Chautauqua County Community Source 5/12/23

Saturday, May 20 is Audubon Annual Plant Exchange and Sale

Jamestown, N.Y. – Stop by the Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) 2023 Plant Exchange and Sale on Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and pick out some new plants for your garden.

You can trade your own potted plants in exchange for new ones or purchase plants outright. You will find a large number of native plants, as well as annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

There will also be a selection of local nurseries selling plants, including natives, as well as a Garden Treasures sale of gently used garden equipment and décor, tools, pots, and more. Vendors include Royal Fern Nursery, which sells native plants, and other local vendors.

The Plant Exchange is free to attend.

Volunteer Master Gardeners will be on hand to give advice at the advice table.

Bring your own potted plants to the plant trade-in table to trade them for tickets that can be used to buy more plants. Each ticket is worth a dollar toward plant purchases. Audubon reserves the right to reject invasive species, unpotted plants, those in poor condition, plants in multi-species pots or ones that seem to be infested with weeds or jumping worms.

Plants will be accepted for exchange until noon.

Due to the relatively recent appearance of invasive jumping worms in the region, all plants brought in for trade must be in sterile soil purchased from a store. Seeds must be grown in sterile soil. Plants must have their roots

washed clean of soil (and the invasive worm eggs that may be embedded) in order to be accepted for trade.

Audubon plants are sold for $2.50 per 4” pot, $5 per 6 - 8” pot and $10 per 10” pot.

Cash and checks are preferred for a smooth and easy check out, but credit cards will be accepted at the ACNC Reception Desk.

In order to provide a wide selection, many local nurseries and garden stores donate to this event. These plants will be available for cash only and will not be available to purchase as an exchange.

This event is outdoors and takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, onequarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. You can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, enjoy the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, winners of the 2022 Nature Photography Contest, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Nature

Grape Belt Seniors Upcoming Trips

The Grape Belt Seniors meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Masonic Lodge for their aerobics and weights class from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. You must be a member to attend and the classes are $1.00 each time you attend.

The trips for 2023 are:

Center members and SNAP/ EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for nonNature Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.

June 8th the group will be going to the Niagara Falls Power Vista, lunch at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The boat ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of the Horseshoe Falls-the dramatic passage leading you through the rolling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. Guests will have a newfound appreciation of the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls. Departure is at 8:30 AM and return is 5:30 PM. There are still seats available but must call soon to reserve a spot as the trip will be finalized soon.

June 27th the group will be going to the Allegany Casino to see the Kenny Rogers Tribute Show. You get $20.00 in free slot play and $10.00 toward food which you can use at the Buffet that will be open on the day of the show. We will be leaving at 9:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM. Call soon as this trip will also be finalized soon.

July 19th the group will see the HIGH ENERGY musical comedy “Chicago Speakeasy”. This will be at the Erie Station Dinner Theater in Erie. On the way home we will be stopping at a local ice cream shop for an included sweet treat. Leaving at 9:00 AM and return at 6:00 PM.

August 9th we will be going to Pittsburg for a Sightseeing tour cruise on the “Gateway Clipper Fleet”. There will be a fabulous luncheon buffet with entertainment being the “Women of Broadway”. Following the cruise there will be a stop at the IKEA store where you can shop and shop some more !!! Leaving at 7:30 AM and return at 8:00 PM.

September 7th we are off to the George Eastman Museum and then to the Strong Museum Toy Hall of Fame. Lunch will be at the Shadow Lake Golf Club. On the way home will be a stop at the famous Olivers Candies. We leave at 8:00 AM and return at 6:30 PM.

September 17th will be our trip to see the New York Yankees play against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:35 PM. The seats are in section 114 right behind the Yankee dugout. There will be a $15.00 food voucher included. Leaving at 9:00 AM and return at 8:30 PM.

October 7th is our scenic route to the Windmill Craft and Farm Market in Penn Yan. There are more than 200 venders. Following that the group will stop at the Oak Hill Bulk food store. Leaving at 8:00 AM and return at 7:30 PM.

All trips leave from behind Big Lots, at the D&F Plaza, 1170 Central Ave, Dunkirk. Trips are open to Non Members as well as members. Memberships are now being taken for 2023. To sign up for these day trips or learn more about our group, please call Judy at 716-672-5778.

Great gifts for moms from

all walks of life

headphones or a compression stretching mat are some additional gifts that might make exercise-loving moms smile this Mother’s Day.

Traveler

The important

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show moms how much they’re loved and appreciated. Though many moms may insist they don’t want anything beyond spending the day with their children, gifts are a big part of Mother’s Day. No two moms are the same, and though standards like flowers and greeting cards will always have a place on Mother’s Day, the following are some gift ideas that can put smiles on the faces of moms from all walks of life.

Bookworm

There’s no end to the gift options for mothers who love to curl up with a good book. Of course, some new books may delight Mom, but gifts that can improve the reading experience also merit consideration. For example, an ergonomic

backrest reading pillow can make bedtime reading sessions more comfortable and ensure Mom’s neck and back get ample support as she reads the latest page-turner. A nightstand book holder also can be ideal for moms who can’t seem to keep track of their bookmarks.

Fitness enthusiast

Some moms simply love to get in a good workout. Shoppers whose mothers or wives love to break a sweat might want to look into home gym equipment, as many fitness enthusiasts transformed part of their homes into exercise areas during the pandemic. If that sounds like the mom on your shopping list, then a suspension training system won’t take up much room but can provide an intense, fullbody workout. A new yoga mat, some wireless Bluetooth

HOME BASE Products

Moms whose children still live under the same roof may not have much opportunity to travel, but empty nesters and grandmothers might. For such moms, a foldable, hanging travel bag can make it easy and convenient for mom to carry all of her toiletries and access them without taking up what’s often minimal hotel room counter space. For moms who want to document their excursions, a leather travel journal encourages them to note their experiences and gives them something they can revisit for years to come. Of course, some new luggage can make the perfect gift for newly retired moms who can’t wait to start visiting places on their travel bucket lists.

Businesswoman

Millions of moms manage to juggle the obligations of family life with a challenging career. Mother’s Day can be a great time to recognize that balancing act. A self-heating coffee mug can ensure Mom’s morning cup o’ joe doesn’t go cold as she traverses her way through a hectic morning routine. Another great gift is a charging mouse pad that can charge all of Mom’s devices even while she’s working. If you want to help Mom remain calm as she navigates her way through a day filled with personal and professional obligations, an essential oils diffuser can create a sense of relaxation on the most hectic of days.

No two moms are the same. Fortunately, great gifts can be found for moms from all walks of life this Mother’s Day.

A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight each spring and summer. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces only add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, and perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of beers, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to Scott McArt, an assistant professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines or range contractions over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that’s a problem. Though declining bee populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees and food production. A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological

role

played

by bees in lawns and gardens

in both managed and wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. Authors of the study noted that crop production would be higher if crop flowers received more pollination. That’s a significant benefit as the global population continues to increase, but it’s also a notable benefit in the present-day from both a food security and economic perspective. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops relies on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy and create a domino effect that impacts food security and individuals’ livelihoods.

But all is not lost in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, McArt indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural and natural areas. But bee populations also must thrive in suburban and urban areas. Planting a pollinatorfriendly garden is one step

McArt suggested gardening hobbyists can take to help restore bee populations. When planting to combat declining bee populations, homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates and unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are just a handful of the many bee-friendly garden flowers and plants homeowners can consider for their gardens:

• Bee balm

• Honeysuckle

• Sunflower

• Cosmos

• Strawberries

• Dahlia

• Butterfly bush

• Crocus

• Pot marigold

• Geraniums

Bee populations are in decline. If efforts to restore those populations are not embraced, the consequences for future generations could be dire. Homeowners can do their part by planting beefriendly flowers and plants on their properties.

DMV WARNS DRIVERS WHO RENEWED LICENSES DURING PANDEMIC TO GET EYE TEST

MAYVILLE, N.Y.:

During the pandemic, if your driver’s license expired between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allowed you to renew your license online by self-certifying your vision. If you have not yet sent the results of a vision test to the DMV in Albany, you are in danger of having your driver’s license suspended if you do not send the results soon.

You may take and pass a vision test at a DMV approved provider and this provider will do the rest for you.

You may take and pass a vision test from a nonapproved provider, the provider must fill out an MV-619 form and you must

Luca S. Calanni Foundation (Live Like Luca) Announces 1st

Quarter Grants, Upcoming Deadline

submit it to the DMV in Albany yourself.

You may also visit a local DMV office and they will give you a vision test there.

Anyone that selfcertified his or her vision during this time and has not yet taken a vision test must get one soon or your driver’s license may be suspended by New York State.

As a reminder, the Federal government will require you to have a REAL ID compliant license, permit or ID card by May 7, 2025 if you plan to use this for identification to board a domestic flight in the U.S.A. or to cross the border into Canada or Mexico.

Dunkirk, N.Y.- The Luca S. Calanni Foundation’s Board of Directors recently announced their first quarter grants, totaling $13,358, awarded to four youth organizations.

Chautauqua Striders was awarded a grant for uniforms and registration fees, Kenmore Soccer Club for youth registration and travel fees, Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club for registrations and travel fees, and Northern Chautauqua Catholic School for the refurbishment of their indoor basketball court.

The Luca S. Calanni Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Luca Calanni by following his example of kindness and caring. The Foundation’s mission is to “help all children experience the joys of participating in sports, camps, the arts, and other activities that made Luca’s light shine bright.” The Live Live Luca Youth Sports Grants Program awards grants quarterly. Second quarter 2023 grant applications are currently being accepted. Grant requests should be submitted by May 15, 2023. Applications and

information can be obtained at livelikeluca.com/grants. Donations can be made at LiveLikeLuca.com. The Live Like Luca Grants Program is administered by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $20 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www. nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.

SHETLER’S GREENHOUSE Is Now Open Motherʼs Day Flowers Planters Baskets, Succulents, House Plants, Fruit Trees Shrubs Fruit Bushes Tomato & Cucumber Baskets, Bedding and Vegetable Plants Herbs, Onion Sets, Seed Potatoes, Soil Mulch & More Closed Ascension Day, May 18th and Sundays 9648 Rt 242 Little Valley, NY 14755

Why it’s important to wash your car

bird droppings that, over time, can adversely affect the paint job and, if left unchecked, eat away at the metal.

The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups. Though each of those things are vital components of automotive maintenance, it’s important that drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well.

Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good, and that’s not untrue. An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot. But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic. According to Consumer Reports, a

thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the car’s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Though late model vehicles aren’t as susceptible to rust, fading and peeling as cars made decades ago, they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt, grime and

Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent damage related to seasonal issues. For example, individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted. Deicing the roads makes driving safer, but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion. Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash, but it’s important to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has been washed away by rain. Most car washes now offer high-pressure undercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent corrosion and the formation of rust. But it’s not just the exterior of the car that can benefit from routine washing. When taking their cars to get washed, many motorists pay a little extra to

have their vehicle interiors cleaned. Sometimes referred to as “interior detailing,” cleaning the cabin of the car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer. Routine interior cleaning also can remove dust and other particles that can serve as irritants if allowed to build up over time. Resale and trade-in value is another factor to consider.

The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $25,410, which marks a 21 percent increase over the year prior. Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturers’ ability to produce new automobiles,

and that led many motorists to the preowned vehicle market. Dealerships also offered incentives to drivers willing to trade in their late model cars. By taking care of a vehicle’s interior, drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reliance on the preowned market. Prospective buyers, whether they’re private citizens or dealerships, will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained interior than one with a cabin that’s seen much better days. Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

3

simple maintenance strategies that can keep cars running longer

frequently as the vehicle ages. It’s true that modern vehicles no longer require oil changes for every 3,000 miles driven. However, as vehicles age, drivers and their vehicles’ engines may benefit from more frequent oil changes than the owner’s manual necessarily recommends. Oil changes remove dirt and metal particles from the engine, potentially contributing to a longer life expectancy. More frequent changes can be especially beneficial for vehicles that are routinely driven in stopand-go traffic.

The last few years have not proven the most advantageous times for new car buyers.

According to the Consumer Price Index Summary from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, buyers paid 12.2 percent more for new vehicles in January 2022 than they had in January 2021.

Faced with such a significant increase in price, many drivers understandably want to keep their current cars longer than they might have initially planned.

Data released by S&P Global Mobility in early 2022 indicated that the average vehicle on the road is 12 years and two months old, which marked the highest number in the 20-plus years such information was tracked. A host of variables affect how long drivers keep their cars, but the rising cost of new vehicles has undoubtedly compelled many drivers to aspire to keep their cars for

longer periods of time. Aging cars may require a little more TLC than vehicles that are right off the dealership lot. But the following are three simple tips that can help drivers keep their cars running longer.

1. Become a more careful driver. A careful approach when behind the wheel is safer than aggressive driving and beneficial for your vehicle. When starting, avoid revving the engine, which needlessly wears it down. When out on the road, avoid rapid accelerations, which also contributes to needless wear and tear. Even excessive idling can adversely affect the engine, so keep winter warmups to around 30 seconds to prevent damage to engine components.

2. Know when and how to fill up. Every driver has likely visited a filling station when an oil tanker is busily filling the tanks.

Offering Tire Repair, Mount and Balance, and Tire Rotation