Allegany County Community Source 04-07-2023

FREE

KATS celebrates opening in Wellsville’s former Dresser plant

KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

Kinley Advanced Technical Services invited local officials and KATS employees Thursday to help officially open the doors of Kinley’s new facility in the former Dresser-Rand complex.

A lot of nostalgia floated around the festivities, put on by Kinley Construction Group of Arlington, Texas, which created KATS as a new division.

On the floor were not only former employees of Dresser-Rand, but also a Dresser-manufactured turbine, delivered to KATS for repair.

KATS specializes in rotating equipment solutions, including engineered products, repairs, parts, testing, field services training, service contracts and technical support for steam turbines, reciprocating, centrifugal and screw compressors, centrifugal pumps and integral engines. The turbine currently being repaired is the property of a university nearby and is in the shop for the second time.

Jarred Fanton, a 15-year employee of Dresser-Rand, is now employed by KATS, and says that he is happy to be working in Wellsville where he is raising a family.

Fanton is just one of half of the 50 KATS

employees who were employed by Dresser, said Ron Fox, vice president of KATS and one of the people credited with coming up with the idea for the new business.

“These people have all the expertise they need,” he said. “They have a lot of talent. One of the reasons we came here is because of the talent that is embedded here.”

Fox, who is also a graduate of Alfred State College, said he hopes to work with the college in the future to help establish an apprentice program.

He, along with Kin-

ley officials, said they are hiring and expect to hire more employees as they expand farther into the larger former Dresser-Rand complex. Dresser-Rand operated in Wellsville for several decades before it was purchased by Seimens Energy, which sold off the plant and operations were closed in 2020. While local officials milled around the floor enjoying refreshments from the Wellsville Brewery and Mama’s Smokin’ BBQ, it was CEO Jimmy Kinley who said that KATS wants to be a part of the community and support other

local businesses. He flew in, with his father, J.L. Kinley, formerly of Olean, from KCG headquarters in Texas.

The younger Kinley said he is no stranger to the Southern Tier and spent summers here, working construction for the parent company. He’s excited about being in Wellsville.

“It’s really cool getting back here,” he said. “I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t welcomed us. It shows how friendly this community is. I’m shaking hands with people I’ve never met but it feels like I’ve known them for years.

“We have some of the best workers in the country here, if not in the world,” he added. “You can do this anywhere but without people like we have here we’d be just another machine shop.”

Before moving to Texas, the Kinley family lived in Olean, where it still maintains con-

struction and oil operations. Kinley Corp., a general contractor and construction management company serving Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, is headquartered in Allegany. Kinley’s history dates back to the mid-

Pyur Tree Customs wins AHA! Startup Allegany Collegiate Competition

ALFRED — The Alfred State team of Edward Scroxton and Jon Jacobs and their company Pyur Tree Customs won the 2023 Allegany County Collegiate Competition.

Pyur Tree Customs aims to bring uniqueness and personalization into homes and restaurants. The company handcrafts fully customizable cutting boards while allowing the customers to choose from seven different woods.

Pyur Tree Customs were mentored by Alfred State alum Reuben Zielinski, cofounder and president of Redux Corporation, and Alfred State assistant professor

of marketing Susan Gorman. The pair won the $5,000 grand prize. The product is manufactured and assembled in Western New York and has been sold to several restaurants already. Sales have primarily been from word of mouth thus far with the hope that additional funding will allow for a more complex marketing campaign. Scroxton, a technology management major from Jamestown, said he is excited to use the prize money to develop Pyur Tree Customs even more.

“Winning this

Pyur Tree continued on PAGE 5

Photo by Kathryn Ross

KATS CEO Jimmy Kinley cuts the ribbon opening the Wellsville headquarters of Kinley Advanced Technical Services on Thursday in the former Dresser-Rand plant. Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler is on Kinley’s left.

April Fool’s Day Fire in Wellsville changed Main Street

WELLSVILLE — The headline in the local paper on April 1, 1954, blared: “City Hall is Partially Destroyed,” but that didn’t reveal the great irony of the story. Not only did the fire take place on April Fool’s Day, City Hall, as it was called, was also home to three fire companies. Their firefighting

trucks and equipment were parked and stored on the first floor.

Wellsville has witnessed several fires since it was first settled, due for the most part because the buildings were built from wood. Whole neighborhoods were imperiled when fire broke out in one building, such as the Loder Street fire near the turn of the 20th century. These

fires impacted how future buildings were constructed, leading to the development of fire bricks and fire walls.

But a little less than 70 years ago that didn’t stop the fire that not only burned down City Hall, but also changed the face of Main Street. The City Hall building was 59 years old, built in the previous century.

It was a very typical

April Day, the temperatures were mild and the wind a little blustery when Carol Carpenter, walking along Main Street at about 10:45 a.m., noticed smoke rising from the roof of the City Hall building. A county nurse, one would have to believe that Carpenter knew the office of the local chapter of the Red Cross was located on the second floor of the building. When she entered she found no one in the fire department.

Wellsville Daily

Reporter staff writer Gean Thurner reported on April 1, 1954 — that same day — that Carpenter hurried to the second floor where she said that the building was on fire.

The alarm was quickly sounded — the citywide automatic alarm system was in the building.

At that time, the three-story building, constructed in 1895, had an active archery and rifle range on the top floor. On the second floor, along with the Red Cross office, were meet-

ing rooms for the McEwen Hose Company, Genesee Hose Company and the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company. Along with the fire apparatus, the police department and justice court were located on the first floor. When the fire alarm sounded, court was in session, but as can be imagined the courtroom was quickly vacated.

Fueled by blustery winds, the fire quickly spread in the building.

Photo provided by Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society Fire companies in Wellsville and from across the county brought the April Fool’s Day 1954 fire under control in less than two hours.

Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES

Seeks qualified applicants for

For details & how to apply visit: www.caboces.org Employment Opportunities

32nd ANNUAL SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA ALLEGANY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

15 NORTH STREET ANGELICA, NY 14709

SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd 9AM

This is advance notice for the 32nd Annual Spring Extravaganza Auction at the Allegany County fairgrounds. Rich and James are on the road every week getting consignments for this auction, keep watching the ads and the website for the additions as the auction continues to grow. Here is a few tractor highlights NH T4.95 with cab, heat, air & loader; NH 8670 4x4 w/ cab/heat air. A few vehicle highlights 07 Dodge 2500 w/ aluminum flatbed; 2015 Ford Transit Van w/ shelving; We will be accepting consignments of tools, equipment, vehicles, lawn and garden, utv and atv - and more; there will be no household accepted at this auction. Consignment will be accepted April 11 & 12 for large items and 13th – 15th for all items from 9am to 5pm; April 17th – 20th, 9am to 6pm. NOTE THE CUTOFF TIME FOR SMALL ITEMS IS WEDNESDAY APRIL 19th AT NOON; THE CUTOFF FOR LARGE ITEMS IS THURSDAY, APRIL 20th AT NOON. For advertising call 585-567-8844. For more details go to www.rgmasonauctions.com.

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; the company produced oil and gas in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania for 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.

In the early 1980s, the Kinley family extended their oil and gas operations to Oklahoma

➡April

Fool’s

Thurner reported that adjacent buildings were swallowed by smoke, which at times was so thick workers in the telephone company building across the street couldn’t see City Hall. An estimated 1,000 people watched.

Employees of nearby businesses, the First Trust Co. bank, Brown’s Insurance Co. and Loblaws grocery store

and Texas. At the same time, they began industry-related construction projects across the U.S. This was spearheaded by J.L. Kinley, the fifth generation of the family to own and manage the business, now known as Kinley Construction Group.

The Wellsville industrial site was re-designated the Wellsville Business Park in December 2020 after Siemens closed operations there earlier that year. There is 400,000 square feet of factory and 50,000 square feet of office space at the 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

Fire continued from PAGE 2

were evacuated as those buildings were endangered by the windblown flames.

Six volunteer companies, in addition to the village’s companies, responded to the scene. They were from Allentown, Belmont, Cuba, Scio, Willing and from the Sinclair Refinery fire department along with employees who were organized to battle

largest employers of a skilled, industrial workforce and at any given time employing as many as 1,000 workers.

The site was first the location of 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

the blaze. Over 200,000 gallons of water, from the Wellsville Water and Light Department and the Genesee River were dumped on the conflagration.

The fire was brought under control by 12:15 p.m., less than two hours after it was reported.

Two minor injuries were suffered by firefighters who were treated on scene and at the hospital. The major injury was to the building. The third floor was gone, only a cache of new rifles which had been stored in packing boxes survived. The second floor was damaged, and the first floor suffered water damage. However, the cornice at the top of the building – the triangular brickwork – was crumbling and falling onto the street below. The L.C. Whitford Company was charged with removing it.

That afternoon, in her article Thurner conjectured, “Perhaps fate has stepped in to eliminate the structure and open up, as many citizens have dreamed, a new parking area and eventually a second business district.”

That evening the village board convened. Afterwards Mayor Leo V. Ludden announced, “I feel the members of the board are in unanimous agreement that we should demolish the building. By that means we can open up a new street and parking area.”

Whitfords was directed to demolish the building opening the way for the Madison

Rand in 1986 to create Dresser-Rand. In 2015, German conglomerate Siemens bought Dresser-Rand. Siemens 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.

Street extension to the river and Wellsville’s Main Street faced a new era. The cause of the fire was never determined, but it was suspected to have been started by a smoldering cigarette or faulty electrical wiring.

Stuffed Shells, Green Beans, WG Rol,l Cinnamon Applesauce

MONDAY 4/10 Sloppy Joes w/ WG Bun, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Oven Browns, Mixed Fruit

TUESDAY 4/11

Apple Slices, Seasoned Roast Pork w/gravy, Creamed Potatoes, Succotash WG Roll, Banana Bread w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

WEDNESDAY 4/12

Italian Chicken, Brown Rice Pilaf, Mixed Vegetables, WG Bread, Tropical Fruit

THURSDAY 4/13

Macaroni & Cheese, Stewed Tomatoes, Peas, WG Roll, Fruited Gelatin

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Happy to be back in his former workplace in Wellsville, former Dresser-Rand employee Jarred Fanton enjoys the KATS open house, while his children don his hardhats.

Village of Wellsville OKs permits for special events

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

No fewer than five special event permits were looked at by the Wellsville Village Board during its last meeting, promising fun times ahead in the next few months.

At the previous board meeting, two event permits were tabled due to a lack of the required insurance forms. Those event permits for the Chamber of Commerce and YMCA were back on the table at the last board meeting along with three more and permission to decorate a bridge.

Since providing proof of certificate of liability insurance naming

the village as a certificate holder, the Chamber of Commerce’s Wine Walk will take place as scheduled on April 29. At the board’s last meeting it granted permission to lift the open container law during the event for registered participants only. After discussing the village’s concerns for the safety of their event involving several village intersections with the chief of police and providing proof of certificate of liability insurance naming the village as a certificate folder, the YMCA’s 2K/5K Color Run and Healthy Kids Day event permit was granted. The YMCA event takes place May 6. Three new event

requests came forward: The annual Lion’s Club Great Wellsville Trout Derby application packet was complete. The event was given permission to take place April 22-23 in Island Park.

The board also waived the prohibition on camping in the park during the event. The event also takes place up and down the river from Yorks Corners to a campground in Scio.

But a permit for the April 22 Jones Memorial Hospital Family Fun Day on Jefferson Street was tabled, due to lack of the appropriate insurance information.

Later in the meeting, outgoing Fire Chief Kevin Fleischman requested acceptance and

approval for a special event permit for the Wellsville Fire Company for a golf tournament fundraiser scheduled for June 10 at the Wellsville Country Club. The request was approved.

Prior to all the permit requests, former village board members Tim Aiken and Tim Colligan approached the board to inform them about a joint project between the American Legion, VFW and the Elks Club to decorate Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (end of Madison Street) with 11 American flags, for the duration.

“The bridge belongs to the town and we’re giving you a heads up and maybe requesting any help you can give us,” Aiken addressed

hosted at Alfred State and was organized by IncubatorWorks of Alfred, a state-of-theart incubator offering services and facilities to foster growth of entrepreneurial businesses.

Executive Director of IncubatorWorks Ashleigh Madison was impressed with the work of the students at the 3rd annual AHA competition. “The students

the village board adding that the project has the approval of the county highway department.

The plan calls for 11 American flags to be mounted on 12-footlong cast aluminum poles and anchored to the bridge on the north side. They will be illuminated by the existing lighting on the south side of the bridge. The project cost is between $17,000 and $19,000.

The poles and flags will be maintained by the consortium. The project is not expected to be completed by Memorial Day but at some time during the summer.

The fun continues with the opening of a new liquor store in the village. As required by NYS law, Sean Haggarty

provided well thought out and executed business pitches,” she said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the colleges every year and cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit within in the students. This is one more accolade that they will be able to use when they enter the workforce, or start their own business.”

Amy Bennett, chief operating officer

reported to the board that he is planning to open a liquor store in the building on the east side of the Dollar General store (within the village) on the Bolivar Road. He said there is lots of shelving to be installed and painting to be done which is part of the state requirements. He expects the licensing process to take longer than 70 days. The board welcomed the new business.

Before adjourning the village board set a public hearing for the annual budget for 5:30 p.m., April 10, in the board room. The budget is available for review on the village website at wellsvilleny.com.

at Northern Lights Candles; Tom Murdock, clinical faculty at University at Buffalo and general manager of Western New York Incubator Network; and A. Boh Ruffin, senior research manager at Corning, served as judges. The trio of judges evaluated pitches made by nine teams. The 2024 AHA competition is slated to be held at Houghton in early April.

competition is relieving because it is going to help tremendously with website development and will allow us to purchase new tools like a larger laser engraver,” he said. “Jon and I went into the beginning of the day just excited to pitch the business to the judges. We are looking forward to where this opportunity takes us.”

Jacobs, a construction management major from Wappingers Falls, echoed similar feelings.

“I am feeling extremely privileged and grateful to have had the opportunity to compete with such intelligent and creative individuals,” he said.

“Above everything, I am feeling excited and optimistic for what the future holds for Eddie and I.”

The Alfred University duo of Madeline Shaw (Buffalo, biomaterials engineering) and Bianca Durso (Utica, ceramic engineering) and their company Anie Organics finished in second place and earned $2,500. The team was mentored by Shelly Freyn, assistant professor marketing at AU, and Nancy Golomb, die technology program manager at Corning Incorporated.

The Constructa-Byte team of Alfred State architecture students

Jennifer Meo (Oneonta), Daniel Kyle (Hanibal), and Cameron Burnett (Wappingers Falls) finished third and was voted as the Viewers’ Choice Award winner.

The team was mentored by Dr. Reza Yahollahi, ASC assistant professor in civil engineering, and Michelle Engarto, director global innovation manufacturing at Corning Incorporated.

The competition, titled “AHA” because it involved students from Allegany County’s three institutions of higher education — Alfred State, Houghton University and Alfred University — was based on solving problems faced by businesses, with a goal of promoting sustainability through entrepreneurship.

The event was

Photo provided by Alfred State College

Pyur Tree Customs was the top winner of the 2023 Allegany County Collegiate Competition. From left are A. Boh Ruffin, a competition judge; Edward Scroxton and Jon Jacobs of Pour Tree; and judges Amy Bennett and Tom Murdock.

bear hunting numbers similar to 2021 in Allegany, Catt counties

The 2022 hunting season harvest of black bears in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties was consistent with the previous year, according to state wildlife officials’ annual report.

In Allegany County, hunters took 38 bears in 2022, down slightly from the 41 taken in 2021. In the town of Wirt, 10 bears were taken, while the next closest towns throughout the county were three or two bears each.

A total of 46 bears were taken in Cattaraugus County this past hunting season, virtually the same as 2021’s total of 45. The top town in the county for bears taken was South Valley with 10, followed by

Allegany with 6 and Coldspring with 5.

The DEC reported that, overall, New York bear hunters took an estimated 1,318 bears during the 2022 season. As in past years, the Catskill region recorded the greatest bear harvest densities.

“New York’s black bear populations remain robust, particularly in the Catskill and Adirondack regions,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Regulated bear hunting is a necessary tool for population management, especially with numbers increasing in recent years.”

Hunters harvested an estimated 458 bears in the Northern Zone and an estimated 860 bears

in the Southern Zone, an increase of about 14% in the north compared to the previous year and a decrease of approximately 9% in the south.

DEC reported the total bear harvest was approximately 10% fewer than the fiveyear average. As in past years, the Catskill region produced the greatest bear densities.

In Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 3C, 3H, 3K, 3M, and 4R, hunters took more than 10 bears per 100 square miles, with hunters taking more than 15 bears per 100 miles in WMU 4R.

In the Southern Zone, approximately 15 hunters took bears with a bow, eight used a muzzleloader and 434 hunters were successful during the traditional firearms season for deer and bear, which runs the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day for three weeks. One youth hunter was reported to have taken a bear.

Some more notable bear hunting numbers reported by the DEC: 13 and 93: the ages of

the youngest and oldest hunters who successfully harvested a bear in 2022.

15.5: the number of bears harvested per 100 square miles in WMU 4R (western Greene County and portions of Schoharie, Delaware, and Ulster counties), which had the greatest bear harvest density of any WMU.

11.8: the number of bears harvested per 10 square miles in the town

What to know about refinancing a mortgage

Historically low interest rates have made now a good time to be a homeowner. According to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as Freddie Mac, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in mid-September 2021 was 2.86.

Just ten years earlier, the average rate was 4.09. That’s a significant dip, and one that’s saving today’s homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over the life of their mortgages.

Interest rates dipped during the pandemic and have remained low ever since. That’s unlikely to last forever, which has given many homeowners a sense of urgency regarding refinancing. Refinancing can be financially advantageous, but there are some things home-

owners should know prior to contacting their lenders.

Refinancing does not always save money over the long haul

It’s hard to blame homeowners who jump at the chance to refinance their mortgages. Refinancing is often associated with significantly lower monthly payments, and such savings can be used to finance home improvements, pay for tuition or build retirement nest eggs. However, homeowners won’t necessarily save money over the long haul if they’re refinancing an existing 30-year mortgage with another 30-year mortgage. The mortage experts at Mortgage Calculator note that a Change Terms mortgage refinance is characterized by a shift to a

loan charging a lower interest rate. The initial savings with such a refinance are undeniable, but changing from one 30-year to another 30-year restarts the mortgage clock, which can add years to the time homeowners will be repaying their debt. As a result, homeowners may end up paying more interest over time than they might have had they just kept their initial mortgage. Homeowners interested in a Change Terms refinance may want to look into switching from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage. A shorter term mortgage will increase the monthly payment, but the loan will reach maturity much faster, greatly reducing the amount of interest homeowners will pay over the life of the mortgage.

of Port Jervis, Orange County, which had the greatest bear harvest density of any town.

520 pounds: the heaviest dressed-weight bear reported to the DEC in 2022, taken in the town of Windsor, Broome County, WMU 7S. Scaled weights of dressed bears were submitted for 26% of bears taken in 2022.

612: the number of hunter-harvested bears in 2022 from which DEC

collected teeth to determine the bear’s age.

Black bear harvest data are gathered from two main sources, harvest reports required of all successful bear hunters and the physical examination of bears by DEC staff and cooperating taxidermists. Harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and determining the rate at which hunters report bear harvests in each zone.

In 2022, 80% of successful bear hunters in the Northern Zone and 89% of successful bear hunters in the Southern Zone reported their harvest.

In the fall of 2023, DEC will send a 2022 Black Bear Management Coordinator Patch and a letter confirming each bear’s age to all hunters who reported their bear harvest and submitted a tooth for age analysis.

DEC’s 2022 Bear Harvest Summary report provides tables, charts, and maps detailing the bear harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are also available on the DEC’s website. DEC’s Black Bear Management Plan provides information on how DEC determines black bear population objectives throughout the state.

Refinancing can be costly

Lower monthly payments might be the number that catches homeowners’ eyes as they look to refinance, but it’s important that homeowners recognize that refinancing is not free. In fact, the personal finance experts at Kiplinger note that refinancing incurs many of the same costs that homeowners had to pay when they signed their initial mortgage papers. That includes fees, taxes and appraisal costs. These costs are sometimes paid up front, but they also might be rolled into the loan balance. In the latter instance, homeowners could be paying interest on their refinancing costs. Homeowners who are refinancing solely because of lower interest rates should

know that some lenders raise interest rates to compensate for refinancing costs. That can negate the savings and end up costing homeowners more money than the original mortgage.

Refinancing is an option for homeowners

who want to save money. Homeowners can speak with a financial advisor to determine if this is the best way to save money over the long haul or if refinancing will ultimately cost them more over the life of the mortgage.

Stock up on vehicle breakdown supplies

Unforeseen situations can crop up at any time. Anyone who has had a roadside breakdown in their car understands this. A flat tire or an engine malfunction is something no driver wants to experience, but those with a wellstocked vehicle emergency kit and breakdown strategy can get through most situations rather easily.

A 2017 survey from AAA found that 40 percent of drivers in the United States are not ready to handle a typical roadside emergency breakdown. The organization estimates it helps some seven million motorists get back on the road each summer. A well-equipped roadside emergency kit may help

drivers get their vehicles back on the road on their own.

• First aid kit: The first aid kit will celebrate its 133rd birthday in 2021. The Johnson & Johnson company began commercializing first aid kits in 1888. Having a first aid kit in the car to treat minor injuries can be helpful in the event of an accident or even after injuring oneself during a breakdown.

• Fire extinguisher: Cars are full of various mechanical parts and are susceptible to catching on fire.

The National Fire Protection

Association says vehicle fire extinguishers need to be rated for Class B and C fires.

• Jumper cables: A weak or dead battery is often the culprit in breakdowns. Jumper cables enable drivers to get a charge from another motorist, and may help get a person back on the road quickly. If possible, get a set of cables that also comes with safety gloves and heavy duty clamps, offers Defensive Driving Online, a defensive driving course.

• Mobile phone/ charger: A mobile phone is essential for calling for assistance, but the phone is only

useful if it’s charged.

• Blanket: Keep a blanket in the trunk or another storage area. Should the vehicle die in cold weather, that blanket can help keep passengers warm until assistance arrives.

• Basic tools: Tools like a screwdriver, ratchet set and wrench may enable drivers to complete minor repairs. Tools also should include tire-changing gear, such as a jack and lug nut remover.

• Traction aid: Nonclumping kitty litter or sand can provide the traction needed to get off of a slippery area of roadway.

• Flashlight: A flashlight can help keep you visible and able to see your surroundings in dark conditions.

• Flares: Should a breakdown occur in the dark, flares can alert other drivers.

• Snacks and water: Water and food that stores well, such as emergency rations, granola bars or trail mix, can quell

health & Wellness

Common allergy triggers

The human body is a well-oiled machine that is a wonder of biological efficiency when working properly. The body’s immune system is integral to keeping a person healthy, and it does that by recognizing foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria,

and then launching an attack to eradicate them. Sometimes, however, the body treats outside substances as harmful when they’re really just nuisances. This is the case with allergens.

Allergens, according to eMedicine Health, trigger an immune sys-

tem response to various substances the body deems harmful. In turn, the body overreacts to these substances, triggering allergic reactions. Allergic reactions may occur in one person and not another. The immune system produces antibodies, which can

cause certain effects, including inflammation of the skin, sinuses, digestive system, or airways, depending on the allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Many things can trigger allergies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Here’s a look at some of the more common allergies that tend to rear their heads when weather warms up.

Pollen

The air is filled with pollen come the spring and summer. Freshly blooming grasses, trees, flowers, and even weeds produce an abundance of pollen this time of year. It may coat vehicles outside and make its way indoors when people throw open

windows to enjoy warm breezes.

Pollen allergies are quite common and cause runny, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchiness of the skin or roof of the mouth in some instances. Decongestants tend to be recommended when pollen count is high. It’s also best to leave windows closed during these times.

Mold

Mold are very small fungi with spores that float in the breeze like pollen. Mold thrives in damp areas. Mold may grow unchecked after spring rains or in piles of damp leaves. It also can be found in musty basements or bathrooms. Using a dehumidifier indoors can help alleviate mold, but outdoors it may be a little more challenging to control. When doing yard work in damp areas, wear a mask to avoid breathing in spores.

Dust mites

Chances are the arrival of spring may trigger the desire to do a little cleaning. In turn,

hunger pangs and provide an energy boost while waiting for help.

• Rope/bungee cords/tarp: These items can be used in various situations to secure a vehicle. While drivers can gather these items separately, many companies offer all-in-one vehicle emergency kits. A safety kit is essential for all drivers.

it’s highly likely that dust will be disturbed, and along with it, dust mites. WebMD says dust mites are microscopic and people may not even know they are around. Keeping a home free of dusty items can reduce dust mite numbers. Also, cover mattresses, pillows and wash sheets weekly in hot water to help alleviate dust mite infiltration.

Insect stings

We tend to think of allergens in terms of small substances that are inhaled, but insects that are abundant in the warm weather can be troublesome, too. An insect sting or bite can cause hives, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, or even anaphylaxis. While there’s no definitive way to avoid all insects, people can opt against brightly colored clothes and scented lotions or cosmetics. Insect repellents and skipping sweet foods or beverages at outdoor meals also may help.

Allergens are common this time of year, and people can take caution to feel better if they suffer allergies.

home improvement

The benefits of energy-efficient homes

Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83

percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

• Save money: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of

living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

• Improve resale value: As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes.

Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

• Live healthier: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals

from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could

reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars. Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.

Sport management students participate in Alfred State’s Women in Sport Night

ALFRED — Alfred State sport management students attended the Women in Sport Night hosted by the Buffalo Sabres as part of women’s history month.

The event was designed to provide female students and professionals with insights on the various opportunities available in the sport and entertainment industries. Women that work within the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres organizations shared their experiences, backgrounds, challenges, and success stories.

Jenna George was excited for the opportunity to attend. “It was an amazing experience to meet so many people in the industry. This was a perfect opportunity for me to expand my network at a professional level.”

“Being able to talk to experienced women

really helped me get a sense of what direction I want to take in the future,” commented Grace Hildreth. “It helped me realize it really is possible to be a woman and be successful in the sports industry.”

Students were able to bring their resumes and network with over twenty professionals from both organizations and from Pegula Sports Entertainment. Attendees enjoyed the Sabres game vs. the Montreal Canadiens after the event.

Assistant Professor of Sport Management Tony Aquilina was excited and grateful to have an opportunity for his students. “It was a wonderful event. Thank you to the students that attended and special thanks to the Sabres and Bills for the invitation to this great night for our students.”

Photo provided by Alfred State College

Alfred State students Jenna George (middle) and Grace Hildreth (right) along with Alfred University student Katelyn Rieger are shown at the Women in Sport Night hosted by the Buffalo Sabres.

to be provided with the quality of living in an assisted living facility who keeps your loved one after they spend down.

All families beware of the make believers for we are all vulnerable when we place our loved ones!!!!

Who is the assisted living facility in the Olean market?

Ask to see the state DOH licensure. Ask for their activities calendar, ask if there is an LPN nurse on staff, ask if there is a RN on staff, ask if all aides are certified, ask for a monthly menu and ask how many staff on each shift for personal care, activities, maintenance, housekeeping, dietary. Ask how many years of experience in the health care field for all employees and especially the administrator.

We have many make believers in the state and we have some in our community.

of establishments who continue to falsify their licensure as well as all other mandates to have the proper qualified staff.

of those who want the income without giving the care!!

Ask what happens when a loved one spends down.

Please check out our Field of Dreams facility and our upcoming expansion with more senior living opportunities.

I believe I am building the best senior living community in the country. Please do not be fooled for you will be disappointed and we have seen the results when they come to us.

Nick Ferreri Owner Field of Dreams