Randolph’s Shawley named NYS Dairy Ambassador
The
American Dairy Association
North East has named Olivia Shawley the 2025–26 New York State Dairy Ambassador.
As the state Dairy Ambassador, the Randolph native will serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land to produce a sustainable product and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York state economy.
Shawley will also receive a $2,000 scholarship and an internship opportunity with the American Dairy Association North East (ADANE).
The ambassadorship announcement was made Feb. 15 during a ceremony at Craftsman Inn & Suites in Fayetteville. Addison Brown of Onondaga County was named first Associate Ambassador, and Serenity Conklin of Chemung County was selected as second Associate Ambassador. They will receive a $1,500 scholarship and $1,000 scholarship, respectively. Both will assist the new dairy ambassador with training, appearances and other duties. Shawley, Brown and Conklin were selected based
on their communication skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence in young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry. The ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Individuals will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADANE promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
LOCAL REPRESENTATION
Shawley is the 62nd dairy promoter selected to represent New York state’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. Her appointment marks the end of the yearlong term of Evelyn Kersmanc of Otsego County. According to an article in the July 28, 1966, edition of The North Countryman, Peggy Bockmier of Allegany was the State Dairy Princess in 1966 and the first to be selected for the state title from Cattaraugus County. Shawley said this was her first time running for the state title.
Shawley was the Cattaraugus County Dairy Ambassador for two consecutive years from 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Julie Rublee, and plans to show at the Cattaraugus County fair this summer.
Shawley said being a member of the FFA and 4-H has influenced her desire to represent the dairy industry and to also pursue a career in the agricultural field.
“I’ve gained a huge respect for farmers, agriculturists and agriculture in general through 4-H and FFA,” she said. “Being a member of the clubs has definitely made me realize that a career in agriculture is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I’ll help put food on the table and be there to support farmers.”
FUTURE AG PLANS
Shawley said her grandparents’ dairy farm influenced her career decision as well because she has spent almost every weekend of her life at their farm.
Last year, she decided to compete for the state title.
“At first, I was just trying to learn the ropes and I felt content within my county,” she told the Press in a recent interview. “Last year, I realized how much I like doing this and I wanted to take on a bigger, more involved role, so I decided to run.”
Shawley is the daughter of Scott and Melissa Shawley of Randolph. She has a younger sister, Addyson, who has also been a participant in the Dairy Ambassador program.
SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
The 17-year-old will be entering her senior year at Randolph Central School in the fall. She’s a member of the FFA, plays varsity volleyball and is on the travel volleyball team. As a member of the FFA, Shawley participates in the club’s dairy judging competitions. She attended an FFA leadership event in Albany last fall to promote youth education in agriculture. Shawley is also an active member of the local Variety Pack 4-H Club. In March 2023, she won the New York Holstein Calf Scholarship and was awarded a red and white Holstein calf. She placed 12th overall in the state 4-H dairy judging, which earned her a spot to judge at the AllAmerican Dairy Show last September in Harrisburg. She is raising a Holstein heifer and a Boer goat that are kept at the farm of her grandparents, Dana and
The basics of basement conversion projects
Space
sought-after commodity in real estate.
Buyers prioritize numerous variables when searching for a new home, and square footage is often near the top of their lists. The real estate market has been highly competitive in recent years, and home prices have remained high as a result. That reality has prompted some current homeowners who feel they have outgrown their homes to look for ways to increase the usable space in their existing properties. Basement conversions are one way to add more space.
Homeowners mulling a basement conversion project can learn the basics of the project as they try to determine if such renovations are right for them.
• Basement conversion projects can be costly. Though the final cost of a conversion project can vary widely depending on the condition and accessibility of the existing space, estimates range from around $45,000 to as much as $150,000. The home renovation experts at Angi. com note that the average price for excavation is $37,000. Of course, homeowners who are simply hoping to repurpose an existing basement likely won’t need to pay for excavation. Accessibility is another notable variable that can affect the final cost. If the current space is a crawl space, potentially costly structural changes may be necessary to ensure contractors and eventually residents can access the area. Basements that are already easily accessible won’t require such expenditures.
• Ventilation is a must. Finished basements must be adequately ventilated so moisture can be controlled. Without sufficient ventilation, the damp conditions common in many basements can foster the growth of mold.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that inhaled mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, potentially leading to runny nose, postnasal drip, red and watery eyes, and itchy eyes, nose, ears, and mouth, among other symptoms. Waterproofing systems and adequate ventilation can prevent mold growth in a basement, and these should be integral components of the design.
• Permits are part of the process. Basement conversions
are considered major projects, and thus typically require homeowners and contractors to secure permits before any work is done. Permits may be necessary at various stages of the project. Homeowners who ignore laws regarding permits will have trouble selling their homes down the road, as it can be difficult if not impossible to secure a certificate of occupancy if renovations were made without securing the proper permits. In addition, securing necessary permits for each phase of the project can ensure final approval of the project. If permits are not secured along the way, local officials may insist work be redone to adhere to local laws, which can make the project even more costly.
• Basement conversions take time. The time a project takes will depend on the condition of the space at the start of the project and various details unique to each conversion. However, various contractors indicate projects take about two to three months once they begin. That timeline does not include the pre-project process of finding a contractor, soliciting design plans or preparing the rest of the home for such a significant and lengthy undertaking.
Basement conversion
“I’ve learned so much from both my grandparents, and it has given me a sense of home being at the farm,” she said. “It kind of helped me decide that I want to help promote the dairy industry, be involved in it and choose a career in the field.”
Shawley said the ADANE internship will provide her with experience that will help her future in agriculture. She is currently touring colleges and is planning to major in dairy science, agricultural education or agricultural communication.
With about 3,000 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York state is a leader in dairy production in the United States. The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in New York and, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, ranks nationally
projects can add significant square footage to a home. Recognition of what such projects entail can help
homes.
Photo provided
Olivia Shawley of Randolph (center) has been named the 2025–26 New York State Dairy Ambassador. She is flanked by First Associate Dairy Ambassador Addison Brown (left), Onondaga County and Second Associate Dairy Ambassador Serenity Conklin, Chemung County.
always exciting to see what everyone comes up
vibes.
“The highlight of the weekend is the annual Mardi Gras Parade down Washington Street,” said Barb Pump, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which produces the event. “Many of our local businesses and organizations spend numerous hours getting creative and putting together marching groups and floats to enter into the parade. It’s
The Mardi Gras Parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. March 8 from Katy’s Cafe at 38 Washington St. and head west toward the Village Gazebo in front of the town hall.
“Mardi Gras Weekend always brings a great crowd of families, friends, locals and visitors,” said Pump. “And this year won’t be any different.”
Pump said past parades have featured an eclectic mix of fun and creativity, from Old Man
Winter and snow angels to Minions and playing cards. She said they’ve even seen a group dressed in life-size Solo party cups march down the street.
The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce reminds everyone that the Mardi Gras Parade is a family-friendly event. No alcohol is permitted in the parade, but candy and trinkets, such as bead necklaces, can be handed out to spectators. Marchers are asked not to throw items into the crowd.
For more information, visit ellicottvilleny.com or follow
CA BOCES names Ellicottville honor rolls for 2nd quarter
ELLICOTTVILLECattaraugus-Allegany BOCES recently announced its Career and Technical Education
High Honor and Honor rolls for the second quarter of the 2024–25 academic year from CTE Center in Ellicottville.
HIGH HONOR ROLL
Animal Science – Talon
Bramer, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Brystol Carder, Central Baptist; Emory Carder, Central Baptist; Amanda Griffis, Franklinville; Jaylyn Simmons, Pioneer.
Automotive Technology
– Noah Fuller, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Blaze GebauerAllen, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Jackson Hatch, Franklinville; Karson Heitman, West Valley; Braxton Hull, Pioneer; Ethan Jadlowski, Salamanca; Slater Smith, West Valley; Jack Tharnish, West Valley; Devin Windnagle, Pioneer. Cosmetology – Kyra Agen, Pioneer; Katie Briggs, Randolph; Cassidy Card, Pioneer; Britlin Fanning, Central Baptist; Taylor Fontaine, Pioneer; Payton Grizer, Pioneer; Ruby Guerin, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Shyann Harber, Ellicottville, Dominic Hill, Salamanca; Destiney Jimerson, Salamanca; Jada Ross, Franklinville; Natalie Schmidt, Pioneer; Sofia Sheldon, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Vililly Solat, Salamanca; Isabella Syracuse, Randolph; Kylie Unruh, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Maddison VanSickle, Randolph; Leah Wozniak, Pioneer.
Media Communications Technology – Chase Mazuryk, Franklinville.
Medical Assisting –Emma Barnes, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Caitlyn Lewis, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Mackenzy Neamon, Pioneer; Izabella Williams, Cattaraugus-Little Valley.
Natural Resources – Nicholas Hillman, Franklinville; Isaac Towne, Franklinville.
Criminal Justice –Savannah Beaudette, Pioneer; Connor Braley, Randolph; Broden Brooks, Randolph; Makenna Burrows, Randolph; Kristopher Curtis, Ellicottville; Saje Eschborn, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Alexis Hilliard, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Sterling James, Randolph; Patience Koch-Brauen, Franklinville; Josiah Lenahan, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Kiera Pasinski, Pioneer; Ahlyah Tatko, Pioneer; Dylan Wentz, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Maxen Woodin, Cattaraugus-Little Valley. Culinary Arts – Aiden Chase, Salamanca; Ella Owens, Pioneer; Cody Rogers, Pioneer; Liliana Toms, West Valley; Ethan Turner, Central Baptist; Jadon Virga, Central Baptist; Nickola Whitford, Randolph. Early Childhood – Abby Kranock, Salamanca; Tara Lovern, Randolph; Madison Smith, Pioneer. Early Entry CTE – David Dunn, Salamanca; Logan Dunn, Pioneer; Ivy Hackett, Pioneer; Jacob JohnsonDrain, Salamanca; Zachary Kwasnik, West Valley; Evan Lefort, Pioneer. Heavy Equipment Operations – Zane Gleason, Allegany/Limestone; David Keem, Pioneer; Trevin Lane, Franklinville; Barrett Minklein, Pioneer; Chase Nephew, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Derek Pritchard, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; William Slavinski, Franklinville; Caleb Wedge, Allegany/Limestone.
Power Equipment Technology – Jordan
Folts, Ellicottville; Carter Frentz, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Seth Whited, Cattaraugus-Little Valley.
HONOR ROLL
Animal Science – Payton Ehnes, West Valley; Trinity Garrey, Franklinville; Jaylyn Hastings, Pioneer; Natalie Stanier, West Valley.
Automotive Technology –Johnathin Bucklaew, Pioneer; Mark Felser, Franklinville; Chase Marshall, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Shawn McIntosh, Pioneer; Jack Morgenstern, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Anthony Murphy, Franklinville; Wyatt Neamon, Pioneer; Ethan Shearer, Randolph.
Carpentry and Construction Trades – Grady Byroads, Ellicottville; Zoey Kent, Franklinville; Cameron Mendell, Ellicottville.
Cosmetology – Serenity Armbruster, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Lani Eck, Pioneer; Makayla Morlock, Pioneer.
Criminal Justice – Hayden Andera, Ellicottville; Isabella Bertozzi, Pioneer; James Goff, Franklinville; Jordan Hall, West Valley; Connor Hardin, Randolph; Peyton McClune, Randolph; Jacoby Neureuther, Franklinville; Aliah Range, Franklinville; Abagayle Skeels, Salamanca; Madison Zimmer, Pioneer.
Culinary Arts – Wesley Abram-Hopkins, Central Baptist; Lehman Brown, Salamanca; Patrick Freedman, Franklinville; Amelia Freer, Franklinville; Damien Green, Salamanca; Emma Kaminski, Ellicottville; Aaron Lewis, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Michael Light, Salamanca; Kaleb Manzo, Franklinville; Hannah Nappo, Pioneer; Victoria Parish, West Valley; Kalob Sevenish, Randolph; Izabella Stevens, Salamanca; Madelynn
Winsor, West Valley.
Early Childhood – Norah Clayson, Salamanca; Maranda Emerling, Pioneer; Alyssa Hall, Springville G.I.; McKenzie Harvey, Cattaraugus-Little Valley; Madisen Hiller, Pioneer.
Early Entry – Cheyanne Frazier, Pioneer; Gordon Sullivan, Salamanca; Jacob Walker, Springville G.I.
Heavy Equipment Operations – Alyssa Ashworth, Pioneer; Tristan Hennard, Franklinville; Hunter Kehr, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Jaime Kuhn, Springville G.I.; Logan Marsh, Pioneer; Harleigh May, Pioneer; Anthony Morrison, Springville G.I.; Caden Perkins, Springville G.I.; Benjamin Seiflein, Cattaraugus-Little Valley. Media Communications Technology – Exzavior Bradley-Lyon, Pioneer; Alexis Jett, Central Baptist; Raymond Mitchell, Pioneer; Ayla Passage, Franklinville; Makayla Potter, Ellicottville. Medical Assisting –Savana Hubbard, Randolph; Summer Neumann, Franklinville; Chrisitan Sexton, Franklinville; Tyra Zasimowick, Franklinville. Natural Resources – Caleb DeGolier-Hurley, Ellicottville; Parker John, Ellicottville; Logan Klein, Pioneer; Devan Lanphere, Randolph; Hayden Phillips, Franklinville; Kyle Robinson, Ellicottville; Carter Smith, Ellicottville; Matthew Spittler, Franklinville; Zachary Vassar, Ellicottville. Power Equipment Technology – Patrick Andera, Ellicottville; Derik Schoepflin, West Valley; Regan Smith, Randolph; Dylan Swanson, CattaraugusLittle Valley; Hunter Woodarek, Ellicottville; Madisyn Winship, Cattaraugus-Little Valley.
WEST VALLEY
- West Valley Central School Principal Daniel Amodeo has announced the following students in grades 7-12 have been named to honor rolls for the second marking period of the 2024–25 school year.
High Honor Roll
Grade 7: Savannah Griffis, Nicholas Klahn, Dalton Otto and Lily Quinn.
Grade 8: Finley Ford-Grover.
Grade 9: Alayna Kinney.
Grade 10: Samantha Fisher.
Grade 12: Lemuel DiGiorgio, Magdalena Parish, Victoria Parish and Jack Tharnish.
Honor Roll Grade 7: John Atkinson, Jr., Lorelai Fish, Emily Gestwick, Braydan Mitchell and Connor Washburn.
Grade 8: Madison
Lawrence, Julienna Robbins, Delia Shoup and Abigail Tucker.
Grade 10: Noah Klahn, Isabella Mitchell and Elizabeth Winsor.
Grade 11: Payton Ehnes, Olivia Harmony, Abbigail Pinkowski, Annabelle Proseus and Liliana Toms.
Grade 12: Isabella Gibson, Joshua Kowalski, Hailey Robbins and Madelynn Winsor.
Merit Roll
Grade 7: KylieAnne Fleming, Skyler Fuller, Alexis Moss, Makayla Richardson, Cullen Shaw, Jr. and Gavin Ulinger.
Grade 8: Kolin Holstein.
Grade 9: Sebastian Froland and Karly Otto.
Grade 10: Scarlett Clarkson, Ezra Tingue and Kara Troutman.
Grade 11: Karson Heitman.
Grade 12: Emily Quinn, Addison Smith, Slater Smith and Natalie Stanier.
Modern cars have longer life expectancies than their predecessors. Consumer Reports indicates it’s not unheard of for modern vehicles to endure for 200,000 miles or more. For many, that equates to 12 to 15 years of usage. Even though many vehicles are built to have increased longevity, it often is up to the driver to do his or her part to ensure cars and trucks can last for years and years. Here are some daily steps vehicle owners can take to achieve longer life spans for their cars or trucks.
• Take it slow and steady. Athletes do not hit the ground running at top speed, and neither should a vehicle. Let the car gradually acclimate to being on the move each day after sitting overnight. Gently accelerate and afford the engine time to warm up and all of the components to get the fluids they require before you jump on the highway or require the vehicle to go all out. Most automotive experts warn against idling a car in the driveway to warm it up, but starting out at a slow and steady pace is key.
• Don’t be extreme. Jerky turns, gunning the gas and
braking hard lead to unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle. By smoothing out your driving, you’ll put less stress on mechanical components and help prevent them from wearing out prematurely.
• Clean it out daily. Accumulated debris often builds up inside a vehicle that is used all of the time. Taking a few minutes to clear out trash or to wipe down the interior each day will prolong the interior components, not to mention make it easier to do a more thorough detailing when the time comes.
• Find a trusty fuel station. Bad gas can wreak havoc on a vehicle. Find a station that you trust, particularly one that takes care of their pumps and regularly changes their pump filters. It’s worth it to spend a little more overall for good gas.
• Read your oil level. Oil is essential to maintain a properly operating engine and vehicle. AARP suggests routine reading of a car’s oil level so that you can add lubricant as necessary. While this might not be a daily task, doing
it regularly enough means you will keep on top of this important step.
• Park in the shade or a garage. The sun may feel good on a warm day, but the UV rays from the sun can take their toll on a vehicle’s paint. Whenever possible, park out of direct sunlight so that the paint will not fade and the interior upholstery will not bleach. Those who need to park their vehicles for an extended period of time should choose a clean, dry, well-ventilated location, advises Wawanesa Insurance.
• Be attentive. Listen to the sounds your vehicle is making and give it a visual inspection each time you get in or out of the car. The sooner you catch something that is out of the ordinary, the easier it becomes to fix problems before they become costly and damaging.
Vehicle owners can take steps each day to improve the longevity of their cars and trucks.
Pitt-Bradford featuring works of Seneca artist Penelope Minner
BY DEB EVERTS
BRADFORD, Pa.
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is currently featuring the works of renowned Seneca weaver Penelope Minner in a solo exhibition through March 20.
Titled “Weaving the Past Together for the Future,” the exhibit kicked off with an opening reception Feb. 6 in the KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall where Minner’s traditional and contemporary works are on display. The exhibit celebrating her heritage and creativity showcases her basketry as well as her cornhusk dolls that blend traditional roles with modern styles.
People attending the opening reception had the opportunity to meet Minner and hear firsthand about her passion for preserving traditional Seneca art forms while embracing contemporary influences.
“The art is an act of resistance in a way, saying, ‘We are still here.’
We are still practicing our art, we are still speaking our language and we are still living our culture,” she told the attendees.
Influenced by current events, Minner’s work explores humanity’s creation of a throwaway society with a focus on plastic manufacturing and the resulting environmental impact on future generations.
The single-use plastic bag, baby moccasins made from braided strands of grocery bags and stitched together with cotton thread are the same technique employed in traditional corn husk work.
“By making small changes, you can make a difference in our world, educate yourself and your family on how to reduce, reuse and recycle,” she said. “We don’t know how future generations will be affected by our reckless ways, but we can reduce our environmental footprint by being educated human beings.”
Minner is a traditional Seneca basket maker.
Just as generations before
her have practiced the age-old traditions and designs from long ago, she makes her baskets in the same way her ancestors did — by hand. She brings the legacy of her people to life through her black ash baskets and corn husk dolls. Every piece, woven with care and precision, reflects a story that honors her ancestors while embracing a vision for the future.
Her work masterfully blends traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, creating timeless pieces that speak to the heart and soul.
“It’s one art form that very few folks still practice in our area. Knowing this, I wanted to keep it from becoming a lost art,” she said.
“From splitting the ash to cleaning/scraping the ash and hand gauging the splints, I try to stay true to the older traditions of designs. But, I also add different elements to my designs to bring my own style to the works.”
The Native American basket-making tradition is becoming a lost art. Minner uses black ash splints for her baskets but, with the ash tree on the brink of extinction, her materials are becoming more and more scarce.
These days, she gets ash splints from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and as far away as Canada and Maine. Because black ash is becoming harder to find, she’s been downsizing to miniature and small baskets.
“I have tried using white ash, which is fairly brittle and the end result was not desirable,” she said. “Black ash has a quality of flexibility and durability that makes for a sturdy basket. Once split, the sheen is such a lovely natural feature.”
An enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, Minner was raised in Steamburg, N.Y., on the Allegany Territory. She and her husband, Aaron, reside in Salamanca, N.Y.
Minner said her cousin, the late Midge Dean Stock who was well-known in the region for her traditional baskets, encouraged and
influenced her art in many ways as she was growing up. With her many talents, beadwork, baskets, singing and storytelling, Stock was a font of knowledge. She said her cousin learned the art from Mohawk elder, Mary Adams. Inspired by her family, Minner said it gives her great satisfaction to share her knowledge with the public and within
the art community. It increases her passion for this art form.
People are familiar with Minner’s basketry and corn husk dolls across the country. Her pieces are showcased in numerous museums including the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, Iroquois Indian Museum, Fenimore Museum, New York State Museum and the Smithsonian’s
National Museum of the American Indian. Her works have also been featured at the Erie Art Museum; Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, N.Y.; Tompkins Center for History & Culture in Ithaca, N.Y.; Iroquois Museum, Howes Cave; and Eiteljorg Museum of
American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis. Admission to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit Pitt-Bradford’s arts calendar online at upb.pitt.edu. For more details about Minner, visit her website, penelopeminner.com.
Free chainsaw safety workshop March 15
ELLICOTTVILLE
- A chainsaw safety workshop will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County (CCE), 28 Parkside Drive. This class is ideal for beginner chainsaw users or as a refresher for seasoned users. Attendees are
welcome to bring their own chainsaws to learn about maintaining and upkeep of their equipment. The roughly twohour course covers basic saw maintenance, best ergonomics practices, kickback prevention, the safety elements of a modern saw, and proper use of personal protective
equipment (PPE).
Each participant can try on different PPE and safely start up, throttle up and turn off a chainsaw. This class uses demonstration, discussion and hands-on activities. There is no cutting in the class nor a PowerPoint presentation. This course is a collaboration between CCE and the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). There is no cost. Registration is strongly encouraged so sufficient space can be provided. Walk-ins are welcome. To register, call NYCAMH at 1-800-343-7527 or email chainsawsafety@bassett.org.
March Fun Facts About
March marks a turning point for many people each year. Perhaps because winter winds down and officially ends in mid-March, the month is easy to characterize as a turning point toward spring and all that entails, including warmer weather and additional hours of daylight. The vernal equinox is one of many interesting facts about the third month of the year.
1. March might mark the official return of spring, but the inspiration for its name is far less serene. According to Almanac.com, March is named for Mars, the Roman god of war. That might not jibe with modern impressions of March, but it makes sense from a historical perspective. That’s because military campaigns were once routinely suspended during the cold winter months. Upon the return of spring and the more favorable conditions it produced, military campaigns would start up again, thus making March an aptly named month.
2. Though presidential inaugurations in the United States are now held in January, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, March 4 was the official Inauguration Day until 1933, when the Twentieth Amendment was ratified and inaugurations were officially moved to January. Even George Washington, the first man to serve as President of the United States of America, was initially slated to be inaugurated on March 4. However, the Library of Congress notes that electoral ballots could not be counted as quickly as Congress anticipated, so the first inauguration was delayed until April 30, 1789. President Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the distinction of being the first American president to be inaugurated in January after he was sworn in on January 20, 1937.
3. March hosts one of the most beloved holidays across the globe, even though the day commemorates the patron saint of a small country in western Europe. St. Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean with a population of roughly seven million people. Despite that, World Population Review reports that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more than 200 countries each year on March 17. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is world-renowned, but the holiday is celebrated in other countries one might not immediately associate with Ireland and St. Patrick, such as Singapore, Russia and Japan.
4. College sports fans anxiously anticipate the arrival of March each year. That’s because the month marks the return of March Madness, a college basketball tradition that annually draws millions of fans to watch and/or attend games in the weeks long single-elimination NCAA Tournament that culminates with the national championship game. The origins of the phrase “March Madness” are not precisely known, though many historians trace the phrase to high school basketball in Indiana in the 1930s. Legendary broadcaster Brent Musburger is credited with associating the term with the NCAA Tournament in the 1980s.
Photo Provided Penelope Minner
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Photo Provided The exhibit “Weaving the Past Together for the Future,” celebrating Penelope Minner’s Seneca heritage and creativity, runs through March 20 at Pitt-Bradford’s KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall. Shown is a sampling of her handwoven ash baskets with exquisite beadwork.
