Chautauqua County Community Source 3/24/23

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush Burning Prohibition Began March 16 Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

(DEC) Commissioner Basil

Seggos today announced

the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14.

Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

"This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring," Commissioner Seggos said. " This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires. We're encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire."

Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State.

When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY 4-H YOUTH SPEAK UP AT PUBLIC PRESENTATION DAY

Local youth take part in annual public speaking contest.

BY LISETTE CABRERA

Jamestown, NEW YORK

(March 21, 2023) -- Cornell

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYSRANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report environmental law violations, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).

Master Gardener Helpdesk Returns for the 2023 Growing Season

-BY MASTER GARDENER, PEG HITE

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (March 15, 2023)

-- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Master Gardener Program is excited to announce the Master Gardener Help Desk reopens April 5th for the 2023 gardening season!

Chautauqua County

Master Gardeners are ready to help with your gardening questions, plant or animal identification or other gardening issues.

Bring your questions to the Help Line by telephone, e-mail or walk in on Wednesdays Noon to 2PM, starting April 5th and continuing every Wednesday during the growing season. Our garden experts will review your request and set you in the right direction. Also, as an extra bonus if you bring in a soil sample our garden team will test for pH! pH is important for the adsorption of nutrients in your soil. Master Gardener services are free.

Contact us on 716/6649502 extension 224, e-mail us at chautauquamg@ cornell.edu or visit us at the JCC Carnahan Center; 525 Falconer Street; P.O. Box 20; Jamestown, NY 14702-0020, during helpline hours. The "GPS friendly address is 241 James Ave; Jamestown,

Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a two-day Public Presentation contest at Jamestown Community College on March 4, 2023 and March 6, 2023. Over the course of two days, 65 youth ages 5-18 stepped up to the challenge and gave presentations on topics ranging from “The Wonderful Honeybee” and the “History of Lego” to “African Swine Fever”. Presentation styles included demonstration, illustrated talk, speech, dramatic interpretation, and recitation.

The presentation contest is designed to challenge 4-H’ers skills and knowledge of giving a public presentation while also recognizing their abilities. Public speaking aligns with the New York State 4-H Youth Development values that promote the development of skills that help young people succeed in higher education, their chosen career path, and as members of their families and communities. This contest provides an opportunity for 4-H'ers to develop and practice communication skills, build self-confidence, enhance knowledge in a selected subject matter area, and share information with others. Teams of volunteer evaluators provide feedback to the youth. After each presentation youth meet with their evaluators to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation.

Youth who gave exceptional presentations were selected to participate at the Western District Public Presentation Day contest

at the Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg, NY on March 25th. This year Abigail Carlberg, Anna Carlberg, Kendall Eckman, Hannah George, Mackenzy Graziano, Liam Griffith, Angel Heppner, Esther Knappenberger, Adam Lesch, and Garrett Lesch were selected to participate at the Western District level with Madalyn Reading and Logan Ellsworth selected as alternates. Youth that excel in presenting at the Western District level may become eligible to move onto experiences and competitions with other 4-H’ers from the state who have also excelled in public speaking.

Chautauqua County 4-H youth members have other opportunities to give presentations at their club and animal projects as well as at the 4-H Youth Building at the Chautauqua County Fair.

Public speaking is not something most people typically enjoy. We commend and congratulate all who stepped up to the challenge to prepare and present their topics on Public Presentation Day!

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered

by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell. edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

CCHD ANNOUNCES AN UPCOMING ANIMAL RABIES IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

NY" look for the RED Cornell Signs.

The Master Gardener Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www. cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: --

The Chautauqua County Health Department has announced a free rabies vaccination clinic to be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023. This clinic will take place from 10 am to 12 pm at the Village of Falconer Highway Building at 1 Coleson Drive in Falconer, N.Y. The clinic will be a drive-in clinic and animals must be pre-registered to receive vaccinations. Vaccinations will be provided free of charge to all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older. Distemper shots and/ or Microchips will also be available, at no cost. #VaccinatedandLoved

The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) and the Chautauqua County Health Department will co-sponsor the event.

You must pre-register online at: https://on.ny.gov

/3JGULTa

There are a limited number of spots available at the clinic, so pet owners should pre-register online as soon as possible. If you register but decide not to attend the event, please cancel your appointment so the spot is available for another pet. You can cancel appointments via the confirmation email you receive when you register or call CCHD at (716) 753-4567. Walk-ins may not be accepted.

At the clinic, vehicles

will enter from South Work St. onto Coleson Dr. near the front of Tops Markets. Pet owners will stay in their vehicles with their pets. Pet owners must bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm previous rabies vaccination records. All dogs must be on a leash. All cats must be in a carrier. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.

New York State Public Health Law requires each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. County residents are encouraged to be responsible pet owners by having their pets vaccinated. Rabies is a very serious disease of warm-blooded animals caused by a virus.

Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common disease carriers. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through saliva and it can enter the body from a bite, scratch,

scrape or open cut. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and can cause brain swelling and ultimately death within days of the onset of symptoms.

For more information about the clinic and rabies in general, visit www.chqgov.com/ environmental-health/ rabies-prevention or contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 7534481.

Photo Submitted

Mackenzy Graziano poses as she prepares to deliver a speech on the topic of “Challenges Facing Agriculture Education” at the annual 4-H Presentation Day.

Photo Submitted

Pictured above, a veterinarian administering a vaccination.

New York State Integrated Pest Management Program Names

New Coordinator

-BY EMILY REYNOLDS

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (March 21, 2023)

-- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s partner, the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Germán Vargas as its first grape IPM coordinator.

As a part of the third largest wine-producing state in the nation, New York grape growers work nearly 35,000 acres, producing 128,000 tons of juice grapes, 57,000 tons of wine grapes, and 2,000 tons of table grapes each year. In the new role, Vargas will grow and sustain the state’s booming grape industry by working collaboratively, across disciplines, and with a variety of stakeholders to develop, demonstrate and guide IPM implementation efforts.

“The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program has long offered research, extension, outreach, and practical guidance to the grape industry, and we are tremendously grateful to state officials for supporting a position dedicated to serving wine growers and producers statewide,” Calixto said.

“We are tremendously excited to welcome Germán to the NYSIPM team and know he will be an incredible asset to our team and the Empire State grape industry.”

A native of Colombia, Vargas is an awardwinning entomologist with over 40 publications including peer-reviewed and extension. He has a Ph.D. from Kansas State University and most recently served as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Florida’s Tropical Research and Education Center, where he worked to develop a comprehensive, integrated pest management plan for the hibiscus bud weevil.

Signs of winter lawn damage

Vargas’ position will be based out of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory in Portland, NY, beginning June 20, 2023. CCE Chautauqua Executive Director, Emily Reynolds is pleased to have such expertise available here in our county. The Lake Erie Regional Grape team and research specialist located in Portland, the heart of concord grape belt, provide the county and the state with exceptional resources and producer support. “We are exceedingly excited to welcome Germán and his family to Chautauqua County and look forward to his participation and collaboration with our regional team.”

The IPM Program is one of many partnering organizations of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua).

CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments.

As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/ chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Around Town

Dunkirk Soccer Teams to Hold Fundraiser Dinner

The Dunkirk High School Boys and Girls Soccer Teams will be holding a Spanish dinner fundraiser on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 3:30-6pm at the High School. Tickets are available pre-sale only for $12 and include Spanish rice with pigeon peas, pork, macaroni salad and a soda. To purchase tickets, contact Coach Meadows at zmeadows@g. dunkirkcsd.org or any soccer player.

Mother Nature can be harsh on a lawn, and it’s up to homeowners to nurse their lawns back to health after they endure the elements. That’s often the case when winter ends and homeowners uncover signs of damage to their lawns.

Homeowners cannot begin to repair winter lawn damage until they learn to identify it, and the following are some telltale signs that winter took a harsh toll on a landscape.

• Wilted grass: Many things can cause grass to wilt over the course of winter, so homeowners may have to put on their sleuth’s cap to determine why grass that was healthy as recently as late fall is now wilted as the spring bloom begins. Grass that’s adjacent to walkways and driveways might have wilted due to the application of deicing solutions. Such products can prevent the formation of ice on driveways and walkways. However, when they’re tracked onto the grass by people or animals or blown there by winter winds, grass can wilt. A deep watering in spring can flush any lingering solution from the lawn. In future winters, homeowners can be as careful as possible when applying de-icing solutions, making a concerted effort to avoid spreading any onto the grass and limited applications to areas of the driveway and walkways that are not close to the grass.

• Brown patches: The National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that brown patches in a lawn

Holy

often develop after heavy snowfall. Such patches tend to develop where large piles of shoveled snow were deposited, so homeowners can inspect alongside driveways and walkways. The NALP advises homeowners to rake away part of the brown patches first. If green tissue is emerging beneath, then the lawn will likely be fine in due time. However, if the area beneath is not green and surrounding areas are already turning green, homeowners may need to rake up dead tissue before applying topsoil to the affected spots. Once topsoil is spread, some grass seed can be spread and the grass should regain its green glory.

• Gray or pink grass: Another indicator of winter lawn damage linked to snow is gray or pink grass. The NALP reports that this is a byproduct of snow mold caused by lingering snow. Action may be unnecessary, as the NALP notes these circular patterns often go away on their own. If not, raking the affected areas might be enough to get the lawn on the road to recovery. If the issue continues to linger after raking, a topsoil application and subsequent seeding may be necessary. These are three common signs of winter lawn damage in areas where snowfall is significant during the coldest months of the year. Homeowners concerned about their damaged lawns are urged to contact a local landscape professional to correct any issues that linger into spring.

Trinity Church Presents Stations of the Cross

Friday, March 31st 7pm, Holy Trinity Church will present its Stations of the Cross with live music and reflection from a modern perspective inside the candlelit church. This inspiring event combines the traditional stations with contemporary songs and a short reflection connecting Christ’s final journey to the Cross with the challenges we face each day in our world. Sixteen contemporary songs by artists such as Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, Josh Groban, Eric Clapton, Our Lady Peace and others follow each station and reflection. The songs are performed live by Holy Trinity’s own talented musicians and vocalists. The music brings out the human emotion of each station in Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. This is the nineteenth year of the presentation. Each year, reflections are updated to bring a fresh perspective to the event. Five musicians and vocalists make the music come alive. The group consists of Christina Donovan, flute, bass guitar, cello, violin and vocals; Tom Donovan, lead vocals; Evonne Hennebery, keyboard; Marie Sedota, guitar, violin, and vocals; and Nick Siracuse,

BMA Parish to Hold Stations for the Cross for Youth

Blessed Mary Angela Parish will be holding their annual Stations of the Cross geared towards youth from kindergarten to high school on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 7pm at the church of St. Hyacinth on Lakeshore Drive East in Dunkirk. This annual tradition focuses on teaching the stations in a format that young people can understand and participate in. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call or text Lori Felt at (716)785-8831.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY ETHICS BOARD TO MEET ON MARCH 29

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: -- The Chautauqua County Ethics Board will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 2 p.m. in Room 331 of the Gerace Office Building, 3 N. Erie St. in Mayville, N.Y. Current members of the board are John Hamels, Diane Hannum, John Marengo, and Stephanie Stevens. For more information or a meeting agenda, please contact the Ethics Board Liaison at (716) 753-4120 or visit chqgov.com/county-executive/Ethics-Board .

County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board to Meet

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board to Meet on April 4. JAMESTOWN, N.Y.: -- The Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will be holding a meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The meeting will be held in Room 333 of the Gerace Office Building, 3 North Erie Street, Mayville, N.Y. The public will be able to fully observe the videoconference meeting by going to the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86724117686?pwd=WTg1eXE1VlhlSUJ6LzZ1SEhUYW5MZz09 If you should have questions regarding this meeting, please contact Lauren Sharp at the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development at sharpl@chqgov.com.

drums. Past attendees have called this event “…beautiful! Amazing singers and musicians, and so reverent.” Others have reported that “…I’ve gone every year for the last several, and wouldn’t miss it for anything. It sends shivers down my spine. A moving and prayerful experience. I would urge everyone not to miss this!” Still others said “… when I attended last year, a few months after losing my husband, I was deeply moved and my tears freely flowed in the darkened church. I attended again this year and was equally touched and inspired. Thank you for a program that bridges denominations and speaks to the heart.” Come and experience Stations of the Cross as you have never experienced it before. This event is free and open to everyone of all ages and faiths. Holy Trinity is located 1032 Central Avenue in Dunkirk. For more info call the Holy Trinity parish office at 716-366-2306, visit the website at holytrinitydunkirk. com, or email allarewelcome@ holytrinitydunkirk.com

Mobile Food Pantry

Last Tuesday of Every Month. March 28, 2023; 11:00am - 1:00pm.

Location: Silver Creek Fire Department 172 Central Avenue, Silver Creek. Receive a food box filled with nutritional items for you and your family. Drive-up pickup is strongly encouraged. Call 716-9343240 with questions.

Did You Know?

A good joke can liven up any social engagement, but the value of humor goes well beyond breaking the ice at parties and other get-togethers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, laughter can activate the parasympathetic nervous

system, which helps to lower heart rate and help people breathe more easily. Given such benefits, it's no surprise that laughter has been linked to a host of medical benefits, including stress relief and improved heart health.

Plan ahead for an ‘eggceptional’ Easter egg hunt

Tips to pick the right time to retire

Easter is steeped in both religious and secular traditions. Each year on Easter Sunday, many families feast on ham or lamb. Hot cross buns may be served as morning treats. And faithful Christians may dress up in their Sunday best to attend religious services.

Easter egg hunts are another time-honored component of this festive occasion. According to History.com, the Easter bunny and his eggs may initially have been derived from stories about an egglaying hare introduced to Americans by German settlers during the 1700s. Children would make nests and the hare would leave behind colored eggs.

Children often relish in the idea of scouring their homes and yards in search of brightly-hued plastic or hard-boiled eggs. A little planning on the part of Easter egg hunt organizers can make this festive tradition even more fun.

• Set the date: If Easter egg hunts are more than just family affairs and involve neighborhood searches or hunts with a close knit group of friends, it may be smart to schedule in the days before Easter. This helps ensure that a good crowd will be available. Hunts on Easter itself may not get as many participants because celebrants could be at church or celebrating privately.

• Gather supplies early.

Easter decorations and plastic eggs sell out rather quickly, so it’s wise to stock up on items as soon as they reach store shelves. If you’ll be using real eggs, consider boiling and coloring the eggs a week before the egg hunt so you won’t feel a time crunch. Simply store the dyed eggs in the refrigerator until ready for use. Color around six to 12 eggs per participant.

• Designate a search area. Aim for a relatively private spot for the egg hunt. A park may seem like a good idea, but people who were not included in the egg count could wander in. If you use a public space, rope off an area where the eggs will be

hidden. In addition, have a backup plan if the weather will not cooperate. School gymnasiums, libraries or church recreational centers are some potential indoor options.

• Have pails at the ready. Some children will forget to bring a basket. Therefore, have extra, inexpensive pails or buckets on hand. Sturdy gift bags also work in a pinch.

• Keep ages in mind when hiding eggs. Avoid choosing hiding spots that can be dangerous or prove too difficult for kids to find the eggs. Prior to hiding eggs, count how many you have, which will help to ensure all eggs were actually collected later on. Next, identify hiding spots that will work for various ages. For example, toddlers will need conspicuous spots and older children more challenging nooks and crannies. A map of where every egg is hidden can help as well. Real eggs may not matter outdoors since wildlife could simply dine on any undiscovered eggs. However, plastic eggs are not good for the environment and every attempt should be made to collect them all.

• Send children out in stages. Let the youngest kids go first, and then group each search team by ascending age. This helps make sure the older kids won’t simply snatch up the more easily found eggs.

• Reward with prizes. Be sure each child has some sort of takeaway prize. However, it’s fine to reward the best egg hunter with a more substantial prize.

• Gather and celebrate. Encourage guests to bring a small dish to contribute. After the hunt, everyone can gather to enjoy some refreshments.

The role of nature in home design in the years ahead

Outdoor living spaces were prioritized during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public gatherings were greatly limited and individuals were urged to stay home as much as possible. Such demands have had a ripple effect on various industries, including home design. According to a survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute in collaboration with Pro Builder, 58 percent of the more than 300 residential architects, designers and design-minded builders who participated said connection to the outdoors/ nature will be an important influence on their design choices in the years to come.

In addition, 45 percent of respondents indicated increased attention will be afforded to

Professionals work hard to achieve both short- and long-term goals. Retirement certainly qualifies as a long-term goal, and many people spend decades building and investing in a nest egg that they hope will help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest extent.

The decision regarding when to retire is affected by a host of variables, so what’s a good time for one individual may not be ideal for another. However, professionals on the cusp of retirement can consider these tips as they try to pick the right time to retire.

• Consider age-related benefits. Both the United States and Canada feature government-sponsored retirement income programs and it behooves individuals to familiarize themselves with the rules of those programs so they can maximize their benefits. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) allows individuals to begin receiving full CPP benefits at age 65, but they also can get a permanently reduced amount the moment they turn 60. The CPP also allows people to receive a permanent increase if they wait until turning 70 to receive payment.

Similar age-related rules govern the Social Security benefits program in the United States, where individuals can begin claiming benefits at age 62, though those benefits will be reduced by 25 percent. If individuals wait until they’re 66 or, in some cases, 67, to claim Social Security benefits, they will receive their full benefits.

The Social Security Administration notes that those who can wait until age 70 to claim benefits will receive as much as 132 percent of the monthly benefit they would have received at full retirement age. These distinctions are significant, especially for

people who will be looking to government-sponsored programs to provide significant financial support in retirement. Individuals who won’t rely as heavily on such programs may be able to retire earlier.

• Pay off your debts. Carrying debt into retirement can be risky. In general, it’s ideal to pay off all debts, including a mortgage and car payment, before retiring. Doing so can provide more financial flexibility and make it easier to manage unforeseen expenses, such as those incurred due to health problems.

• Consider your retirement living expenses. It goes without saying that a sizable nest egg will be a necessity for anyone hoping to live comfortably in retirement. But the tricky part is figuring just how big a nest egg might need to be. In such instances, individuals can speak with a financial advisor and discuss what their retirement living expenses will be. Conventional wisdom based on the Consumer Price Index suggests individuals will need to replace between 70 and 80 percent of their pre-retirement income after calling it a career. But even that figure is not set in stone, as rising inflation, such as the rapid spike experienced in 2022, can quickly put retirees in financial jeopardy. By estimating the expenses they might have in retirement, individuals can begin to see just how close or far away from retirement they may be. Budget for inflation so any spike in living expenses can be easier to manage.

Many individuals recognize that there’s no perfect time to retire. But a few simple strategies can help professionals make the best decision possible.

Did You Know?

outdoor entertaining spaces.

So what might the outdoor spaces of homes built in the not-so-distant future look like?

Respondents to the survey anticipated a growing demand for various built-in outdoor features, including:

• Firepits or fireplaces

• Outdoor kitchens

• Gazebos or pergolas

• Pools

• Spas or hot tubs Though trends and consumer demands are ever-shifting, architects and designers are anticipating that future homeowners will want more developed outdoor living spaces and greater access to nature, which is something current homeowners can keep in mind when renovating their properties.

Arms

Veterinarians and rescue organizations repeatedly stress the significance of having pets spayed or neutered. This process, which is a relatively minor procedure with an excellent recovery rate, renders the animals sterile so that they cannot reproduce. Many animal shelters will not even allow people to adopt pets before the dogs and cats have undergone the spay or neuter surgery. Prospective pet owners may wonder just why spaying and neutering is so important. Here are a few reasons.

• Increased longevity: A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals’ database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer and spayed female dogs lived 23 percent longer, while spayed female cats in the study lived 39 percent longer and neutered male

cats lived 62 percent longer.

• Curbs unwanted behaviors: Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors.

• Prevents litters: Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can result in these animals being placed in shelters or humanely euthanized.

• May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. Undergoing the spaying and neutering process increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs. There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.

Spaghetti has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. While spaghetti is most often associated with Italy, pasta has deep ties to other Mediterranean nations like Greece, and several territories of the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula. In fact, centuries ago dry durable pasta was one of the main sources of nutrition for Arab traders, including those who landed in Sicily.

The flavor profile of spaghetti can change significantly depending on which ingredients are added. Cooks needn’t feel beholden to the standard “spaghetti and meatballs” recipe. “Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill,” for example, may take its inspiration from Greek cooking. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertainment) from the editors of Real Simple.

Spaghetti with Shrimp, Feta and Dill

Serves 4

12 ounces spaghetti (3⁄4

box)

1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp Kosher salt and black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

3 ounces feta, crumbled (3⁄4 cup)

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and return it to the pot.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.

Add the shrimp mixture to the pasta, along with the feta, dill, the remaining 1⁄4 cup of oil, and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

Spaghetti is a versatile component in many meals

Jamestown Coin Club Spring Show, Sunday, March 26, at Celoron Legion

They will be buying, selling, and offering free appraisals of United States, ancient, and foreign coins. Coin supplies will also be available for purchase. If you have coins you want to

sell or trade or just learn their value, or if you would like to buy some coins to add to your collection, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Admission is free at the Celoron American Legion – Herman Kent Post 777 at 26 Jackson Avenue, just off Fairmount Avenue, in Jamestown/West Ellicott, N.Y.

Except for December, the Jamestown Coin Club meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of the month, also at the Legion. Doors open at 6 p.m. and meetings begin at 7 p.m.

These monthly get-togethers

Northwest Bank donates to COI

Kent Post 777 (Celoron) American Legion.

Habits that affect cognnitive health

Various changes to appearance and health are associated with aging. Issues such as diminished vision, waning muscle strength and gray hairs are among the more common and noticeable side effects of aging. Cognitive decline is another symptom often associated with aging, even if that needn’t be the case.

Certain lifestyle choices can protect against cognitive decline and dementias. While there is no surefire way to prevent dementias, here are some good habits for maintaining cognitive function well into your golden years.

Exercise frequently Harvard Health reports that exercise, in addition to the many other benefits it provides, may help improve cognitive function in people who have already experienced memory issues. Exercise may be particularly advantageous to people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which makes

people more susceptible to Alzheimer’s. Speak with a doctor about how much exercise is needed and what is safe for your age.

Enjoy video games

Playing a favorite video game may improve longterm cognitive function. Researchers at Cambridge Brain Sciences found study participants who played non-cognitivetraining video games were associated with better performance in several cognitive domains, but only for younger (age 18 to 64) participants. Cognitive training games, on the other hand, were not associated with any cognitive improvement.

Stay socially engaged

According to a study published in the journal Experimental Aging Research, seniors who have high levels of social engagement also have better cognitive function. Getting together with friends, participating in a club, attending religious studies, and any other

activity that gets you out with other people can help with cognitive function.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diverse array of healthy foods is beneficial. Nutritious diets can help reduce the risk for illnesses that may affect cognitive ability. Eating well also helps keep the brain healthy. A Mediterranean diet appears to lower the risk or slow the progression of dementia in people who have the condition.

Get help for sleep disorders

Lack of sleep can affect memory and learning. By getting help for sleep disorders, you may reduce your risk for cognitive issues. While it is not possible to prevent or cure cognitive conditions like dementias with lifestyle changes, certain behaviors can lower the risk of developing these illnesses or reduce their severity.

• Increased longevity: A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals’ database of 2.2 million dogs

and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer and spayed female dogs lived 23 percent longer, while spayed female cats in the study lived 39 percent longer and neutered male cats lived 62 percent longer.

• Curbs unwanted behaviors: Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors.

• Prevents litters: Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can

result in these animals being placed in shelters or humanely euthanized.

• May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. Undergoing the spaying and neutering process increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs.

There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or nocost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.

www.onetemplesquare.com

Diane Hewitt-Johnson, CEO of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., was

recently presented with a donation of $2,000 from Northwest Savings Bank

to support economic development activities.

Pictured are:  Alexandra Schosek, Michelle Jones and Diane Hewitt-Johnson