Chautauqua County Community Source 12/16/22

SUPPORT CHAUTAUQUA GROWN THIS WINTER

-BY CASSANDRA SKAL, AGRICULTURE PROGRAM COORDINATOR WITH CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK

(December 12, 2022) -- Cornell

Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program encourages you to purchase your Christmas tree from one of our fabulous Chautauqua Grown producers! Purchasing locally sourced goods for your holiday needs is a great way to help support local producers even in the winter months! For more information on where to purchase locally sourced trees or even hams, turkeys, or lamb for your holiday meal please visit our Chautauqua Grown directory at https://chautauqua.cce. cornell.edu/chautauqua-grown.

Purchasing a local tree is easy, affordable, and helps support our local agriculture industry.

Throughout the county there are many local places to pick up a beautiful tree. A few local places that you might have pur-

chased produce from during the harvest months that also have Christmas trees available are:

Haff Acres Farm in Mayville and Yerico Farms in Dunkirk.

Abers Acres in Kennedy and Scotts Farm and Greenhouse in Sinclairville both offer pre-cut and cut your own trees as well! Cherish an old family tradition or start a new one and check these trees out!

Another way to support local this holiday season is purchasing meat from local producers. A lot of them offer by the cut pieces from their farm stands or coolers on their properties. Check out our website and find one that works for you! You can also find a lot of our producers on Facebook where they provide updates frequently on what is available or if they have any ongoing sales!

Thank you for supporting local and Chautauqua Grown this holiday season. For more information, contact Cassandra Skal by calling 716-664-9502 ext. 202 or cks83@cornell.edu.

The Agriculture Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Exten-

sion 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.

MHA Newsletter Shares Good News

Jamestown, N.Y. – The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) is always a busy place, and there was more than the usual quantity of good news to share in its recent biannual newsletter.

In fact, there was so much news that the publication was expanded this time to contain it all.

Special attention was given to the September announcement of the $500,000 INSPIRE grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for workforce development. The two-year grant will support MHA’s Occupational Peer Empowerment Network (OPEN) Recovery to Work project that includes Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits, its social enterprise program with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

MHA staff, board and participants were all thrilled with the October recognition of Executive Director Steven Cobb as the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce’s Person of the Year. In his regular “Message” on the back cover, Cobb shares his personal reaction to having been homeless and ravaged by drug addiction just a dozen years earlier.

Other newsletter stories describe the Art in Recovery Exhibit and Sunday service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church celebrating International Overdose Awareness Day, best-selling author Timber Hawkeye’s visit at the MHA, and the appearance of Overdose Response Advocate Allison Murphy on Pastor Juan Perez’s local radio program “The Latin Inspiration.”

News briefs include information on the artwork that resulted from a special Fun Friday, the Law Enforcement Breakfast, Jamestown Pride Festival, support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and more.

To access the current and all previous MHA’s newsletters online, go to MHAChautauqua. org/newsletters.

For a printed copy, stop in at the Gateway Building Door 14, 31 Water Street in Jamestown, call

(716) 661-9044, or email newsletter@MHAChautauqua.org.

The MHA and Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits remind you that for a special holiday treat for your favorite canine(s), visit FatherBernards.com.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path.

Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

All Mental Health Association services are free.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves

or a family member is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m.

The north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, is now open Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with hours extended on Wednesdays to 6:30 p.m. To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of all groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.

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The recent newsletter of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County relates many of their activities over the past few months, including the appearance of Overdose Response Advocate Allison Murphy on Pastor Juan Perez’s local radio program “The Latin Inspiration.”

Consider a locally sourced Christmas tree for this holiday season!

One of the Chautauqua Grown participants, Haff Acres Farm with Christmas trees for sale.

All in favor……

Chautauqua County 4-H Holds Annual Club Officer Training

BY LISETTE CABRERA, 4-H PROGRAM COORDINATOR

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (December 12, 2022) -Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a training for 4-H club officers. The new 4-H year began October 1st. With the new year comes a new line up of officers in 12 clubs across the county. 4-H club officers have a very important role in leading club business meetings and play a part in planning activities in their club for the upcoming 4-H year. Club leaders Nancy Johnson and Heather Lesch planned and presented the event.

27 4-H youth club officers met on Wednesday, November 30th to learn about Parliamentary Procedure, Roberts Rules of Order, how to run a meeting, and specific duties of officers.

Youth of varying ages had fun with the “Order of a Meeting Game”. Then they learned how to “make a motion” and more specific details that will help in every

club meeting. Youth then split up into different groups to learn more details about the specific officer’s responsibilities that they will hold in their clubs this year. Several resources were provided to all in attendance.

The evening concluded with a lively round of Parliamentary Procedure Jeopardy led by Mrs. Heather Lesch who is an award-winning expert in this area. Thank you to all the parents and leaders who supported this event in 2022.

The 4-H 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

4-H Club Officers in a breakout session learning more about specific officer responsibilities that they will hold in their clubs this year.

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.

Popular songs to stream this holiday season

The holiday season is steeped in tradition. One of the most popular traditions is playing holiday music, which many retailers begin to broadcast over their PA systems shortly after people put their Halloween costumes in storage. The popular music streaming platform Spotify tracks the most popular holiday songs each year, and 2021 featured a mix of some newer songs and some all-time classics. According to Spotify, these five songs were the most

streamed holiday tunes on the platform between November 1 and December 9, 2021.

1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey 2. “Last Christmas” — Wham! 3. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” — Michael Bublé 4. “Jingle Bell Rock” — Bobby Helms 5. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — Brenda Lee

Individuals who want to

stream something a little more contemporary this holiday season can consider these songs, which Spotify reports are the five moststreamed holiday songs that were released over the last half decade.

1. “Snowman” — Sia 2. “White Christmas” — Amy Grant 3. “Santa’s Coming for Us” — Sia 4. “Hallelujah” — Pentatonix 5. “Merry Christmas” — Ed Sheeran and Elton John

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Holiday gifts for four-

Holiday shoppers who are busy making lists and checking them twice should make sure they don’t overlook the family pet. Christmas has gone to the cats and dogs, as a greater number of people include their companion animals when selecting gifts each year.

A study by OnePoll conducted by Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and walkers, found that 95 percent of pet owners have bought holiday gifts for their pets. Gifts can range from everyday needs, like food and treats, to more lavish extravagances like spa treatments.

Pet owners who plan to get their pets gifts this year may want to consider some of the emerging pet trends as they browse wares and services.

The Balance, a business, career and industry information site, says pet industry trends point toward these segments seeing growth.

Natural pet products

Just as people are interested in protecting the health of the planet and their own personal health, so, too, are they extending this concern to companion animals. Natural pet products, which can include natural flea and tick remedies, holistic foods, organic items, and all-natural grooming products, can make great gifts.

Specialty pet services

The American Pet Products Association says the demand for high-end pet grooming and other services is substantial. In addition, personalized training, behavioral consulting, portrait photography, dog sitting, and upscale spa treatments like pet Reiki and massage are booming.

Mobile pet grooming Mobile pet grooming has become the norm in many areas. Mobile pet grooming can reduce the potential stress on animals, and tends to be very convenient

for customers, particularly seniors and others who have mobility issues.

Beyond these growing trends, pet owners have a bevy of other ideas from which to choose. Here are just a few different suggestions: • tests to detect pets’ DNA and trace breed and ancestry, • interactive puzzles to keep pets engaged and banish boredom, • stylish storage baskets for pet toys, • hidden cat litter or dog crate items that camouflage commonly used pet items, • heated pet bed for cozy nights and mornings, and • signature vests, coats and sweaters to look good and remain comfortable.

Pet gifts are popular this time of year, ensuring all members of the family have a treat to open.

Belt Promotions at Family Martial Arts Center

and way of the Fudozen Shorinji Kempo Karate Organization standards. They have excelled in their lessons and have concurred many obstacles of their training.

Congratulations to both

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O, Christmas Tree

There are various English-language versions of “O, Christmas Tree,” each of which traces its origins to a traditional German folk song that, at least initially, was unrelated to Christmas. That changed over time, and by the mid-19th century the song was being sung as a Christmas carol.

“O, Christmas Tree”

O Christmas Tree O, Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.

They’re green when summer days are bright; They’re green when winter snow is white.

O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure! How oft at Christmas tide the

sight, O green fir tree, gives us delight!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You give us so much pleasure!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us.

They’re green when summer days are bright; They’re green when winter snow is white.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us!

Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas.com

The following Students achieved their next belt status at The Family Martial Arts Center.

Sempei Pauline Burns and Sempei Ahmad Mohamad each progressed in the art

Photos Submitted

L-R:Master Sensei Bill Matteson, Sempei Pauline Burns, Sempei Ahmad Mohamad, Jr. Sensei Cameron Matteson, Sensei Joe Los.

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are un-

deniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seat-

ing guests.

2. Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

3. Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux

Sherman Kountry Kids provide Hands for Larger Service

snow or white confetti.

4. Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

5. Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

6. Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

7. Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

8. Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins. Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts.

How to create a durable gingerbread house

Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany. The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work — especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from

scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses.

• Go for form and not flavor.

Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

• Get the right icing texture.

Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick like peanut butter and not runny.

• Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build.

• Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling

the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces.

• Kids likely will need help.

Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction. They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on.

• Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

BY LEXUS ESCHENBACH, SHERMAN KOUNTRY KIDS 4-H CLUB REPORTER

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (December 13, 2022)

-- The Sherman Kountry Kids 4-H Club provided service to the Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY Chapter 4 for their Annual Christmas Care Package event. On December 3rd, 2022, 16 Club members with their family members attended this event at the Fluvanna Community Church.

At this event, many other community members and organizations, including Cub Scouts and other 4-H clubs, help packed boxes for service men and women throughout the world. In addition to volunteering at this event, the Sherman

Kountry Kids also made over 160 Christmas cards and letters for these service men and women, as well as donating items to be packed in the boxes.

Overall, it was a great event that taught our club members how to give back to their community and military men and women who provide a service to us.

The 4-H 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 Rev-

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

5 great gifts for tweens and teens this holiday season

Children often marvel at the world around them. They’re delighted to receive just about any toy, and play with items that others may not see as fun — including everything from mixing bowls to cardboard boxes. Slowly that cherubic toddler turns into a school-aged wonder, and later into a young adult trying to find his or her place in the world. With each passing year, the task of finding gifts for tweens and teenagers becomes that much more challenging.

While most parents and other relatives may never seem “cool” in the eyes of their teens, they can gift the tweens and teens they love with presents that will earn them a few extra brownie points. The following are five gift ideas that are tailor-made for tweens and teens.

1. LED strip lights

Both girls and boys may enjoy customizing their rooms as they see fit. Teens can utilize LED strip lights to create a unique ambiance that reflects their style. These often self-sticking ribbons of lights adhere right to walls. They come

in a variety of lengths so they can be used to frame the perimeter of the room, if desired. Complete with multicolored options and a remote control, teens can set their room colors as their mood dictates.

2. Gift cards

Teens try to keep up with the latest styles. A gift card or clothing gift from one of their favorite retailers can help them build their ensembles that much quicker.

Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Forever 21, Zumiez, American Eagle, and Tilly’s are just some of the stores popular among today’s tweens and teens.

3. Wireless earbuds or headphones

Wireless headphones are used on a daily basis by tweens and teens. They rely on them for listening to music, watching movies on their devices and even during remote learning sessions. There are many brands to choose from, and Beats by Dre and Apple AirPods are among the most popular.

4. Sneakers and shoes

Sneakers have long been popular gifts for teenagers, but they tend to be costly, especially for trending styles and brands. Vans Slip-On™ Core Classics, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneakers, Reebok Club C 85 Vintage, Nike Air Force One, and Adidas Sobakov are popular among today’s tweens and teens. In addition, thanks to the resurgence of 1990s style, Dr. Martens boots are once again in demand.

5. Video game consoles

Each gamer has his or her preferred platform for gaming. From the Nintendo Switch to the Xbox Series X to the Sony PlayStation 5, these systems are in high demand. Due to that demand, these products may be harder to find the closer you get to Christmas Day. Grab them while you can and soak in the smile on your favorite tween’s or teen’s face.

Teens and tweens are notoriously challenging to shop for. However, with some knowledge, loved ones can find gifts tweens and teens are more likely to use and enjoy.

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Sherman Kountry Kids 4-H Club lending a helping hand to the Blue Star Mothers Annual Christmas Care Package event on December 3rd, 2022.

JAMESTOWN, NY

Senator George Borrello recognized the distinguished service of United States Army Private First Class Thomas A. Tedesco with a special presentation of military medals earned during World War II.

Senator Borrello made the presentation during a ceremony at the Fenton Historical Center in Jamestown. Atten-

event were family and friends of Mr. Tedesco as well as local officials and fellow veterans.

“I am honored to be able to recognize Private Tedesco for his service during World War II,” Senator Borrello said. “It is gratifying to have the opportunity to pay tribute to such an extraordinary man who was part of the effort to libe -

rate Europe from Nazi rule. He bravely and selflessly went off to war when his nation called upon him, putting his own life at risk in order to defeat tyranny. While the sacrifices he made in faithful service to our country can never be adequately repaid, with these medals, we express our gratitude and admiration.”

The son of Anthony and Rose Tedesco, he was born June 18, 1924 in Falconer. A machine shop inspector, Thomas was drafted into the U.S. Army Enlisted Reserve Corps on February 4, 1943 and reported for active duty at Old Fort Niagara one week later.

After training as a truck driver and air cargo specialist, Private Tedesco was sent to England on December 12, 1943, joining the 325th Ferry Squadron, 9th Air Force. The 325th provided passenger, mail and logistical support to all American military units in the United Kingdom.

On D-Day, the 325th Ferry

Squadron joined an armada of 1,400 C-47s, C-53s, C-109s, 2,000 gliders and 40,000 men – all alerted for or directly engaged in Operation Overlord or D-Day – but the unit continued to support rear echelon allied forces still in England.

Private Tedesco’s superiors recommended that he be assigned to military police duties. When he declined, he found himself moved to

the front lines with assignment to the 347th Infantry Regiment. The 347th, part of the 87th Infantry Division, arrived in Scotland on Oct. 22, 1944, trained in England and landed in France the first week of December 1944. It moved to the front lines at Metz and went into action against German forces holding Fort Driant.

On December 10, 1944, the 347th moved near the Saar-German border. It was on the front lines when Germany launched what was to become the Battle of the Bulge. Despite strong opposition, the 347th repelled the attack and advanced, crossing the Kyll River. In continuous fighting, the unit then crossed the Rhine River on March 18, 1945.

By April 17, 1945, the division took up defensive positions about four miles from the border to Czechoslovakia and remained there for V-E Day.

On May 6, 1945, the 347th Infantry made U.S. Army history by capturing 10,242 German Army officers and soldiers, the largest part of a mass surrender of 40,000 enemy personnel that crossed into American lines. One day later, May 7, Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies in Reims, France, ending World War II and the Third Reich.

Private Tedesco was discharged December 16, 1945 at Fort Dix, having served one year, three months and six days of service in the continental United States and one year and seven months overseas.

In honor of his outstanding service, Senator Borrello presented to Private Tedesco, the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth-highest individual military award for valor; the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.

In addition, from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and Medal For Merit.

“Private Tedesco’s wartime service and his humility surrounding his contributions are typical of those who are part of the Greatest Generation. He made tremendous sacrifices and laid his life on the line for our nation, but never sought attention or thanks,” said Senator Borrello. “Today was our opportunity to let him know our community and nation are immensely grateful for his courageous service.”

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Shown from left-to-right: Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Patricia Lindfors, daughter of PFC Tedesco; PFC Thomas Tedesco; Senator George Borrello; and Roseann Carlson, daughter of PFC Tedesco.

COUNTY OFFICIALS AGAIN WARN ABOUT DEADLY FENTANYL AND REMIND THE PUBLIC ABOUT LOCAL RESOURCES

Ongoing fatalities give urgency to overdose prevention efforts

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: Communities across the US continue to experience high rates of drug overdose and overdose fatalities.

Officials in Chautauqua County are alerting the community of the dangers of illicit drug use while also reminding the public of the multiple local resources available to address this ongoing public health crisis.

County Executive PJ Wendel said, “Fentanyl, a powerful and deadly opioid, continues to be found in street drugs of all kinds and continues to cause overdose and death in our communities. At the same time, numerous individuals and agencies throughout our county are working to combat addiction and reduce drug overdoses, and we are grateful for their life-saving efforts.”

Help for individuals struggling with substance use is available in many forms in Chautauqua County, including:

prenorphine treatment, a medication used for opioid addiction, through the WNY Opioid Addiction Treatment Hotline;

· Licensed outpatient clinics providing counseling and medication-assisted treatment;

· Peer support services;

· Inpatient rehab and residential services;

· Harm reduction services

Steve Kilburn, Grant Projects Director at the county’s Department of Mental Hygiene, said, “Chautauqua County has many services and providers for individuals and families struggling with addiction. Details and contact information for these resources can be found at CombatAddictionCHQ.com.” Kilburn also stated that the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline (1-800-724-0461) provides free confidential assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by behavioral health pro -

fessionals.

County officials remind the public that New York State’s Good Samaritan Law provides protections from charge and prosecution for drug and alcohol possession for an overdose victim and those who seek help during an overdose. They also note that there are no legal restrictions or implications for carrying naloxone and they encourage county residents to have this life-saving medication on hand.

Chautauqua County Opts Out of Updating the 2021 County-Wide Shared Services Initiative

MAYVILLE, N.Y.:-- The County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) generates property tax savings by enabling collaboration between local governments across the state. As indicated by Section 239-bb of the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI), as of January 1, 2022, each county outside of New York City is granted the choice in whether to participate in the CWSSI. County CEO’s are no longer required to annually convene a Panel and develop a new plan or revise and update a previously approved plan.

Based on these program changes, Chautauqua County has decided to opt out of updating the 2021 Chautauqua County County-Wide Shared Services Plan. The 2021 Plan includes 9 projects

which have been completed, or are working on being completed in 2022. Chautauqua County views 2022 as a year of implementation. In 2023, County Executive Wendel along with the Department of Planning and Development, will work with the project partners and municipal leaders to submit applications in order to receive match funding for savings achieved from the implementation of new shared services ac-

tions completed in 2022. In 2023 the County will reassess the 2021 Plan and decide if there are new projects that would be eligible for match funding based on the likelihood of the implementation of these projects taking place in 2024.

For questions or comments on New York State’s County-Wide Shared Services Initiative please email Rebecca Wurster, Chautauqua County Planning Coordinator at wursterr@chqgov.com.