bolivar-Richburg out-did itself again.

The Wolverines have been successful at the Section 5 State Qualifier wrestling tournament for some time now, but Feb. 11, B-R set a new program standard. On a night where two Wolverines were crowned Section 5 Division II champions, five B-R wrestlers secured their spot at the NYSPHSAA tournament. As many as three from B-R had donned the purple and white singlet of Section 5 prior, but now, the small-school power will be among the section’s largest contingents in Albany.

“The kids wrestled tough. It was an overall good tournament,” B-R coach Andrew Taylor said. “We’re making improvements to be the best we can.”

When Trent Sibble moved up to 285 pounds for his senior postseason, the defending 215-pound Section 5 champion and state runner-up allowed room for teammate Caden Allen, a junior, to garner the 215-pound spotlight.

Now, both are Section 5 champs.

Allen pinned his way through the tournament and Sibble gutted out a 1-0 victory in the finals. They’ll be joined by Gary McDowell, Jr., Trey Buccholz and Tavyn MacDonnell at the state tournament.

“We have six core

Photo by Char Stone

The official raises the arm of Bolivar-Richburg’s Trent Sibble as 285-pound champion at the Section 5 Division II state qualifier wrestling tournament Feb. 11 in Brockport. Sibble defeated North Rose Wolcott’s Noah Wazinski in the finals.

B-R Wrestling continued on PAGE 4

kids that are the foundation of our team,” Taylor said. “Teegan (Sibble) fell short in the blood round (at 118) but then you have the other five, and they all know what they have to bring. Be at your

best every time. At this type of tournament, you need to be at your best or you’re going to sit and watch the best wrestle. If you step up, you’ll be there. If you don’t want to step up, you’ll sit and

watch. They all stepped up.”

Allen, who wrestled much of the season at 189 pounds, has been dominant since bumping to 215 for the postseason. After pinning Waterloo’s Hunter Worden in Saturday’s finals, he is now 39-3 on the year and 18-0 in matches wrestled at 215. Sibble, meanwhile, blanked North Rose-Wolcott’s Noah Wazinski in the finals to

improve his record to 441. After riding Wazinski out in the second period, a third-period escape was all Sibble needed to punch his trip back to states.

“(Allen) wrestled lights out,” Taylor said. “We couldn’t have asked for more from him and we made the right decision moving him to 215.”

McDowell, Jr. finished second at 110 pounds, upsetting Avon/Geneseo’s Ryan Farley in the semifinals to clinch his spot at Albany. This year, Section 5’s top three finishers at each

weight class automatically qualify for the state tournament, making the semis as important as the finals.

Trey Buccholz was third at 126, bouncing back from his semifinal loss with two nerve-wrecking consolation wins. He beat Letchworth’s Derek Smith, 3-2, in the consolation final.

Tavyn MacDonnell was second at 160. Matched up against South Seneca’s Luke Dendis in the final, MacDonnell trailed 7-4 in the third period when a shoulder injury prevented him from finishing the match. The team’s hope is that he’ll be ready to wrestle again at Albany two weeks from now.

“(Trent Sibble and Allen) in the room together, they pick each other’s flaws apart. With those two and (MacDonnell) at 160, they make the room fire,” Taylor said. “They push each other to the max, and to have that kind of group is unreal. Nobody wants to lose, not even to your teammate.”

Three Wellsville wrestlers finished Saturday on a podium, including Shane Davidson, whose second-place finish at 189 secured his spot at states. Gabe Black finished fourth for the Lions at 215 and Jayden Acker was sixth at 110.

B-R scored 121.5 team points at the State Qualifier, fourth-most in Division II behind Honeoye Falls-Lima (156), Canisteo Greenwood (154.5) and Palmyra-Macedon (138). Wellsville was 10th in team scoring with 49 points.

The six Albany-bound locals will enjoy two weeks before the state tournament, which will be held Feb. 24-25 at Albany’s MVP Arena. B-R put two wrestlers on state podiums last year.

“The support that we have is unreal. We have crazy support from our community, our school district and the surrounding areas,” Taylor said. “All the people around who have watched; my phone is blowing up… it’s a great feeling to have.”

Town of Wellsville moves to expand airport complex

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

With its passage of a resolution Wednesday night the town of Wellsville embarked on a journey to make the municipal airport solvent in the future.

The resolution authorized acceptance of grant offers from the New York State Department of Transportation for work at the airport described as acquiring 4.5 acres of land (north hangars) for future development. The hangars belong to local businessman and pilot Gary Bastian.

The resolution reads: “Whereas the Town of Wellsville desires to advance the projects by committing funds for local match the funding shares being federal (Federal Aeronautics Administration, $929,000; state, $51,657; and local, $51,657) for a total project cost of $1,033,39 therefore the town of Wellsville does hereby approve the projects.”

Additional funding from the FAA, state and local share totaling $136,490 was also approved as part of the resolution.

Town Supervisor

Shad Alsworth said the project will make the airport self-supporting and “solvent in the long run.”

He explained that the larger of the two hangars will be turned into rental space for housing small jets, while the other hangar will be torn down and replaced with a hangar for smaller planes. The project also includes rehabilitation of the taxiway.

“Apparently, there is a need for hangar space for jets,” Alsworth said. “We’re maxed out on our hangar space now. The fees for rental space will help make the airport solvent and will help make the airport self-sufficient in the long run.”

At the meeting,

the board learned that progress on the new municipal building/garage complex is proceeding at a “turtle’s pace,” Alsworth commented, due to delays in the delivery of equipment for the electrical system.

Insulation is being installed and work on the front apron is due to be completed this spring.

Crews from the Building and Trades Department at Alfred State College have been working on the project which is expected to be completed next year.

The board also approved the hiring of Troy Witter for the advertised heavy motor equipment operator for the highway department.

Alsworth said the vetting and interviews for the position were expediated due to the department being short-

handed and it being the winter season.

Witter worked at Otis-Eastern for 18 years before his job was eliminated when the company merged. He has a Class A license, is a certified diesel mechanic and holds a New York State inspection license.

“He comes highly recommended, and I think he will be a good fit for the department,” said Highway Superintendent Brian Smith.

In other business, the board is considering purchasing a multi-phase generator for the new municipal building.

“Our winter hasn’t been too bad this year, but we did have some very cold weather,” Ashworth said. “We do have homeless people and people who needed shelter when it was bad. The purchase of this gen-

erator will allow the new building to be a place of refuge in case the electrical grid goes down.”

The purchase was approved pending the availability of regional support.

Saving strategies for young adults

When a person is young, saving money may be the furthest thing from his or her mind. After all, this may be a time to enroll in college or trade school, make a first big purchase, such as a car, or even get married. Thinking about establishing a solid financial footing for the future can take a back seat when life is filled with so many significant events.

But it’s never too early to start saving — even when saving seems to be an impossible task.

Young adults should keep saving in mind and look to various strategies that can set them up for long-term financial security.

Set long-term goals

It’s easier to save when saving is attached

to specific goals. While some may aspire to retire early, establish an emergency fund or to purchase a home, others may want to save for an overseas vacation. Motivation to save can make it that much easier to do so.

Determine where you spend the most Saving money on smaller purchases will add up over time, but to really build a robust savings, figure out your biggest expendi-

tures and how you can cut back to pad your savings. The Logic of Money reports that the average American spends more than 60 percent of their income on housing and transportation. Figuring out how to cut costs in these categories can be a great way to save.

Use cashback apps

Young adults are tied to their digital devices. Why not make them work for you? Free cash back apps give you

money back for various purchases. Ibotta and Dosh are just two cashback apps available. Some can be linked directly to a credit or debit card to have passive income deposited directly. With others, you can cash out as a direct deposit or via a payment app like PayPal.

Set aside one-third of your income

Make it a point to put away $1 for every $3 earned into a savings account, advises U.S. News & World Report. That is a good measure for establishing a rainy day fund. If you don’t trust yourself to transfer the money, have a set amount automatically deposited from your paycheck into a designated savings account.

Treat credit cards like using cash

The “buy now, pay later” option is an attractive trap to fall into. Using credit cards often is a safer way to pay merchants, because you’re risking others’ money rather than your own with a debit card.

However, using credit can make it challenging to visualize what you’re actually spending. Do

not purchase more than you can pay off within each billing cycle. Set account alerts on your phone to let you know when you’ve hit your budgeted credit card spending limit. Resist the urge to open and use too many cards. Young adults can begin saving early with some conventional and highly effective strategies.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

The town of Wellsville will acquire these buildings adjacent to the Wellsville Municipal Airport in an expansion of the overall facility.

home improvement

5 signs it’s time to renovate

While one may live with the inconvenience for some time, typically a floor plan that isn’t working for the homeowner is a major driver of renovations.

3. Outdated looks

A home can look dated even if it is a relatively recent build. That’s because trends change quickly. For example, dark, cherry cabinets that were popular just a little while ago have now been replaced by lighter color palettes. Homeowners whose homes do not match the looks emulated in design magazines may consider a change, particularly if they’re planning to sell soon.

Homeowners renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe.

Statista projects $510 billion will be spent on home improvements in 2024. The home im-

provement market is generating significant revenue. In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans opting to renovate their homes will spend an average of $10,000 on their projects. According to a Home Stars Renovation report, 8 percent of Canadian homeowners who have renovated have spent more than $20,000 on a home improvement project.

Kitchens and bath-

rooms often get the most attention when it comes to home improvement. However, every room and space in a home may need a renovation at some point, and the following are five signs it’s time to renovate.

1. Age

The National Association of Home Builders states that 50 percent of U.S. homes are over the age of 40. That means that age alone could dic-

tate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years depending on how well they have been maintained.

2. Inconvenient layout

Some homeowners scratch their heads when faced with awkward floor plan layouts.

4. Deterioration

Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Any deterioration should be a strong indicator that it’s time to renovate.

5. Efficiency

Escalating utility bills could be indicative of an inefficient home. Homeowners can conduct energy audits and then improve the areas

where energy loss may be occurring, such as windows, doors, siding, and insulation. Homeowners can renovate their homes when they see fit, but various signs may warn that it’s time consider updating or remodeling a home.

home improvement

automotive

Mileage-based vehicle maintenance intervals

Maintenance is an essential component of responsible vehicle ownership. Routine maintenance can help discover problems before they escalate into potentially costly issues. Maintenance also keeps vehicles running smoothly, making them more enjoyable to drive and extending their life expectancy.

Various factors can help to determine how

often drivers should change their vehicles’ fluids and take them in for tuneups. Such variables include how frequently a vehicle is driven, the type of driving (city or rural) drivers do and how many miles are on the car. However, drivers can still rely on this basic car maintenance schedule, courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, to serve as a guide.

3,000 miles/3 months

Advance Auto Parts notes that monthly fluid checks typically are unnecessary with newer vehicles, though older vehicles should be inspected for leaks once a month. Among the fluids to check after every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first, are:

• Engine oil level

• Windshield washer fluid

• Coolant

• Brake fluid level

• Transmission fluid

• Power steering fluid

Drivers also can use 3,000 miles or three months as a benchmark to check tire pressure, hoses and belts. Many

vehicles now display tire pressure for each tire on the dashboard, and drivers should pay attention to those numbers and put air in their tires when necessary. When inspecting hoses, touch them to make sure

they’re not leaking and bulging. Hoses should be a little flexible, especially when they are warm.

5,000 miles/6 months

Oil and oil filters should be changed at this interval. In addition, this is a good time to rotate tires and inspect lights to make sure they’re still operating at peak capacity. Drivers also can check their cabin and engine air filters and replace them if need be. Changing these filters is a simple DIY project, and drivers

can find an assortment of YouTube tutorials to help them complete these projects. Wiper blades also can be inspected around this time or whenever drivers suspect the blades aren’t operating at peak capacity. Replacing wiper blades is another simple DIY project that drivers can complete in a few minutes.

10,000 miles/12 months

Advance Auto Parts notes that synthetic oil is typically used in cars made since 2010. Each manufacturer is different, and drivers should check their manuals for recommendations. Synthetic oil and filters in vehicles that use synthetic oil is typically changed every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Once a year drivers should ask their mechanics to check the alignment on their vehicles and the condition of their brakes. Routine maintenance can keep vehicles running strong for years on end.

Zumba™ will be fun?

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

Fun ways for seniors to stay active Friendship Pharmacy

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

Jeffery A. Marks Pharmacist

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

health & Wellness

3 steps anyone can take to keep their kidneys healthy

Chronic kidney disease is more common than people may realize. The organizers behind World Kidney Day indicate that roughly one in 10 people across the globe have CKD, which can develop at any age.

The prevalence of CKD underscores how significant a threat it poses to the general public. In addition to its impact on public health, CKD also exerts a financial strain on countries

across the globe. For instance, a recent report from NHS Kidney Care in England indicated the costs associated with kidney disease in that country outnumber expenses for cancers of the breast, lung, colon, and skin combined. Across the pond in the United States, annual costs to treat CKD are estimated to be around $48 billion.

Many instances of CKD are not preventable. However, these three tips

can help anyone reduce their risk for CKD.

1. Recognize your risk. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases indicates that individuals are more likely to develop kidney disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and/ or a family history of kidney failure. Annual physical

examinations can indicate if blood pressure levels are high and help to determine if a person is prediabetic. Prediabetes does not mean a person has type 2 diabetes, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Individuals

also can speak with older relatives to determine their family medical history and whether or not it includes individuals with kidney disease.

2. Speak to your physician about kidney testing. The NIDDK reports that early kidney disease may not produce any symptoms. As a result, testing may be the most effective way to determine

if your kidneys are healthy. Health care providers will determine the frequency of testing, which typically involves blood and/or urine tests.

3. Eat a healthy diet. The NIDDK recommends individuals ensure less than 10 percent of their daily calories come from added sugars. In addition, reducing sodium consumption and focusing on heart-healthy foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, thus reducing their risk for kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a significant threat to public health. Individuals concerned about CKD can employ various measures to reduce their risk.