Allegany County Community Source 12-30-2022

The origins of Christmas hymns

allegany county

What’s being built at Wellsville’s Tullar Field?

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE —

You can see it from the Arterial and from South Main Street, but what is it?

Last fall the skeleton of a wood-frame building took shape on the southwest side of Tullar Field, the softball field behind the police station. It stands out starkly against the grass and snow. It looks to be quite near the outfield fence.

But few people seem to know what it is, and conjecture has been ongoing at a steady pace — with guesses running from a refreshment stand to a field house.

Many people made qualified assumptions based on the knowledge that the ballfield is the Lady Lions softball team’s home. However, it is also the field where community softball teams play each summer. The questions are: Whose building is it, the school district, village or town of Wellsville or privately owned? And what is it?

Wellsville School District Superintendent David Foster confirmed that it doesn’t belong to the school district, but he was able to refer a reporter to Matt Burke, who cleared up some of the mystery.

Burke, a teacher at Wellsville and coach of the girls’ varsity softball team, said the construction is the beginning

of 60-foot by 24-foot pavilion.

Construction got underway in the fall with the help of students in the Building and Trades Department on the Wellsville campus of Alfred State College.

“They’ve been great,” Burke complimented the students who are also involved in building the new town hall/garage just a few blocks away from the ball field.

“They’re the best,” he added.

Construction will be completed sometime in the spring, weather permitting.

Burke said the project will eventually include a pavilion with lights and a batting cage with turf.

It was Burke’s idea, he admitted. “It is just a place where people can sit on a summer night, have a picnic and hit a

few balls if they want to,” he said.

As for who will oversee the pavilion just in case someone wants to hold a baseball themed wedding there, Burke quipped, “Let’s get it built first.”

He expects it will be scheduled the same way pavilions in Island Park and Lagoon Field are reserved, by calling the town clerk. Otherwise, it is open to the public.

“I just want it to benefit the community,” he said.

The construction is not being funded through any school, village, or town taxes he affirmed. The cost estimate is not yet complete. It is being funded from donations Burke said.

Once completed there will some sort of ceremony to officially open it, he added.

Alfred State and UB Nursing are helping the Southern Tier

ALFRED — With growing healthcare needs in rural areas, Alfred State College is further strengthening ties with the University at Buffalo thanks to a $250,000 High Needs Nursing Grant from the State University of New York.

This collaborative approach builds a new pathway for BS in nursing graduates at Alfred State to seek an Adult/ Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

This doctoral program is mostly online with limited face-toface requirements. Any face-to-face component will be held on the Alfred campus and the clinical requirements will be arranged in the surrounding healthcare facilities, keeping students available for local healthcare needs and building local capacity for advanced services from the graduating nurse practitioners. Students can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree without leaving

Alfred or the Southern Tier.

This new way to earn an advanced degree is attractive to both new students beginning their healthcare studies at Alfred State and alumni who want to further their careers. The UB and ASC partnership was recently featured on Spectrum News.

“The nursing faculty at ASC and UB are working closely together to get the word

Alfred

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Nursing Grant continued on PAGE 4

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Work started in the Fall for construction near the southwest fence of Tullar Field.

The origins of Christmas hymns

WELLSVILLE — As we sing our favorite Christmas hymns this holiday season it may come as a surprise that some of the words and music date from the 400s and even earlier.

Dave Toot, chorale director at Grace United Church, gave a talk recently to the Gracefull Arts group explaining the origins of some of the most popular hymns sung to celebrate the holiday season. Gracefull Arts is a group which meets throughout the month to engage people who may find going to a service is not their cup of tea. Anyone is welcome.

“I’m being a bit academic today,” Toot said. “I looked into many sources and did a lot of research and what I’ve found looking for the back stories of many

of our favorite hymns is that there is room for speculation.

“Hymns are probably the oldest pieces of music that we know how

they actually sounded,” he said.

The earliest hymns he went on to say were sung in synagogues. It wasn’t until 129 when they were embraced by the Christian religion.

“In 129 the Bishop of Rome advised, “Sing the angel’s hymn. Peace, Goodwill to Men and the Glory of God.”

Discovered in the late 1800s. the Oxyrhynchus Papyri contains the largest cache of early Christian manuscripts discovered to date. The cache containing

everything from musical transcripts to literature was found in Egypt and is only being translated today, with modern technology.

One of the oldest hymns still being sung today is the Nicene Creed, Toot said.

Early hymns as with hymns today taught the beliefs of the church and were historical accounts of what had taken place in the past. They were and are a teaching tool, he said.

The message of some hymns that we take for granted today, Toot said may have been used to send messages, such as a call to arms for the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland during the Reformation.

He gave the exam-

ple that when Francis Wade wrote “Oh Come All Ye Faithful“ he may have been calling the Jacobites who had been banished to the New Word after the Rebellion to come back and help restore the rightful heir, Bonnie Prince Charles, to the throne of England.

He also said that one of North America’s very first hymns pre-dates not only colonization, but also the pilgrims.

In the 17th century, a French priest rewrote the Huron Carol from the original language into French. No one is sure how old the original song is, but the English version and a version in the Huron language are still being sung today.

Toot concluded that

our popular carols come from as long ago as 100 years after the death of Christ and maybe long before his birth.

The Gracefull Arts group has a several programs scheduled for the upcoming days before Christmas as well as in the new year.

On Jan. 6 there will be a concert featuring Sound Foundation, Barber Shoppers, Choir and Guests. On Jan. 22 there will be a program entitled Peace, Love and Tie Die a workshop featuring music from the ‘60s and ‘70s. On Jan. 29 there will be a Drum Circle.

Programs start at 12:30 p.m.

Go to the Grace United webpage to find out more about upcoming programs.

Photo by Kathryn Ross

Dave Toot talks to the Gracefull Arts group about the origins of Christmas hymns.

Olean Area FCU donates $7,000 to food pantries

OLEAN — With the increasing cost and continuous need for food in area communities, Olean Area Federal Credit Union has donated a total of $7,000 to seven food pantries within its field of membership.

The YWCA of Bradford, CAC Food Pantry, Cuba Cultural Center, INC., Olean Food Pantry, Creekside Chapel, Portville Community Food Pantry, and Harvest Field Outreach Center each received $1,000 donations. The credit union’s field of members ship includes Allegany and

Cattaraugus counties in New York and McKean and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania.

“With it being our 50th year of serving our communities, we felt one of the best ways we could say thank you is by helping our neighbors have enough food this holiday season,” said Rich Yeager, president & CEO. “We also wanted to make sure we included food pantries from each of the four counties we serve.”

Olean Area FCU is the second largest credit union in Western New York.

out,” said Alfred State Associate Professor Jess Lippa. “Students can earn their BS in nursing at ASC and then complete their advanced practice degree through UB without leaving the area. It’s a fantastic opportunity for new Alfred State students and our many nursing alumni in the region. I am a proud alumnus of UB, and I am honored to work with an amazing team to share this opportunity with my local Alfred community.”

ASC already enjoys a strong relationship with UB’s School of Nursing. Alfred State’s nursing faculty Jessica Lippa (’19), Ruthanne Ashworth (’22), and Abigail Gwise (’21) earned their DNP at UB. The SUNY system is the driving force for adding healthcare

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related clinical sciences stayed

The tradition of raising a glass and toasting may be very, very old

Eve celebrations across the globe might feel more familiar to our hypothetical time travelers. Historians differ as to the origins of the toast, but the concept of toasting to one’s own and others’ health is evident in the ancient Greek

author Homer’s “Odyssey,” which was written in the eighth century BCE. The “Odyssey” is considered one of the most significant works inn the history of Western literature, and in it Ulysses raises a glass and drinks to the health

of Achilles.

But the ancient Greeks were not the only ones to emphasize toasting. In fact, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, who was the first official Roman emperor and reigned from 27 BC to AD 14, the Senate decreed that everyone must drink to Augustus at every meal.

Since ancient times, various traditions have incorporated raising a glass, whether it’s filled with wine, champagne or another beverage. This tradition, now known as “toasting,” might be employed to pay homage to a particular individual, wish goodwill upon an individual or individuals (such as at a wedding) or simply in celebration of a special event or day, which is the case when the clock strikes 12 midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Regardless of who was the first person to raise a glass to honor or celebrate a special individual or occasion, there’s no denying this much-enjoyed tradition has a very, very lengthy history.

resources in the state. A 2018 study by the Rockefeller Institute of Government found

that 71% of SUNY graduates in the health professions and

to home to work in New York State for at least 10 years after their graduation.

Photo provided

An Alfred State nursing student works with a professor during a skills lab. This new collaboration with University of Buffalo will allow ASC students to seek Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees while staying in the Southern Tier.

Why your next car will probably be electric

(BPT) — Love them, hate them, or don’t really care, electric vehicles are beginning to take over transportation conversations and roadways, and soon, boats and planes.

Already, there were 16.5 million electric cars on the road worldwide in 2021, three times more than in 2018, according to S&P Global. Though still in the early adopter phase, here are four reasons your next vehicle is likely to be electric.

Auto manufacturers are phasing out the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) models. General Motors announced in 2021 that the company will only sell vehicles that have zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, across all global markets. Similarly,

leading companies like Ford committed to zero emissions globally by 2040 and no later than 2035 in key markets. Some states are making the same commitment.

Through Michigan’s Healthy Climate plan, for example, the state is working to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, including through electrifying vehicles and

increasing public transit. States are accelerating the push for EVs through legislation. The Air Resources Board is offering a Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, making new and used electric cars more affordable for consumers, as some states seek to ban the sale of ICE model vehicles. On the federal level, as part of a broad new Inflation Reduction Act - designed to address climate change, healthcare, and taxes - a new tax credit of up to $4,000 on used electric cars and revised tax

credits of up to $7,500 on certain new EVs are available for prospective buyers to take advantage of. These legislative changes highlight the need for tangible progress in increasing the accessibility of EVs.

States are building out supporting infrastructure for EVs. All over the United States, you will find EV chargers popping up at local supermarkets, malls and sporting events.

Michigan is taking it a step further by bringing chargers to state parks and working with public universities on pilot programs and research programs to improve battery design. The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour, for example, is a network of EV chargers that, once completed, will span over 1,100 miles of drivable shoreline around Lake Michigan throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

“We are going to see a huge uptick in EV adoption, especially as manufacturers continue to diversify the EV models on the market, lower prices for increased accessibility, and partner with states to ensure infrastructure is catching up with the high-tech innovation happening across the country,” says Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. “It’s only a matter of time before your neighbors are driving one too.”

Beyond incentives and legislation, we’re still human and want to keep up with our neighbors and peers. EVs have been around for almost 30 years, with the first mass-produced, purpose-built modern

electric car from one of the industry’s key players released in 1996 from General Motors. Soon, EVs will make up a majority of new cars available. And, with the many financial incentives and user benefits associated with making the shift to EVs, it may not take long for you to begin reimagining how an EV could fit into your life, too.

While your next car choice will hinge on a range of factors - lifestyle, brand preference, car features, safety ratings, availability and price - you may be surprised how many boxes an EV can tick. Even without gas, there’s a lot of sustainable power under their hoods.

NY lawmakers gift themselves $32K pay raise days before Christmas

BY JIM ECKSTROM

New York state lawmakers gave themselves a nice Christmas present Dec. 22: a 29% pay raise that would make them the nation’s highest-paid state legislators.

Many Republicans, including the two who represent Allegany and Cattaraugus counties, cried foul while a Democratic leader justified the measure because of increased cost of living.

Members of the Democrat-dominated state Assembly and Senate would make a base salary of $142,000 — over their salary of $110,000 — through a bill introduced Monday and hastily passed during a special session. The measure, which still must be signed by the governor, would vault lawmakers in Albany past state legislators in California, who are now the nation’s best paid with a yearly base salary of about $119,000, the Associated Press reported, citing the National Conference of State Legislatures.

However, New York’s lawmakers would also face restrictions for the first time on how much they can make from other jobs. Outside income would be capped at $35,000, starting in 2025. AP reported pay in excess of that from military service, retirement plans or

investments would still be allowed.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins insisted legislators work hard, year round, and deserve the raise due to increases in the cost of living.

“It’s a full time job,” the Democrat said. “Sooner or later in order to be able to afford to do the job, we have to raise pay.”

State Sen. George Borrello, R-Chautauqua County, called the legislation so soon after the election in November a “deceitful move” and voted against it.

“As most New Yorkers are busy preparing to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, the Democratic majorities in the State Legislature cooked up a self-serving feast of their own in the form of a whopping $32,000 pay raise,” Borrello said in a statement.

A legislator with business interests that could be affected by Thursday’s measure, Borrello said the Democrats’ “attempt to buy political cover” by instituting a ban on outside income will actually make Albany worse.

“With this ban, we will be discouraging enterprising, accomplished individuals with real-world experience from entering public service and moving closer to eradicating the ‘citizen legislator’ — that individual who

serves, not for a hefty salary, but because they want to contribute to their state.” he said.

“The end result will be more ‘professional politicians’ and more out-of-touch policies that hurt New Yorkers.”

Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda, said he was “disgusted” by the pay raise at a time when prices of fuel, food, heating homes and basic necessities have all increased.

“No one warned taxpayers that this would be on the table during the election,” Giglio said. “They are the ones who should have decided on this issue at the ballot box, not a special session.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has said she supports the idea of a raise for the legislature, but hasn’t said she will sign the bill.

AP reported that some government watchdog groups said after the bill was introduced late Monday that it doesn’t do enough for regulating outside income.

“The public really deserves to know that their elected officials are working just for them and they don’t have any other interests in mind,” Rachael Fauss, a senior policy advisor at the government watchdog group Reinvent Albany, said.

Members of the U.S. Congress are excluded from making any

outside income while they are in office from certain professions that could pose conflicts of interest, such as being a lawyer, because of ethical and legal issues that can arise.

AP noted that former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver died in prison after he was convicted of entering into a corrupt arrangement in which he got a pair of real estate developers to send business to a law firm paying him referral fees, and then backed legislation benefiting the developers.

Borrello’s argument regarding the “citizen legislature” refers to the tradition of lawmaking being a part-time job, one to which members bring their practical experience.

“We need leaders who prioritize bettering the lives of every

resident of this state, not politicians who have constituents foot the bill” for hefty pay raises, Borrello said.

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, a Democrat, said the raise would help the Legislature retain quality members who could make more in the private sector.

“We have had an unhealthy churning and turnover particularly from downstate members,” she said.

AP noted New York’s legislators got

their last pay raise in 2018. At the time, it was their first raise in 20 years.

That pay boost was made possible through a list of recommendations made by a state compensation committee, but a cap on outside earnings was never implemented.

“There’s a history in New York that looks at pay increases for legislatures, but this is the first time they are taking matters into their own hands,” Fauss said.

File photo

State Sen. George Borrello (left) and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio.

home improvement

Top

kitchen trends to try in the new year on any budget

(BPT) — When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to balance timeless features with modern colors, patterns and textures that reflect your personality and style - especially since, now more than ever, it provides a place to cook, eat, work and entertain. A beautifully designed kitchen can also boost the home’s resale value in the future.

“Kitchen design trends for 2023 nod to the past and focus on increasing convenience, comfort and personal style,” said Kaley Galinksy, a merchant at The Home Depot. “Whether you’re planning on renovating, remodeling, or simply

updating your existing space, there’s endless inspiration and affordable ways to achieve the most sought-after trends for kitchens in the coming year.”

To make sure your kitchen renovations are stylish and up to date, here are five kitchen design trends that will be big in 2023, according to The Home Depot.

1. Return to traditionalist

In 2023, you’ll see a return to classic, timeless and sophisticated black that offers a sense of comfort and familiarity of traditional designs. To update your home so that it’s always in style, choose classic, timeless

palettes of black, white, creams and neutrals.

If you want to add interest to your home, use patterns and classic materials like marble, especially when it

comes to your kitchen. High-contrast kitchens with classic lines and black finished cabinets and countertops are making a comeback and result in a striking

kitchen makeover.

Cabinetry has a heavy influence on your kitchen’s overall design style and can help you achieve a new look in less time. With a cabinet makeover, you keep your existing kitchen layout and get all-new doors, drawer fronts and hardware, plus optional upgrades such as pull-out shelves, cabinet lighting and more.

2. Art deco revival

In the coming year, interior designers predict a renewed interest in the art deco styles of the roaring ‘20s. To achieve this trend in your home, incorporate brighter colors, geometric patterns, luxurious fabrics and shiny surfaces.

Add or replace the backsplash in your kitchen using geomet-

home improvement

ric-shaped tiles in greens and golds for a sleek and elegant look.

3. Modern organic

A renewed focus on natural and organic materials will continue to make their way into kitchens in the form of warmer finishes, soft and organic shapes, as well as mixing finishes and materials like concrete, wood, rattan and metals.

For homeowners looking to embrace this modern organic trend, interior designers recommend introducing textured white oaks paired with honed black or dark gray countertops for your next kitchen remodel. For cabinets, slab doors are still popular, but the newer thin shaker is gaining popularity. You can even

use the free Kitchen Estimator tool to select your design options and get a fast estimate.

4. Home retreat

Your home should be a sanctuary from the stressors of day-to-day life. This year, many homeowners will transform their homes into personal havens that

help minimize stresses and prioritize a sense of calm.

For those that retreat to the kitchen for selfcare, an easy way to remove stressors is to reduce clutter with a well-organized pantry. Custom organization systems help add functionality and stream-

line your kitchen with stylish storage solutions, while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite appliances whenever you need them.

5. Modern cozy For renovators who want their home’s interior to be warm and inviting, they should opt for a modern cozy style. This trend is inspired by the shabby chic style of the ‘80s but updated with fewer over-the-top embellishments, paired with darker paints and a focus on coziness and nostalgic familiarity.

New flooring can serve as an anchor design for the rest of the kitchen. Consider installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in your kitchen - a durable, affordable and water- and stain-resistant option

that’s also easy to clean. Pair it with a cabinet renovation to achieve this style in your home.

If you’re ready to update your kitchen in 2023, The Home Depot’s Home Services can help you create your dream kitchen! Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just a few updates, they have solutions to fit any space and every budget. Their service providers

can give your cabinets a facelift or install new ones, replace sinks, install flooring and update your countertops. Take advantage of free instore and virtual design services and financing options to help make your project affordable.

All certified service providers are local, licensed, insured and background checked. To learn more, visit HomeDepot.com/Services.

Elk Lick Scout Reserve unsold after year on market

SMETHPORT, Pa. —

More than a year after authorizing the sale of Elk Lick Scout Reserve in McKean County, the Allegheny Highlands Council continues to offer the site for sale to pay for its portion of the Boy Scouts of America’s sex abuse settlement.

The camp, on Bordell Road in Keating Township, is listed on several property sales websites

at $1.45 million. McKean County property records indicate the camp is still owned by the council, and the site has a taxable assessed value of around $600,000.

“The property is located in the Allegheny Mountain region of Pennsylvania and provides an opportunity to be immersed in the feeling of a remote wilderness area while still being only minutes from Smethport or Bradford,

PA for all your needs,” the sales information states.

On Sept. 28, 2021, the council’s board of directors approved the sale of the camp to fund most of the council’s contributions to the Victims Trust, a $1.9 billion settlement fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse.

Almost 70 lawsuits involving the council or its predecessors were filed in state court under the Child Victims Act, a state law that lifted the statute of limitation for filing civil cases against alleged sexual abusers was lifted for a oneyear window ending in August 2021. Statewide, around 10,000 cases were filed under the law, including abuse occurring in schools, Scouting, churches or outside of a formal organization.

The local council, which represents Scouting units in McKean and Potter counties, as well as the New York counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua, is one of 252 councils nationwide asked to contribute to the BSA settlement, the national settlement fund for which is currently at $1.9 billion. The amount is the highest ever in a sexual abuse case.

Contributors to the fund

include Hartford Financial Services, the BSA’s insurers, who agreed to contribute $787 million.

Assets on the site include the structures at over 12,000 square feet of floor space, a commercial kitchen, over 300 acres of land with more than 1.6 million board feet of lumber, a two-acre dammed pond, archery and firearms ranges, an in-ground pool, several pavilions and camping areas with restroom facilities, and a climbing tower.

The camp opened in the post-World War II era, first hosting scouts in 1948. The name coincides with the Elk Lick Council, a predecessor council of Allegheny Highlands Council which operated the site when it opened.

While the region was once home to a number of scout camps, most have closed. Wolf Creek Scout Camp in West Clarksville, N.Y., closed in 1977 shortly after the creation of the current council due to damage from the Flood of 1972 and competition from the other camps owned by the council. The Allegheny Highlands Council sold Kurson Training Center south of Wellsville, N.Y., in 2000s.

The council will continue to operate Camp

Merz in Mayville, N.Y., while the Greater Niagara Frontier Council operates Camp Scouthaven on Crystal Lake in the town of Freedom, N.Y.

Other councils have also had to come up with funds toward the settlement, and some have resorted to selling facilities.

The French Creek Council, based in Summit Township in Erie County and covering six

counties in northwestern Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $699,673 in cash toward the settlement fund, with no contributions of property. However, Camp Stonehaven in Lewiston, N.Y., and Schoellkopf Scout Reservation in Wyoming County were sold to cover part of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council’s $1.54 million share toward the settlement.

BY BOB CLARK

File photo

A Cub Scout takes aim during a 2019 archery session at Elk Lick Scout Reserve in Smethport, Pa.

New year, better you: 5 achievable goals for your 2023 resolutions

(BPT) — A new year is just around the corner, so it’s time to brainstorm resolutions and goals for 2023. If you’ve made resolutions in the past and haven’t stuck to them, you might be discouraged from even trying to make one for the coming year. It’s likely that the goals you picked weren’t attainable or sustainable for your life.

Instead of making lofty promises that are unachievable, start with small, modest changes that you can accomplish and build upon in years to come. Not sure where to start? Check out these five achievable goals for 2023.

1. Learn or resume a hobby

If you don’t have a hobby or have let it go by the wayside, dedicate some time this year to doing something you enjoy. Hobbies aren’t just activities we do for fun. They can have huge mental and physical health benefits.

According to VeryWell Mind, enjoyable activities can help you reduce stress, lower blood pressure and combat depression. You don’t have to engage in your hobbies every day to reap the benefits. One study showed that engaging in a physical leisure activity for 20 minutes a week helped people feel less fatigued.

Whether you get back into knitting or playing guitar or pick up a new hobby like painting or ballroom dancing, you’re carving out time for yourself that can take your mind off the stresses of everyday life.

2. Move your body

This year, make it a goal to get your body moving. That doesn’t mean you have to exercise every day for hours at a time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That may sound like a lot, but it breaks down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Take it slow if you’re new to working out or it’s been a while since you’ve exercised. You can even break up 30 minutes of daily activity into smaller chunks. For example, you can do 10 minutes of brisk walking or aerobic exercises three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day. By breaking up your movement goal into smaller chunks, you can naturally find breaks throughout your day to get moving.

3. Invest in your health

If you want to live a long healthy life, you need to invest in your health. Nicole Avena,

PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Author of Why Diets Fail says, “In addition to a healthy and balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise, it’s important to cover all your bases like adding daily vitamins to your health regimen. Each person’s dietary needs will vary slightly. While most people can get enough from diet alone, others may need to take a supplement, and nowadays, there are many vitamin options for men and women of all ages.”

To ensure that you receive essential nutrients, consider taking a daily multivitamin like vitafusion MultiVites which is an excellent source of 12 vitamins and minerals. Offering a selection of multivitamin gummies to support the consumer’s unique needs, vitafusion is America’s #1 adult gummy vitamin brand and the only gummy vitamin brand with a fusion of natural fruit flavors. To learn more, visit vitafusion.com.

4. Mindfulness

You’ve probably heard about mindfulness, but do you know what it is and its benefits? Simply put, mindfulness is being aware and fully present in your body, mind and environment. According to the National Institutes of Health, practicing mindfulness can have several positive impacts on your health and well-being, including reducing anxiety and depression, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep.

A popular way to practice mindfulness is meditation, but it’s not the only way. You can practice breathing or grounding exercises, go on a walk or take stock of how your body is feeling in the present moment. Mindfulness practices can be short or long, but to start, you can carve out five

minutes a day in the morning or at night to get in touch with your awareness.

5. Improve your finances

A common New Year’s resolution is to be better about saving and spending. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time. While there isn’t a one-sizefits-all plan for improving your financial well-being, there are simple ways to assess your finances and target areas for improvement.

In January, track all your income and expenses. You can do this by using an expense sheet, or you can down-

load an app to make things easier. Once you know where your money is coming from and where it’s going, you can identify areas where you could be spending less and saving more and set financial goals

for the year.

Small changes can add up quickly and turn into life-long habits. Using these five tips, you can start the year on the right foot and invest in yourself now and for years to come.

Health officials to change how they handle COVID test results

BELMONT — Allegany County health officials noted changes are coming to how the county handles COVID-19 test results in the next month.

Starting Jan. 1, county health department officials reported it will be unlikely that Allegany County residents receive a phone call regarding COVID-19 test results.

Starting Jan. 16, the county will no longer accept positive home tests for COVID-19

cases. Those who test positive at home will no longer be required to report the results to the county. However, if a person with a positive test needs isolation paperwork for school or work purposes they may visit www. alleganyco.gov and go to the red box for COVID-19 information to download or print the necessary paperwork.

Health officials noted that home tests are still a useful tool to

help with a person’s health care, and CDC guidelines for isolation remain in effect.

If any Allegany County resident has questions about testing positive or isolation guidelines, the health department remains available to answer questions at (585) 268-9250. Useful information will remain available on the county webpage for COVID-19 or the CDC website for isolation guidance if you test positive.