Chautauqua County Community Source 11/18/22

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE AND COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY VISIT CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

orative efforts we are tak ing to understand the issues causing the opioid epidemic in our communities,” said Chautauqua County Execu tive PJ Wendel.

MAYVILLE, N.Y.:-- The many efforts underway to address addiction in Chau tauqua County were high lighted recently for leaders from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). On Monday, October 24, 2022, the Chautauqua Substance Abuse Response Partner

ship hosted HEALing Com munities Study leaders from NIDA headquarters and Columbia University. The HEALing Communi ties Study (HCS) is an ambi tious partnership of leading federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and local communities work

ing to reduce opioid over dose deaths significantly. Chautauqua County is one of 67 communities across four states participating in the study.

“This was an exciting meeting with NIDA and I am pleased with the collab

“Hundreds of family members in our county have suffered the tragic loss of a loved one due to an overdose, and thousands of our residents have a chem ical dependency,” said Steve Kilburn, Project Director of the HCS in Chautauqua County. “The ongoing cri sis of addiction and over doses requires concerted, coordinated efforts from multiple parties: treatment clinics and community agencies, formal organiza tions and informal support, from every level of govern ment, partners in other communities and academic institutions, from those struggling with addiction, those in recovery, and their families - all working to address addiction and its consequences across the spectrum of prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. We’re glad to have the support and re sources of the HEALing Communities Study to help further enhance our many efforts.”

NIDA and Columbia

University staff toured be havioral health agencies that provide treatment, recovery, and harm reduc tion services in Chautau qua County, including Safe Point Lighthouse, BrooksTLC Healthcare, Evergreen Health, The Chautauqua Center, and the Mental Health Association.

The monthly meeting of the Chautauqua Substance Abuse Response Partner ship, a coalition of the prin cipal addiction service pro viders in the county, was also included in their visit. The coalition identifies and pursues strategic priori ties to combat addiction in Chautauqua County. An overview and update on the current overdose aware ness communications cam paign and progress on the HEALing Communities Study initiatives were pro vided.

The day concluded with an opportunity for further discussion and informa tion sharing among Chau tauqua County leadership and key members of the HCS project.

Representing the HEAL ing Communities Study teams:

Jennifer Villani, PhD. Health Scientist Adminis trator

Andrea Czajkowski, Pro gram Analyst

Columbia University-So cial Intervention Group Nabila El-Bassel Ph.D. Di rector

Timothy Hunt, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW Associate Di rector

James David, Senior Project Director

To learn more about the HEALing Communi ties Study and to help end overdoses in Chautauqua County, visit HEALTogeth erNY.org/Chautauqua or @CombatAddictionCHQ. com .

To view background information about the HEALing Communities Study, visit https://chau tauquacounty.sharepoint. com/:b:/g/MH/Ec5jjBD MfE9GhzLBoefazfsB 13vItib-OioJgFn6L9VkJA .

NIDA Redonna Chandler, Ph.D. Project Director

Photo Submitted

Pictured from left to right: Steve Kilburn, Project Director, HEALing Communities Study (HCS) in Chautauqua County; James David, MS, Senior Project Director, HCS in NY; Dr. Timothy Hunt, Co-investigator, HCS in NY; Dr. Nabila El-Bassel, Professor of Social Work (Columbia University) and Principal Investigator, HCS in NY; Dr. Scott Cunningham, Medical Director, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene (CCDMH) Addiction Services; PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive; Dr. Redonna Chandler, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director of the HCS; Alicia Snow, PA, The Chautauqua Center; Andrea Czajkowski, MBA PMP, NIDA Program Analyst for the HCS; Julia Apperson, NP, Jamestown Psychiatric PC, and Dr. Jennifer Villani, NIDA Associate Director of the HCS.

DFT Communications and Netsync Network Solutions Services connecting communities through the power of technology

DFT Communications is your Hometown Provider for HighSpeed Internet, Digital Phone Service, Security Services, Network Solutions, Wireless Services and In-home Streaming Services. Our employees work hard to uphold the over a cen tury old promise of delivering the absolute best services and ac cess to emerging technologies to meet our customers needs. Our efforts to help educate the com munity on the latest broadband technologies in The Broadband Experience Room, and the re cent launch of our new DFTV In-home Streaming Service, is the latest way DFT continues this commitment. We’d love to tell you more about it all!

We’d like to start with Fi ber-optic Internet. In the fall of 2020, DFT began it’s Fiber in Fre donia expansion to do our part to support the future growth of Fredonia. We continue to build and expand our Fiber in Fre donia services. Fiber-optic In ternet transmits your Internet connection via light, providing a faster more reliable service than copper-based connections. With a Fiber-optic connection, you can work and learn from home, use multiple devices at the same time and stream HD video. The benefits include

more bandwidth, greater relia bility, and future flexibility.

The expansion of our DFT Wireless Internet Service is yet another exciting opportunity to serve the residents of the surrounding areas. DFT Wi reless is a long-range wireless technology that delivers higher Internet speeds that satellite, cellular, and DSL and is com petitive with cable. What this means is that DFT Wireless deli vers real high-speed Internet to your home at an affordable price with absolutely no data caps.

With the awarding of a POWER Grant meant to cover Chautau qua, Cattaraugus and Allegheny Counties, it has provided the ability for economic revitaliza tion and expand broadband ser vices with the goal of getting as many people as possible hooked up, thus expanding their wire less footprint.

The Broadband Experience Room located at 38 Temple Street inside of the DFT Communica tions Customer Service Center in Fredonia offers visitors the opportunity to come by and learn the difference products from DFT Communications and Netsync Network Solutions can make for their broadband expe rience. All are welcome to view live Internet speed tests, see the difference a managed router can make, demo steaming apps, smart home devices and more in this state-of-the-art technologi cal exhibit and showroom.

In our 124 years of business,

DFT Communications and Netsync have always strived to bring the latest telecommuni cations and technologies to our community. It is true that 2022 is proving to be another exci ting year for us and 2023 even more, not only with the conti nued completion of our main line fiber construction but also with the ongoing installation of DFT Wireless transmitters in several locations and Managed Wi-Fi services for homes and businesses.

DFT wishes to say thank you to all of their customers and let each of you know how much your continued business is ap preciated. if there is anything you need, please call and talk to one of our representatives or stop into the DFT Communica tions Customer Service Center location in downtown Fredonia.

With over 60 employees’ dedi cation to exceptional customer service, DFT Communications invites you to make us your one source for all of your technology needs. DFT Communications’ Corporate Offices are located at 40 Temple Street in down town Fredonia, right next door to the DFT Communications Customer Service Center at 38 Temple Street.

There are many ways to contact DFT Communications and its many divisions. Call 716-673-3000, 1-877-653-3100, log on to www.dftcommunica tions.com or follow us on Face book, Twitter and Instagram.

Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping

The end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step.

The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostal gia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene.

• Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when de vout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christ mas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylva nia in the 19th century.

• Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it is cus tomary for couples to kiss while

standing beneath the plant, ty pically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mist letoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Satur nalia and later with primitive marriage rites.

• Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christ mas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice.

• Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The

Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6.

• Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He be came enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and be came known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonder land.

including

Patton's Lighting Center

Everyone know that Patton Electric sells appliances and furniture. We also have the largest selection of lighting in Chautauqua County. But, did you know that Patton’s Lighting Center also has an amazing and unique selection of gifts and de corative accessories?

We have gifts for everyone on your shopping list from young to old, the hard to buy for friend

or neighbor, your aunt, baby sitter and so many more. Gift certificates are also available and make the perfect gift for the larger items that sometimes re quire that personal touch. There are decorative accessories to ac cent your home for the holidays as well as for every day. There are mirrors, occasional tables, pictures, figurines, or naments, wreaths and of course

lighting for everyone. Hurry into Patton’s Lighting Center for the best selection of gifts and check out the various holiday promotions happening every day between now and Christ mas.

Patton’s Lighting Center is lo cated at 10378 Bennett Road (Rt. 60), Fredonia. Call us at 716672-4365.

Tuscany Fresh Meats & Deli

Located at the corner of Routes 20 & 60 in Fredonia, Tuscany Fresh Meats & Deli is a locally-owned deli & specialty grocer where you’ll find oldfashioned quality and service for lower-than-supermarket prices!

Tuscany’s old-school butcher shop provides beautiful cuts of premium fresh meats alongside homemade sausages, burgers, ground beef, and other special ties — all freshly prepared inhouse, daily! In the deli, you’ll find a wide selection of quality

deli meats & cheeses (all sliced to order) and delicious home made deli salads. With fresh produce, handmade event plat ters, Italian imports, seafood, convenience groceries, and the area’s best subs & sandwiches, Tuscany is your one-stop-shop for the holidays!

Tuscany has you covered this season with holiday essentials like sliced roast beef with kim melweck rolls and au jus, or juicy prime rib roast — cut to your liking by one of our expert butchers. Not to mention Maine

lobster tail, yummy pies, old fashioned candies, and much more!

Treat the cook to a Tuscany gift card, or browse our selection of small home goods, kitchen gadgets, and small appliances for the perfect hosting gift.

Come kickoff the holiday sea son at Tuscany Fresh Meats & Deli, where you’ll always find the best for less!

Tips to simplify shopping and wrapping

The holiday season is a busy time of year. People devote many hours to generating gift lists and planning their shopping excur sions. Shopping can be all-en compassing during the holiday season, but it is only half of the gift-giving equation. After all of those toys, articles of clothing and other goodies are purchased, those items will need to be wrap ped and hidden away. Gift-givers may be looking for ways to make these tasks just a little easier.

Shop early: The sooner you be gin shopping, the more time you will have to purchase everything you need and then get it prepared for giving. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales feature great deals, there are discounts to be had all year long if you keep your eyes open. Grab an item here and there when there is so mething that catches your eye and fits the needs of a gift recipient.

Shopping early also affords shoppers a greater buffer if they

plan to do some of their shopping online. The U.S. Postal Service says products and packages may require more time to be delive red due to limited transportation availability, so shopping early can help ensure everything arrives on time.

Tackle the kids’ gifts first: Watching children’s bright grins and all their excitement opening presents can make all the hard work worth it. Be sure that you shop for all of the gifts for child ren in your household first, espe cially if you play Santa’s helper. Use opportunities when the kids are in school or at daycare to bring gifts into the house and then wrap them. Wrapping as you go can help to ensure there are no “spoi ler alerts” prior to the holidays.

Create a wrapping station: A dedicated area for wrapping can streamline the process. Gift wrapping supplies can be tough to keep organized because they’re usually awkward sizes and can

eat up a lot of space. That’s where a wrapping station can come into play. It can be custom-made or you can use items already around the house. A laundry room or a large closet can be the ideal location for a wrapping station. Because wrapping paper rolls are the most cumbersome wrapping supplies, find a way to corral them. A tall laundry hamper works, or consi der hanging wrapping paper rolls horizontally on thin curtain rods attached to a wall or the back of a door. Simply pull off the amount of paper you need and cut.

Organize other supplies in a nearby drawer or organizational caddy. Store gift bags and tissue paper in a fabric tote bag. Ha ving everything within arm’s reach cuts down on time spent searching for supplies.

It’s that time of year for shop ping and wrapping. Ensure it is a low-stress experience with some time-saving tips.

Douglas D. Hage, MD

hip at the Erie County Medical Center.

sionate &

treatments.

really no wonder our practice has managed to de velop such a glowing reputation throughout the local commu nity; Dr. Hage’s commitment to patient satisfaction ranks se cond to none.

We utilize the latest tech nology and advanced medical equipment to ensure you get the best gynecology san obste trics care as possible. Our office in Derby, NY welcomes both new and returning patients of all ages. Please call us today to learn more about our OB/GYN services and to schedule a time for your next appointment.

Dr. Hage has 38 years of ex perience in obstetrics and gyne cology. He attended the Univ sersidad Central Del Este in the Dominican Republic, where he graduated in 1982. Later, Dr. Hage completed his residencies at NYU School of MedicineBrooklyn Campus & Kaleida Health/Buffalo General Hospi tal. He also partook in a fellows

Currently, he is licensed to practice medicine in NYS. He is also a member of Catholic Health Partners. Though his office sits in Derby, he provides care to patients across all eight counties of Western New York; some patients drive over 50 miles just to receive Dr. Hage’s expert care.

In 2020 Dr. Hage added an excellent Nurse Practitioner, Dakota Coles, NP. Our team can provide more individualized care than other OB/GYNs. We really take the time to answer your questions, proved fol low-ups as needed, and explain conditions and treatments in a comprehensive way that anyone can understand. It’s through this professional, hyper-perso nalized approach that Dr. Hage has been able to develop and maintain such loyal patients.

For more information about us, please give us a call at (716) 9474545! We look forward to spea king with you & providing you with excellent women’s health care.

Monte's Small Engine Repair

From STIHL chainsaws and trimmers to Snoway snowplows and also Cub Cadet tractors and UTVs, Monte’s located at 3405 South Roberts Road, Fredonia, has everything you need. We also have Toro lawn and garden equipment and all of your out door power equipment needs. Years of experience, professio

nal tools, regular service trai ning updates and thousands of in-stock O.E.M. parts guarantee you the best and most to meet your needs in the best way pos sible and customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Make sure you’re ready for the Holidays.

O'Malia's Liquor Store

O’malia’s Liquor Store has the largest selection of wine and spi rits in the area. They stock fine wines from all over the world, including our local wineries. O’malia’s has expanded its lo cal winery selection as well as the Finger Lakes region wines. Their staff is very willing to assist customers in their wine selections. They are also more than happy to help with mixed

drink recipes and point out all of the newest items and flavors .

At O’malias they give a 20% per case discount on wine and cham pagne, allowing customers to mix and match their favorites.

During the Holidays, look no further for the Gift boxes, so, so many to choose from! It’s worth the trip to O’malia’s Liquor Store located in the D and F Plaza in Dunkirk 366-3980.

Main Wine & Spirits

DUNKIRK, NY - Located at 159 E Fourth street in Dunkirk, NY, Main Wines is a family owned business for over 40 years. They have and ever growing selection of your favorite wines and spirits. Main Wines has a large selection of local, domestic and imported wines. Also all of your favorite spi

rits for this holiday cocktails. This is your Holiday Head quarters for all your get to gethers small or large. They of fer huge discounts on wine and champagne cases. Holiday gift sets arriving soon. They make the perfect gifts! Open 7 days a week with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Stop in today!

Riles & Woolley Monuments

“Loved Ones Never Forgotten” is a saying that has been passed on through generations, just as the idea of memorialization has been. Memorialization is an important part of not only our nation’s history but also every individual’s life.

The way people want to be re membered is a personal choice and takes some consideration, let us assist you with these important decisions. Riles & Woolley Monuments is an in novative, full-time, full service monument company, which was started as a partnership between Warren Riles & Mark Woolley in April of 1989. Sadly, Warren Riles passed in March of 2020. Riles & Woolley is a member of the Monument Builders of North America and the New England Monument Dealers Association.

Riles & Woolley Mo numents have a spacious in door/outdoor display of over 50

different memorials with diffe rent shapes, sizes and colors of granite. Some of the reasons to consider this company: They have the area’s largest compu terized design room, allowing them to combine modern tech nology with age old techniques to create customized memo rials; They give free quotations and estimates; They show prices on all of their memorials to ensure equal pricing for eve ryone!; They accept major credit cards for purchases; They have completed memorials for many organizations, including the monument “In Memory of the Unborn” in St. Mary’s Ceme tery, Dunkirk.

In the fall of 1998 Riles & Woolley completed a large expansion to their facility to be able to better accommodate their monument production. They are located at 39 Main Street, Forestville.

Around Town

Cookie Walk 12/17

Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 17th at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 4th & Lark Street, Dunkirk. From 9:00am - 1:00pm or sold out. Come walk through cookie lane and pick out your favorite HOMEMADE COOK IES. Last year we had over 60 different kinds of cookies, fudge & brownies. Oh so good!! If you can't come, please call 716-366-8421 or 716-467-0283 to place your order and we will deliver to your door locally. Please leave your name and phone number if no answer. A limited amount of Italian Fig Cookies and Baklava are available, please call ahead to re serve. Cut-Outs & Assortment $12.00/lb; Italian Fig Cookies $18.00/lb; Baklava $18.00/lb,

Audubon Memberships and Wreaths: Perfect Holiday Gifts

You can simplify your holiday gift-giving this year while you support one of ChautauquaWarren Counties’ jewels. An Audubon holiday membership package gives your special person, at minimum, a membership card for free building admission anytime all year, two guest passes, an Audubon exclusive holiday card, and more. Call (716) 569-2345 during regular hours or visit AudubonCNC. org/Memberships for all the details.

For your own holiday decorating or as the perfect gift, Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) has beautiful, fresh, locallymade, Frasier fir wreaths. You can also choose a Uniquely Audubon wreath beautifully decorated with items carefully harvested from Audubon’s grounds. Or order a plain wreath to decorate yourself, at home or at the morning or afternoon Decorating with Greens class on Saturday, December 3. Made on a wire frame, the wreaths’ completed sizes range between 18” and 20”.

Wreaths of fresh greens only are $28. Those with fresh greens and a Uniquely Audubon theme are $46.

Memberships and proceeds from the wreaths support Audubon’s mission of connecting people to nature. Wreath sales support a local wreath-making business as well.

Quantities of wreaths are limited. To place your order by the Monday, November 21 deadline, call the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345 or order online through Programs and Events at AudubonCNC.org.

Wreaths can be picked up at Audubon on Friday, December 2, noon – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To decorate your plain wreath with natural items, sign up for the morning or afternoon Decorating with Greens class on Saturday, December 3. A wide variety of materials will be on hand to create one-of-kind decorations suited to your particular taste. For details and to register, click through Programs and Events at AudubonCNC.org.

National Comedy Center Jingle & Mingle December 8

The National Comedy Center is accepting group reservations for Jingle & Mingle: Community Holiday Party. This turnkey holiday party solution is perfect for offices, professional groups, social clubs, friends, and families. Groups of 10 or more will share the National Comedy Center with other merrymakers between 4-7 PM on Thursday, December 8, 2022. The cost is $35 per person and includes full access to Comedy Center exhibits and heavy hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar is

available; beverage tickets can be purchased in advance at a reduced rate.

Advance reservations are required; walk-ups will not be admitted. The minimum group size is ten people.

Reservations may be secured by contacting Elizabeth Galeazzo at GroupSales@ ComedyCenter.org or by calling 716-484-2222 ext 303.

The National Comedy Center is now accepting private rental requests for the remainder of 2022, 2023, and beyond.

The Power Shop

Find the perfect gift for the manly man in your life this year at The Power Shop on 202 East Main Street, Fredonia. The Power Shop offers snowblower tune-ups, and all the outdoor accessories that will have your

spouse looking forward to wor king around the house again. And just in time for winter, snow blowers are now on sale. Gift certificates are available. For more information, please call 716-679-2265.

Riles & Woolley Funeral Home

Riles & Woolley Funeral Home is located at 39 Main Street, Forestville, NY and serves the following communi ties: Forestville, Sheridan, Sil ver Creek, Irving, Hanover Cen ter, Smith Mills, Perrysburg, South Dayton, Arkwright, Fredonia & Dunkirk. Mark Woolley of Riles & Woolley Fu neral Home are both licensed to practice in New York State & Pennsylvania and is also a member of the Chautauqua County Funeral Directors Asso ciation, the New York State Fu neral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors

Association. The funeral home is cur rently owned by Mark L. Wool ley. Mark Woolley’s partial ownership became official on October 28, 2002 with Warren Riles, who has owned the fu neral home since December of 1970. In March 2020, Warren Riles sadly passed away while in his 50th year of ownership. Riles and Woolley has been an independently owned and operated funeral home since its founding in 1927, by the late Franklin Philbrick, when it was known as Philbrick & Philbrick Funeral Chapel.

Just Pets

Saturday 10am -7pm and Sunday 11am -5pm.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Christine Schuyler’s Tenure As DHHS Director Ends Nov. 29 Reorganization Plan For Human Services Departments To Be Released By Early 2023

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: --

Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel, Jr. announces the departure of Christine Schuyler as the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director effective Nov. 29, 2022.

“Christine’s current term expires the end of this month and I have made the decision to not re-appoint her to another 5-year term, and move in a different direction with the structure of the County’s delivery of human services,” said Wendel.

“I appreciate Christine’s service and dedication to the residents of Chautauqua County during her 14-year tenure with the County and I wish her all the best with her future endeavors.”

Schuyler first began her career with Chautauqua County in July 2008 when she was appointed as Public Health Director for the Chautauqua

County Department of Public Health. She then took on the dual role of Commissioner of Social Services in June 2011 as the Department of Public Health and Department of Social Services began its merger into the Department of Health and Human Services. In November 2012, she was then appointed as the Director of the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.

In her roles with the County, Schuyler upheld the department’s mission of building a healthy, safe and strong community; promoting the health of all County residents; and providing essential human services.

She also improved the health and human service delivery and actively championed education and awareness efforts to improve the health and safety of Chautauqua County residents.

She helped identify and address priority community needs such as maternal and infant health, childhood lead poisoning, child and adult abuse and neglect, mental health and substance misuse, and housing and health equity. She further collaborated with numerous agencies, not-for-profits, healthcare providers, businesses, schools, and universities to improve the health and well-being of residents. She also provided exceptional and robust responses to the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and the global and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Under her leadership, the County Health Department was one of the first local health departments to attain registration as a New York State Opioid Overdose Prevention Program and the County was one of the first to implement a child welfare electronic record management system.

“I am extremely proud of the transformational work and tremendous accomplishments my department has achieved over my tenure,” said Schuyler. “I have been blessed to lead such important work and to be surrounded by dedicated professionals and amazing people.”

With Schuyler’s departure, Wendel has assigned DHHS Physician Michael Faulk additional duties to act as Interim Public Health Director overseeing the DHHS Division of Public Health. Deputy Commissioner of Social Services Jon Anderson will serve on an interim basis as Acting Social Services Commissioner overseeing DHHS’s five social services divisions. The County Executive expects to announce the reorganization of the County’s human services departments by early next year.

Opera House Cinema Series to Present Amsterdam

FREDONIA – The crime thriller “Amsterdam” concludes Mystery Month in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center. The film stars a number of popular actors in leading and cameo roles – including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Robert De Niro, Taylor Swift, and Rami Malek – and will be screened Sat., Nov. 19, and Tues., Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m.

During WWI, Burt Berendsen (Bale) and his best friend, Harold Woodsman (Washington) meet volunteer nurse Valerie Voze (Robbie) when they’re both injured in battle. The three become friends and form a pact to protect each other, no matter what. When they go on a trip together to Amsterdam, Valerie mysteriously disappears; and the three close friends find themselves at the center of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history. A fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction.

The Detroit News calls the film “a zany farce with a sweet core.” London’s Observer calls it “decidedly moving, and – at some points – even enthralling.” AARP Movies for Grownups says the movie contains much “razzmatazz, artistry and comedic snap.” USA Today

calls it “an all-star game where everybody excels at their roles and no one’s showboating.” Rated R for brief violence and bloody images, “Amsterdam” runs two hours, 14 minutes.

Tickets are available at the door for the night of each screening. A book of 10 movie passes is available f at the door or online at www.fredopera. org. For more information, call the Opera House Box Office at 716-679-1891. The Opera House Cinema Series is sponsored

by Lake Shore Savings Bank. In addition, Opera House programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera

House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-forprofit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera. org.

Chautauqua County Agriculture Forum November 30 to Feature County's Largest Industry

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is excited to announce a partnership with the Small Business Development Center at JCC and Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development with financial support from Chautauqua County Farm Bureau to present the 2022 Chautauqua County Agriculture Forum. The Forum will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at the JCC Carnahan Center from 10am – 3pm. Everyone from the agricultural industry is encouraged to attend. There will be a light lunch provided, and preregistration is required by filling out the registration form - found at https://chautauqua.cce.cornell. edu/events/2022/11/30/2022chautauqua-county-agricultureforum or calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at 716-

664-9502 ext. 202. This event will draw agricultural leaders from across Chautauqua County for an opportunity to network, learn more about climate change, hear industry success stories, and what agribusinesses are doing to grow through innovation. Participants will also have the opportunity to help shape the future of agriculture in Chautauqua County as the lead organizations gather feedback for future programming to better serve the agricultural community.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director, Emily Reynolds is looking forward to the opportunity, “It is always inspiring to spend the day with industry leaders and partners working together to help advance the industry. I look forward to hearing updates, best practices

and innovative ideas from colleagues, partner organizations and industry professionals, while proving an in-person opportunity for our agricultural producers to connect with organizations and enhance the opportunities for their businesses.”

The Ag Forum will feature a Keynote Address from Jenna Walczak, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest NY team. Jenna will discuss practices that Chautauqua County farmers can use to meet the challenges of a changing climate and increase business sustainability. She will outline projects producers can implement using various climate-related funding opportunities and considerations for deciding what grant program may be the best fit for an agricultural operation. Jenna works with extension staff to assist New York State farmers in implementing practices to mitigate and adapt to climate change–while building agroecological resilience. Prior to joining Cornell Cooperative Extension, Jenna worked in agriculture and on environmental research projects across the United States. She has farmed and managed grant programs on a handful of vegetable and small-scale livestock farms.

Jenna has a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Colgate University. She was born and raised in Western New York.

Following a light lunch, participants will choose what breakout sessions to attend. Six unique sessions are planned, most presenting twice for maximum opportunity for participants to get into the discussion they feel will be of most benefit to their personal situation. Sessions will cover stress on the farm, advocacy for farms, ag. innovation, legal resiliency, labor discussions, and farm diversification.

There will be plenty of time before, between, and after each session to visit with the

partner organizations that will be set up to talk with participants.

Agri-parteners that will be present include: Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, New York Farm Bureau, Small Business Development Center at JCC, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Chautauqua County Food Policy Council, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc., Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development, Cornell Cooperative Extension Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest, Cornell Cooperative Extension Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program, Farm Credit East, ACA, Lake Erie Regional Grape Program/Penn State University, NYFarmNet, New York State Center of Excellence, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, and USDA- Farm Service Agency . The Agriculture Forum is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s newly developed Agricultural Development and Enhancement Strategy. 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.

Belt Advancement Ceremony at The Family Martial Arts Center

On Wednesday, November 10, 2022, the following Students advanced to their next belt level through The Family Martial Arts Center and the Kempo Karate Organization.

Kohai Kyenin Cole (yellow belt) and Kohai Kalyana Cole (yellow belt) While building confidence and character skills in their journey,

each Student has met several individual challenges which include weapons training, ground defense training, physical conditioning, handto-hand defensive and offensive training, and many other techniques and aspects of the Martial Arts. They have shown a large improvement in their growth and commitment at The Family Martial Arts

Center. Congratulations to you. I am so proud of your accomplishments in life and in the Dojo(studio). For more details about The Family Martial Arts Center, please call 716-672-6683 or log onto: www. thefamilymartial artscenter.com. We are BBB members with an A+ rating.

BY LINDSEY CRISANTI, 4-H LEAD EDUCATOR JAMESTOWN,

NEW YORK (November 15th, 2022)

– Cornell

Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development program has a new LEAF Junior Activity! The LEAF, (Learn, Empower, Achieve, Farm), series was created by Katelyn WalleyStoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Katelyn’s classes focus on beginning farming and homesteading topics for adult learners.

LEAF Junior will offer similarly styled classes that cater to all youth ages 5-19. Enrollment in 4-H is NOT necessary.

The event will take place Thursday, December 1st at 4:00PM at the Patterson Library located at 40 S. Portage St in Westfield, NY. Youth will have the opportunity to participate

in creating their own design on soap with roving. Long before people used loofahs or washcloths for bathing, felted soap allowed someone to get a good lather without using much soap and gives the youth a built-in washcloth that is antibacterial! The felting helps to conserve the bar of soap, so it lasts longer. The roughness of the wool acts as an exfoliant by removing dull, dead skin cells to expose new ones. When the soap is all used up, the wool will remain intact without soap in it. This means the bar of soap can be used until it’s all gone reducing waste. This class is open to all youth (ages 5-19) with a $5.00 fee. All materials will be provided, including a hypoallergenic soap the kids can take with them, but are welcome to bring their soap of choice. This is a great opportunity for a 4-H’er to bring a non-4-H friend!

Register for the course by

contacting the 4-H Office at 716-664-9502 ext. 212 or emailing Lindsey at lc832@ cornell.edu or Molly at mrb287@cornell.edu

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 716-6649502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/ chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Photo Submitted

Pictured L to R: Master Sensei Matteson, Kohai Kalyana Cole, Kohai Kyenin Cole, and Sensei Joe Los