BY
Bailey remembered for longtime service at Little Valley food pantry
NEW ALBION -
Mary Bailey, one of the area’s most dedicated volunteers, passed away Jan. 5 at age 88, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of all who knew her.
Bailey was passionate about helping others and had an unmistakable warmth. Many knew her for her unwavering work at the Little Valley Food Pantry, which she managed until recently due to her failing health.
When the food pantry moved from Valley View Baptist Church to the former Little Valley school on Rock City Street in 2021, she had already managed the pantry for nearly three years and had worked there for half a dozen years.
Then 85, Bailey told the Press how proud she and her dozen or so volunteers were of
the new food pantry. She said the new location enabled the pantry to expand and accommodate the everincreasing numbers of people in need.
Elizabeth O’Neill, executive director of Saving Grace Outreach in Cattaraugus, said Saving Grace took on the Little Valley pantry when they decided to leave the church location and relocate to the old school. She said the Little Valley pantry began operating under the umbrella of Saving Grace, an off-shoot along with the Cattaraugus and Great Valley pantries.
O’Neill said Bailey wasn’t an average senior citizen — she was pretty much the driving force of the pantry in Little Valley. Bailey ensured all the volunteers were onsite as scheduled, everything was running right and
the orders came in.
“Mary was an amazing woman and her shoes were so big. You can’t fill shoes like that. It was a calling and she was missiondriven,” she said. “She was a ray of sunshine and, no matter where she went, she lit up the room with her smile
and warmth. It was genuine God’s love — you could see it.”
O’Neill remembers Bailey coming to her during the pandemic when churches were shut down and feeling helpless. At the time, many pantries were operating out of churches.
According to O’Neill, Saving Grace became the whole food distribution hub for all of Cattaraugus County and anyone could come for food. She said Feedmore WNY gave Saving Grace more food to take on extra clients at their Cattaraugus pantry, and Little Valley clients were among them.
“She wanted so badly to help and she couldn’t because elderly volunteers were not allowed to work at the pantries, due to COVID restrictions,” she said. “It was hard for her but I said, ‘Mary, God’s got it. We’ll take care of the people. Don’t worry. Just send them to us.’”
O’Neill said Bailey’s dedication and passion for the food pantry was evident. She said it was 24/7 with her and never stopped.
“Mary always went the extra mile. She made sure everybody had a turkey for Thanksgiving, and a ham or turkey for Christmas,” she said.
“She went out of her way to be sure everybody was taken care of — even little gifts for the kids at Christmas.”
O’Neill said Bailey was a communityoriented person and made a difference in so many people’s lives. She shined brightly and, sadly, her light is out. Everybody is going to miss her.
“Mary loved what she did. It was her life. That’s the legacy she leaves behind,” she said. “It’s such an honor and I hope people are inspired by her and what she did. We want that love and caring to continue.”
As of Monday, O’Neill had no idea who would be taking over Mary’s duties as director and manager at the Little Valley Food Pantry. She said she needs to visit the site, talk to the volunteers and evaluate if there is anyone interested and qualified for the position.
“FOR THERE IS BORN TO YOU THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD: AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS” (LUKE 2:11,1:31)
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY. AND YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE
“I want to see if anyone there feels like they are being called to be the next leader. Those are big shoes to fill and it might not be just one person,” she said. “I know Mary designated the bookkeeping and ordering to someone else. The direction the pantry is going in is going to remain a Godly one.”
The Little Valley Food Pantry is open every Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A truck usually brings produce and dairy products on the last Thursday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (716) 665-8540. Saving Grace Outreach can be reached at (716) 229-2008 or at 211, a nationwide network through the United Way that connects people to local community services.
File photo The late Mary Bailey (second from left), longtime manager of the Little Valley Food Pantry, is remembered for her kindness and generosity to everyone she met, but especially people in need. Shown (front, from left) are Sally McCormick, Bailey, Brenda Bailey, (back) Bill Wogick, Pastor Ken Doyle and Cliff Benson.
Fun ways to celebrate Groundhog day
come again.
February 2, a different weather
Groundhog Day celebrations are an entertaining way to break up the bleakness of winter.
Groundhog Day evolved from an earlier custom, known as Candlemas Day, which was observed by early European Christians.
During Candlemas, clergy blessed candles and distributed them to others as a way to ward off the winter chill.
A poem was recited during the ceremony:
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another fight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not
German settlers in Pennsylvania likely brought over Candlemas traditions, and they evolved into Groundhog Day customs involving a local animal known for its hibernation habits.
Similar to Candlemas Day, if the groundhog “sees” his shadow then winter will continue for another six weeks. If he does not, spring is around the corner. Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous of the prognosticating groundhogs. Phil emerges at festivities in Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania each year. But there are others who also look for their own shadows in different regions of the country.
Families can get in on the Groundhog action and
Although there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm.
Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.
High-pitched squealing
Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.
Rattling in the wheel
If you hear rattling inside of a wheel at low speeds which stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a
do their own weatherpredicting activities and other fun stuff.
The following are some creative ways to celebrate Groundhog Day.
• Make shadow art. Explore how shadows work by gathering some three-dimensional objects and sidewalk chalk.
Venture outdoors during the morning and see if you can trace the shadows of any of the shapes onto the sidewalk or a driveway.
• Learn about groundhogs. Groundhogs are interesting creatures that are sometimes referred to as woodchucks. They are extremely
intelligent animals that form complex social networks. Groundhogs belong to a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots, and are native to the eastern United States and Canada.
• Create a groundhog craft. All you will need is a paper tube made from construction paper, and a cut-out paper groundhog attached to a straw, stick or pipe cleaner for a fun kids’ craft. Kids can take turns popping their groundhogs out of the tops of their tubes just like Punxsutawney Phil pops out of his den.
• Read a
groundhog-themed book.
Plenty of books feature groundhogs as the main character. “Wake Up Groundhog!” and “How to Catch a Groundhog” are two such options.
• Go for a night walk. The days soon will be getting longer and hours of night shorter. Capitalize on the opportunity to enjoy the quiet of the darkness with a neighborhood stroll. Groundhog Day marks the moment when people learn if winter will stretch on or if spring will soon arrive. It is marked by certain customs that families can make their own.
mechanic as soon as possible.
Clicking If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed.
Squeaky or scraping windshield wipers
Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.
Clunking sounds
Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in off-roading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
Humming, whining or whirring
These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic.
Flapping noise
A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue.
Squealing under the hood
Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes. These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage.
USDA milk price formula change expected to
BY JIM ECKSTROM
Dairy farmers and agriculture officials are lauding a change in federal milk pricing that they say will provide more fairness and economic stability for farmers in Western New York and across the nation.
A key change is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to return to a previous formula that advocates say ensures an orderly marketing of milk to benefit the entire dairy supply chain — from farmer to manufacturer to consumer.
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy applauded reverting to the previous pricing formula after the USDA’s release Friday of its final decision on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO).
“This decision marks a long-overdue victory for dairy farmers across the nation,” Langworthy said in a statement.
“As one of the top dairy-producing states, New York’s farmers can finally see the reforms
they’ve been calling for become a reality.”
New York ranks in the top five dairyproducing states, and its farmers depend on the FMMO system to establish minimum milk prices and ensure orderly marketing of fluid milk. Langworthy explained that, prior to the 2018 Farm Bill, Class I milk prices were determined using the higher value between Class III and Class IV milk. However, the 2018 Farm Bill replaced this approach with an averaging formula that added 74 cents to the average of Class III and Class IV prices. That change, compounded by disruptions from COVID-19, cost dairy farmers in the U.S. more than $1 billion in Class I skim milk revenue, said Langworthy, R-23rd District. He added that returning to the “higher of” formula will reverse the underperformance of the current “average-of” formula since its inclusion in the 2018 Farm Bill. David Fisher,
president of the New York Farm Bureau, said his organization is pleased with many of the final provisions in the FMMO, and he thanked Langworthy for his efforts.
“Many of the changes have been much-needed for our farmers in New York, such as updating milk composition factors and increasing county-specific Class I differentials,” Fisher said.
Of the four classes of milk, Class I covers milk used for fluid, or beverage, milk products, while Class II refers to milk going into “soft” manufactured products such as sour cream, cottage cheese, ice cream and yogurt. Class III includes milk used for making hard cheeses while Class IV milk is used to make butter and dry products such as non-fat dry milk.
Langworthy called for milk price reform in his legislation, the Dairy Pricing
Opportunity Act of 2023, and he got it included in the base text of last year’s Farm Bill, which advanced out of the House Agriculture Committee. The new Farm Bill stalled in negotiations on Capitol Hill and the existing bill had to be extended in December.
The new reform was brought up during a Farm Bill listening session hosted by Langworthy and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., in Chautauqua County on Sept. 6, 2023.
Greg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said Friday the final FMMO modernization plan “will provide a firmer footing and fairer milk pricing, which will help the dairy industry thrive for years to come.”
He thanked Langworthy for his “strong, effective
advocacy for enacting this change for dairy farmers.”
NY HAS DAIRY FARM GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reminds dairy farmers and cooperatives to apply for the Dairy Modernization Grant Program.
More than $21 million is available to help dairy farmers and agricultural marketing cooperatives expand on-farm milk storage capacity and support projects that will improve the transportation and storage of milk. Applications are being accepted through 3 p.m. Feb. 14.
The grant program was created in 2024 by the Hochul administration to provide support to New York’s dairy farmers and improve
dairy supply chain efficiency. Awarded projects ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 will help offset costs of technology and infrastructure improving storage solutions and avoiding the need for raw milk dumping.
The grant program is administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund — examples of eligible projects include the purchase/installation of milk storage tanks, including bulk tanks and milk silos; milk tankers for transport; milk pipelines; upgraded glycol chillers; and farm milk loading systems. Details regarding project eligibility and directions to submit applications can be found at ffgrowthfund.org/ dairymodernization.
A new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is also available: ffgrowthfund.org/_ files/ugd/bf84f0_59 14119d38e04876927 50351ef125b25.pdf
New York state has roughly 3,000 dairy farms that produce more than 15 billion pounds of milk annually. Hochul’s office noted that the dairy industry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the state’s economy by generating nearly half of the state’s total agricultural receipts and providing some of the highest economic multipliers.
File photo Dairy
Tips to avoid exercise injuries after age 50
Exercise is a necessary component of good health.
Physical activity improves overall well-being and can help a person maintain a healthy weight and bone density while improving flexibility and muscle strength. It is essential that people continue to exercise into their golden years for all of the reasons mentioned above. But adults age 50 and older should find an exercise program that won’t make them vulnerable to injury.
AARP and the Consumer Product Safety Commission says exercise-related visits to the emergency room surpassed 107,000 for those aged 50 and older in 2020. That figure was even smaller than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic being in effect. Poor form
when exercising can be worse for an older adult than doing no exercise at all, particularly for people with arthritis or preexisting conditions. Older adults can keep these tips in mind to avoid exercise-related injuries.
• Ease into exercise. It is good to be excited about exercise, but jumping in too quickly or intensely is a recipe for injury. This is particularly true in strength training when lifting too much weight can cause injuries like rotator cuff tears and lower back strain.
• Stretch regularly. Johns Hopkins Medicine says as a body ages, tendons get thicker and less elastic.
Stretching can help counter this occurrence and help prevent injuries at age 50 or older.
Stretching should be done slowly and smoothly. Do not force stretches or speed through them.
• Incorporate strength training. It is important to prevent muscle atrophy as you age, and strength training can help achieve that. Strength training also helps reduce the risk
of bone fractures later in life. However, start slowly at minimal weight and low repetitions, and gradually build up. Try 10 to 12 repetitions to start. Work with a qualified physical therapist or personal trainer to learn the proper form.
• Warm up before
exercise. Warming up involves slow motions to acclimate the body to exercise. It may include walking and other fullbody movements. As opposed to stretching, a warm-up involves movements similar to the workout but done more slowly. Warm-ups increase
blood flow to the muscles and improve tissue elasticity, says AARP.
• Vary your activities. Switch up the exercises you do so that you focus on different muscle groups on alternating days. This can help avoid overuse injuries that occur from working one part of the body or muscle group too frequently, according to Intermountain Health.
• Invest in good shoes. Choose workout footwear that is comfortable, supportive and designed for the activity you will be doing. Shop for athletic footwear in the afternoon to account for foot swelling.
Older adults need to take extra precautions to avoid injuries while staying fit.
BY JIM ECKSTROM
Ashley Smith, the Cattaraugus County attorney, declares run for district attorney
LITTLE VALLEY
Allegany resident Ashley Smith, the Cattaraugus County attorney, a Republican and experienced litigator, launched her campaign for district attorney on Jan. 15.
Smith, a lifelong resident of Cattaraugus County, is seeking the GOP nomination to run for the post currently held by 15-year DA Lori P. Rieman, who will not seek re-election.
“We need principled Republican leadership in the District Attorney’s Office for the next four years and beyond,” Smith said in announcing her candidacy. “I’m running on a platform of law and order that prioritizes the rights of crime victims and law-abiding citizens.”
She said she’ll stand against “flawed Democrat policies like bail reform that coddle criminals instead of delivering justice.”
Smith is the second attorney in the county to announce a run for the office as a Republican — Preston Marshall, an assistant Cattaraugus County public defender and former assistant DA, announced Jan. 6 his intent to run for the seat.
The primary election is slated for June 24, while the general election will be held Nov. 4.
Mark Heberling, chairman of the county’s Republican Committee, said Jan. 15 that members will be looking at the credentials of candidates and that it is too soon to comment on the race.
As an experienced trial attorney, Smith said she’s ready to step into the DA role “on day one.”
“One of my top priorities will be tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, which has devastated families across and throughout the Southern Tier,” she said. “I’ll aggressively prosecute dangerous drug dealers who peddle poison while finding alternative solutions for addicts who are willing to put in the work to get better and become productive members of society.”
Since 2020, Smith has served as Cattaraugus County attorney following her unanimous appointment by the County Legislature. She said, in this role, she has prosecuted cases involving neglect and abuse, family offenses, juvenile delinquency and other matters. She also handles civil cases on behalf of the county, serves as legal counsel to
the Legislature in Little Valley and 24 county departments, supervises a staff of 14, and manages a $1.5 million office budget. Prior to being promoted to her current role, Smith served as first assistant social services attorney, handling cases involving child protective services, abuse and neglect, custody, child support and adult protection. Earlier in her career, Smith worked in private legal practice at Bly, Sheffield, Bargar & Pillittieri in Jamestown. She was elected the Leon town justice and served as municipal attorney for
the city of Salamanca, the towns of Napoli and New Albion, and the village of Cattaraugus. She has also served on the New York State Attorney for the Children Panel and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Jamestown Bar Association, and Cattaraugus County Bar Association.
Smith said she has prioritized giving back to communities throughout her life and career. She has volunteered on the YWCA of Jamestown Board of Directors,
The facts about insulation and home efficiency
Insulation can go a long way toward making a home more comfortable. Insulation reduces the transfer of heat from indoors and outdoors so homes stay more comfortable in both the winter and summer. Insulation also can block exterior noise. A properly insulated home is a must, particularly in the wake of rising energy costs. Insulation will help a home be more energy efficient. Insulation is easily taken for granted. The following are some facts about insulation and home efficiency that illustrate how much homeowners can benefit from upgrading their insulation.
• Insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam.
• Unless damaged, insulation lasts for the life of the building. Some settling of insulation may occur, particularly with loosefill type insulation, and gaps can be filled in.
• During the Middle Ages, walls of homes were stuffed with straw and mud to help keep out the cold. It is one of the first documented types of insulation.
• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulation saves more than 600 times more energy each year than compact fluorescent lights, Energy Star Appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.
• For every Btu consumed in the production of insulation each year, 12 Btus are saved by the use of insulation, says A+
Insulation of Kansas City. • An insulating material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. An insulation contractor can let a homeowner know how much insulation and what R-value is recommended for his or her climate.
• Manufacturers continue to experiment with insulation materials. Environmentally friendly options include recycled cotton denim, paper or plant cellulose, and sheep’s wool.
• Large pieces of insulation are called batts. Traditionally they are made from pink fiberglass, which is extremely fine woven glass. It’s important
realize fiberglass insulation can release small particles or fibers in the air when disturbed, so respiratory protection and gloves should be used when handling to reduce risk of irritation.
is a key investment in home comfort and efficiency.
coached high school mock trials at Panama Central School, and assisted indigent community members at Southern Tier Legal Services.
Additionally, she cited her well-known status in the area Republican Party, as a member of the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee and president of the Cattaraugus County Republican Women’s Club.
“I won’t apologize for being a lifelong conservative Republican,” she said. “Principles and values matter — especially when it comes to how prosecutors
approach their cases. Voters won’t have to guess where I stand on the issues. I’ll be tough on crime and will work hard every day to put dangerous criminals in prison, where they belong.”
The mother of four, Smith is a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School, Gannon University of Erie, Pa., and Thomas M. Cooley Law School of Lansing, Mich.
A former Democrat, Marshall, of Randolph, is a U.S. Navy veteran of the nuclear submarine service and spent nearly 15 years as an assistant Cattaraugus County district attorney before working for the public defender’s office. Rieman, elected to a fourth four-year term in November 2021, was first elected in 2009, defeating incumbent Democrat Edward Sharkey and becoming the first woman to serve as district attorney in the county’s history.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee’s law school, she had previously worked as assistant district attorney for eight years under Sharkey.
Busy with a trial on Jan. 15, Rieman confirmed to the Press that she is indeed serving her last term, but she could not comment.
Photo provided Ashley Smith, the Cattaraugus County attorney, announces she is running for the district attorney post.