Alternatives to common Valentine’s gifts

adults have access to hot meals.The Feeding America network is a nationwide network of food banks that secures and distributes meals. Individuals can learn more about volunteerism or how to make donations at feedingamerica.org/.

Traditional: Lingerie

Alternative: Time spent together In a poll of more than 350 women, Business Insider discovered that lingerie was one of the gifts women did not want to receive on Valentine’s Day. In fact, 97 percent of respondents weren’t fans of receiving lingerie on Valentine’s Day. Spending time together doing something couples are passionate about may be more well-received.

Millions of people are set to spend untold dollars on Valentine’s Day gifts or experiences this year. Data compiled by InfographicPlaza.com indicates that individuals traditionally spend the most on jewelry, a night out, flowers, apparel, and gift cards on Valentine’s Day. Fifty-two percent of people who buy Valentine’s gifts will spend money on candy, particularly chocolate.

Though tried and true gifts never fail, those looking for something a little different this Valentine’s day can consider these alternatives.

Traditional: Candy/choco - late Alternative: Baked goods

Bite-sized baked offerings can be a welcome change to boxed chocolates or chocolate-covered strawberries. Consider petit fours, which are tasty layered cakes about one to two inches in size. The popular franchise Nothing Bundt Cakes also offers Bundtinis™, which are slightly smaller than cupcakes and can be mixed and matched in a variety of cake flavors.

Traditional: Bouquet of a dozen red roses

Alternative: Flowering plant Even well-maintained cut bouquets only last so long. A flowering plant can endure much longer. Beautiful interior flowering plants include African violets, Bromeliads, Orchids, Peace lilies, Amaryllis, Christmas cactuses, and Jasmines.

Traditional: Dinner out

Alternative: Feed the needy Civic-minded sweethearts may appreciate the thought of donating the time and money they might normally spend on a restaurant meal by helping to ensure needy children and

Traditional: Stuffed animal

Alternative: Adopted animal There are only so many stuffed animals, particularly fuzzy teddy bears, an adult can collect. Instead, why not adopt a shelter animal or donate to an animal rights organization? Before gifting a pet, confirm the recipient is on board with the idea. A pet is a years-long emotional and financial commitment that requires forethought and planning.

Couples can look beyond the traditional when shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts this year.

Planning Your Garden! Coming to Anderson-Lee Library

The Silver Creek Hanover Garden Club is partnering with the Anderson-Lee Library to bring you - Planning Your Garden, a presentation by Master Gardeners Tamara Bacho and Shannon Rinnow. Learn about seed starting, how to read a seed packet, soil testing and why it is important, composting, pest and weed management and the importance of native plants and pollinators. Get your questions answered!

Planning Your Garden, Saturday February 11th, 11am at the Anderson-Lee Library. Located at 43 Main

St, Silver Creek NY. Preregistration is encouraged. Register onlineandersonleelibrary.org or by phone (716) 934-3468

Members of the Silver Creek Hanover Garden Club will be in attendance if you are interested in joining the club, maintaining a garden space or have any questions. We will also have free seed packets available while supplies last. Check out our newly opened Community Seed Library housed within the Anderson-Lee Library. We can't wait to plan our gardens! Join us!

Two New Programs Starting at AndersonLee Library in Silver Creek

Anderson-Lee Library, located at 43 Main Street in Silver Creek will offer two new programs starting in February.

Chess Club: All skill levels are welcome to come to Chess Club! We will meet on Fridays, starting February 10, from 2-3pm. For ages 10+ and registration is not required. Please stop in and play!

Learn to Crochet: A six week learn to crochet class will meet on Thursdays from 1-3pm and starts February 23. All skill levels are welcome. You do not need to commit to the 6 weeks to participate. Each participant should bring a 4-ply yarn and an H crochet hook. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Registration is requested, but not mandatory. Drop in if you can!

Anderson-Lee Library is open to the public Monday and Tuesday from 12-8 pm, Thursday 10 am to 8 pm, Friday 12-5 pm, and Saturday 10 am-2 pm. The library is closed Wednesday and Sunday. Fax and copy service is available anytime the library is open. Please call 716-934-3468 for more information about our programs and services. Visit our website at www. andersonleelibrary.org or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/AndersonLeeLibrary for the latest up to date information.

NCCF Accepting Letters of Interest for Community Benefit Grants

Dunkirk, N.Y., February

6, 2022 - The deadline is fast approaching for Letters of Interest for the Community Grants Program of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. Organizations wishing to apply should submit Letters of Interest no later than Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Please visit nccfoundation.org/grantsprograms for complete eligibility requirements and guidelines.

The Community Benefit Grants Program considers grant proposals from nonprofit organizations biannually in March and September. Grant proposals must efficiently and effectively address identified community needs or new opportunities. Letters of interest should not exceed two pages in length and should include the following:

A brief project description, including how this project furthers the organization’s mission.

The anticipated and measurable impacts of the project, including the number of people who might benefit, specific community benefits, or both.

The total project cost and specific amount requested.

The signature of the Executive Director or President of the organization and the name and contact information of the primary person responsible for the proposal.

After review by the NCCF Grants Committee, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant applications. Letters of Interest should be sent