Erie Cattaraugus County Community Source 3/24/23

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

Spring cleaning pointers

Photo Submitted

A one-ounce Silver American Eagle coin, like the one pictured here, will be among the prizes at the Jamestown Coin Club Spring Show on Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The free event is at the Herman Kent Post 777 (Celoron) American Legion.

Jamestown, N.Y. – Coin dealers from western New York and northwest Pennsylvania will be at the Jamestown Coin Club Spring Show, Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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

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

Admission is free at the Celoron American Legion – Herman Kent Post 777 at 26 Jackson Avenue, just off Fairmount

Avenue, in Jamestown/ West Ellicott, N.Y.

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

These monthly gettogethers include door prizes and raffles and are highlighted by an auction of coins submitted by members. Annual membership is $10. Guests are welcome to participate at no charge.

The Jamestown Coin Club presents their Fall Coin Show on the second Sunday in September.

For more information, call (716) 720-1591.

Famous Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless

chicken breasts

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or similar butter crackers

1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375º F.

Lightly spray 9-13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Place crushed crackers in a medium size shallow bowl, add garlic salt and peppermix. Place eggs (beaten) in

another separate medium size shallow bowl. Dip one chicken breast at a time in the eggs coating well, then dredge in the cracker crumbs, coating well on all sides. Place chicken breasts side-by-side in baking dish. Top chicken evenly with pieces of butter. Back on middle rack of oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until chicken is ready and internal temperature has reached a safe minimum 165º F internal temperature.

Serve with your favorite veggies, rice, potatoes, salad and more. Enjoy!

Spring is a season of renewal. When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials.

There is debate regarding where the practice of “spring cleaning” originated. Some researchers link it to certain religious groups. It has long been an ancient Jewish custom to thoroughly clean a house in preparation for the springtime feast of Passover. The house is scoured to remove any yeast bread, or chametz, from the home. Similarly, members of the Greek Orthodox church celebrate “Clean Week,” which is a week of cleaning before Lent. In Iranian culture, families spend days cleaning prior to the Persian New Year, which begins on the spring equinox.

Spring cleaning also has some secular roots. For instance, in the 1800s, Londoners routinely cleared their homes of grime and soot that accumulated over the winter.

Spring cleaning is still a ritual for many today. As people embark on their plans to tidy up, these tips can help them along.

Tackle one big task a day

Who hasn’t started one project only to be distracted into moving along to another room? This often occurs when people discover something out of place in one space and then move that item where it belongs, only to find a new cleaning task at hand in that space. Inefficiency can make you give up on spring cleaning prematurely. Agree to address one room/task a day. Keep a basket or

Dunkirk Soccer Teams to Hold Fundraiser Dinner

box handy to store errant items until you move on to the next room.

Stock up on supplies

Prepare all of the cleaning supplies in advance. Put together a tool kit of sorts with the equipment you need, including mops, brooms, rags, cleansers, and the like. Organization can keep you on course.

Harness your strengths and weaknesses

Some people clean because they are stressed or angry, others do so to avoid other tasks. Keep personality in mind when establishing a cleaning schedule. For example, clean at night if you’re a night owl, or wait until you are feeling antsy before embarking on a “calm down cleaning.”

Tackle seasonal chores first

Some tasks need to get done to prepare for the spring and summer season. These may include cleaning the grill and sorting through outdoor furniture and decor. Spring cleaning may involve readying the pool for another year of use, or cleaning out rain gutters to prepare for spring storms. Tackle time-dependent tasks first and then move on to others that are less time-sensitive.

Spread out the work

Some people like to devote full weekends to spring cleaning, but that can be overwhelming for others. Breaking down cleaning tasks into 15to 30-minute intervals each day can make the job more tolerable.

Spring cleaning season has arrived, and certain tips can make the job more efficient and manageable.

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

BMA Parish to Hold Stations for the Cross for Youth

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

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY ETHICS BOARD TO MEET ON MARCH 29

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: -- The Chautauqua County Ethics Board will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 2 p.m. in Room 331 of the Gerace Office Building, 3 N. Erie St. in Mayville, N.Y. Current members of the board are John Hamels, Diane Hannum, John Marengo, and Stephanie Stevens. For more information or a meeting agenda, please contact the Ethics Board Liaison at (716) 7534120 or visit chqgov.com/county-executive/Ethics-Board .

County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board to Meet

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board to Meet on April 4. JAMESTOWN, N.Y.: -- The Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will be holding a meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The meeting will be held in Room 333 of the Gerace Office Building, 3 North Erie Street, Mayville, N.Y. The public will be able to fully observe the videoconference meeting by going to the link below: https://us02web.zoom.

us/j/86724117686?pwd=WTg1eXE1VlhlSUJ6LzZ1SEhUYW5MZz09 If you should have questions regarding this meeting, please contact Lauren Sharp at the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development at sharpl@chqgov.com.

Did You Know?

You have so much to consider for the future!

Come to our

The Alzheimer’s Association® reports that remaining socially active throughout adulthood can possibly delay the onset of dementia. And that’s not the only benefit to remaining socially engaged as an adult, which researchers have linked to reduced rates of disability and mortality. The Alzheimer’s Association® also indicates that social engagement may reduce the risk for depression in older adults. That’s a significant benefit, as the National Council on Aging notes that the risk for depression is

elevated among older adults compared to young adults. Retirees can consider a host of ways to remain socially engaged, whether it’s volunteering, participating in clubs or moving to communities tailored to individuals 55 and older. Such communities may facilitate social engagement among residents by establishing or promoting clubs, organizing group sightseeing trips and arranging for other opportunities for inhabitants to get to know their neighbors.

Tips to pick the right time to retire

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

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

• Consider age-related benefits. Both the United States and Canada feature government-sponsored retirement income programs and it behooves individuals to familiarize themselves with the rules of those programs so they can maximize their benefits. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) allows individuals to begin receiving full CPP benefits at age 65, but they also can get a permanently reduced amount the moment they turn 60. The CPP also allows people to receive a permanent increase if they wait until turning 70 to receive payment. Similar age-related rules govern the Social Security benefits program in the United States, where individuals can begin claiming benefits at age 62, though those benefits will be reduced by 25 percent. If individuals wait until they’re 66 or, in some cases, 67, to claim Social Security benefits, they will receive their full benefits. The Social Security Administration notes that those who can wait until age 70 to claim benefits will receive as much as 132 percent of the monthly benefit they would have received at full retirement age. These distinctions are significant, especially

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

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

• Consider your retirement living expenses. It goes without saying that a sizable nest egg will be a necessity for anyone hoping to live comfortably in retirement. But the tricky part is figuring just how big a nest egg might need to be. In such instances, individuals can speak with a financial advisor and discuss what their retirement living expenses will be.

Conventional wisdom based on the Consumer Price Index suggests individuals will need to replace between 70 and 80 percent of their pre-retirement income after calling it a career. But even that figure is not set in stone, as rising inflation, such as the rapid spike experienced in 2022, can quickly put retirees in financial jeopardy. By estimating the expenses they might have in retirement, individuals can begin to see just how close or far away from retirement they may be. Budget for inflation so any spike in living expenses can be easier to manage.

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

Did You Know?

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

• Increased longevity:

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

Plan ahead for an ‘eggceptional’ Easter egg hunt

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

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

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

wander in. If you use a public space, rope off an area where the eggs will be hidden. In addition, have a backup plan if the weather will not cooperate. School gymnasiums, libraries or church recreational centers are some potential indoor options.

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

DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush Burning Prohibition

39 percent longer and neutered male cats lived 62 percent longer.

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

• Prevents litters:

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

• May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra.

Undergoing the spaying and neutering process increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs. There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.

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

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

• Designate a search area. Aim for a relatively private spot for the egg hunt. A park may seem like a good idea, but people who were not included in the egg count could

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

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

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

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

Began March 16

Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives and Property

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

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

Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open

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

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

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

Northwest Bank donates to COI

Master Gardener Helpdesk Returns for the 2023 Growing Season

-BY MASTER GARDENER, PEG HITE JAMESTOWN, NEW

YORK (March 15, 2023)

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

Chautauqua County Master Gardeners are ready to help with your gardening questions, plant or animal identification or other gardening issues. Bring your questions to the Help Line by telephone, e-mail or walk in on Wednesdays Noon to 2PM, starting April 5th and continuing every Wednesday during the growing season. Our garden experts will review your request and set you in the right direction. Also, as an extra bonus if you bring in a soil sample our garden team will test for pH!

pH is important for the adsorption of nutrients in your soil. Master Gardener services are free.

Contact us on 716/6649502 extension 224, e-mail us at chautauquamg@ cornell.edu or visit us at the JCC Carnahan Center; 525 Falconer Street; P.O. Box 20; Jamestown, NY 147020020, during helpline hours. The "GPS friendly address is 241 James Ave; Jamestown, NY" look for the RED Cornell Signs.

The Master Gardener Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as

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

Signs of winter lawn damage

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

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

• Wilted grass: Many things can cause grass to wilt over the course of winter, so homeowners may have to put on their sleuth’s cap to determine why grass that was healthy as recently as late fall is now wilted as the spring bloom begins. Grass that’s adjacent to walkways and driveways might have wilted due to the application of de-icing solutions. Such products can prevent the formation of ice on driveways and walkways. However, when they’re tracked onto the grass by people or animals or blown there by winter winds, grass can wilt. A

deep watering in spring can flush any lingering solution from the lawn. In future winters, homeowners can be as careful as possible when applying de-icing solutions, making a concerted effort to avoid spreading any onto the grass and limited applications to areas of the driveway and walkways that are not close to the grass.

• Brown patches: The National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that brown patches in a lawn often develop after heavy snowfall. Such patches tend to develop where large piles of shoveled snow were deposited, so homeowners can inspect alongside driveways and walkways. The NALP advises homeowners to rake away part of the brown patches first. If green tissue is emerging beneath, then the lawn will likely be fine in due time. However, if the area beneath is not green and surrounding areas are already turning green, homeowners may need to rake up dead tissue before

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

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

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

to support economic development activities.

Submitted Photo

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