Allegany County Community Source | 06/04/21

JUNE

4 2021

Belvidere cheese plant site abandoned, state lawmakers offer support

BY BOB CLARK

Photos provided Even a 4-year-old can enjoy the WAG Trail. Allegany County tourism director Gretchen Hanchett takes a strole on the WAG Trail.

Take a hike on the WAG Trail this weekend

BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — What and where is the WAG Trail?

Stretching between Wellsville and Genesee, Pa., the WAG Trail is a multi-use, recreational trail perfect for

families and others in all seasons.

The WAG Trail is 9 miles long, flat and runs next to the scenic, north-flowing Genesee River. It follows the route of the former Wellsville, Addison and

Galeton Railroad from which it gets its name, WAG. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the WAG Trail is open for all non-motorized uses, as well as snowmobiling

in season. The trail is also popular with fishermen for access to the Genesee River.

Recent improvements and maintenance have made the

WAG Trail continued on .........page 6

construct the facility. The project is expected to create 200 jobs after construction, in addition to moving more than 200 jobs from the current facility on Haskell Road in the town of Cuba. Chosen as a site was a cornfield on County Road 20, allowing for access to the Genesee River for treated wastewater discharge, hundreds of acres of open and flat land to expand later, a drive of less than a mile to connect to Interstate 86, and access to enough utilities like electricity, natural gas and municipal water — the only site developers said offered those necessities in the county that was not already developed.

GLC officials and property owners Charles and Elizabeth Bares of Ellicott ville — who own the property through a holding company which allows a separate holding company owned by the couple to farm corn for a 3,000-head dairy farm in Cattaraugus County — were unable to come to a deal on the property, leading to the start of eminent domain proceedings in March.

The amount to be paid appeared to be a major point of contention in the negotiations. While IDA and farm officials did not disclose the amount of the offer, IDA leaders indicated it was roughly eight times what the property was valued at by an independent appraisal. The only public value of the property — the tax assessment — indicates a value of $189,500, according to county records.

That figure cannot be used to generate a price for the eminent domain proceedings.

Under New York law, governments and agencies like

BELIVDERE — Reports that Great Lakes Cheese will fi nd a new site for a $500 million production facility could not be confi rmed earlier this week, but state officials said they planned to work with developers if a new site is being sought.

Media reports citing unnamed sources indicated that the Ohio-based company would withdraw a request for eminent domain takings near the Interstate 86 exit in Belvidere in lieu of searching for another site for the plant to replace the aging facility in Cuba.

In a joint statement following the media reports on Tuesday, state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and Assemblyman Joe Giglio, R-Gowanda, said, if true, the move would not be unexpected in the face of pushback against the eminent domain action, and they said they would work to fi nd another site in the county.

“At this point, we are involved at the highest levels of state government and have come up with viable solutions that, we believe, offer a solid path forward for the siting of this new plant,” the legislators said in the statement.

“Great Lakes Cheese has a long history in Allegany County and is known for its strong commitment to its employees and the community. We will continue to foster collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure this great legacy continues.”

County IDA officials had not responded to a request for comment before press time.

With the project announced in January, the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency said it was working with GLC to Belvidere cheese continued on page 4

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JUNE 4, 2021

Photo by Hannah Walker

Photo by Hannah Walker

A memorial, seen here, installed in front of Richburg Elementary School was dedicated to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Clifton P. Wolcott Sunday. Wolcott, a 1975 graduate of Richburg Central School, died after his helicopter was shot down over Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 3, 1993 in Operation Gothic Serpent, an episode known as “Black Hawk Down.”

Members of the Bolivar Legion honor guard fire off a 21-gun salute Sunday as part of the memorial dedication to CW4 Clifton P. Wolcott at Richburg Elementary School.

1975 Richburg Central grad honored on Memorial Day RICHBURG — Clifton P. Wolcott, who graduated from Richburg Central School in Allegany County in 1975, joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19.

His first duty was in the Military Police, with a stint in Germany.

But in 1980 he graduated from U.S. Army flight school and flew OH-58 Scout and AH-1 Cobras for the 229th Attack Helicopter Battalion at Fort Campbell, Ky. He was on his way to a brilliant career as a combat helicopter pilot who flew secret missions with the famed Night Stalkers, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment — often the air wing that carries the likes of Delta Force and Navy SEALS to an operation.

Wolcott, who lived on his family’s farm in West Clarksville when he attended school in Richburg, was on just that kind of mission on Oct. 3, 1993, when a force of Delta operators and Army Rangers were lowered into downtown Mogadishu, Somalia, with the objective of capturing key lieutenants of an infamous warlord who refused to cooperate with a United Nations peacekeeping force trying to end the deadly and destructive Somali civil war.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wolcott — he was nicknamed “Elvis” because he was such a fan of the rock ‘n’ roll legend — kept his Black Hawk helicopter hovering above the area in support of the ground team, when the copter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Wolcott is credited with coolly keeping the aircraft under a semblance of control as it descended to the

streets of Mogadishu.

Wolcott and his co-pilot were killed in the crash, but passengers in the Black Hawk survived and were later rescued in the episode that was chronicled in a best-selling book, “Black Hawk Down,” and subsequently portrayed in the 2001 Academy Award winning film of the same title. Wolcott would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star, posthumously, for his bravery.

On Sunday, the RichburgWirt Historical Society and area veterans organizations honored Wolcott by dedicating a memorial to him on the grounds of Richburg Elementary School. The memorial consists of a tall granite stone atop a concrete base.

On the stone is a plaque with CWO4 Wolcott’s picture and the U.S. Army seal and the insignia of the Night Stalkers.

The plaque notes the date of his death, in Mogadishu, during what was named Operation Gothic Serpent, while also noting that he graduated from Richburg Central in 1975.

As one of the earlier casualties in the action that 1993 day, Wolcott’s body was recovered from the wreckage during a bloody, day-long fight that left 19 Americans dead and 73 wounded and hundreds of Somali militiamen as well as civilians dead.

At the time of his death, Wolcott was survived by his wife, Christine M. Wolcott; a son, Robert; his parents of Beauford, N.C.; a sister, Ursula (Jim) Taylor of Lockport; three brothers and a half-brother. He was buried at Green Hill Memorial Gardens, Hopkinsville, Ky. In 1995, Wolcott was

inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame.

He had also participated in U.S. actions in Panama, Saudi Arabia and many other worldwide missions.

His numerous awards include the Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, three Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, three Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, Senior Aviator Badge and an Air Assault Badge.t

JUNE 4, 2021

3

4

JUNE 4, 2021

Belvidere Cheese continued from 1 IDAs may condemn properties for various reasons, including private development if the property “may

be required for a public use, benefit or purpose.” A 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that taking private land for commercial development qualified as “public use.”

While legal, such actions are generally seen negatively across the political spectrum. Many states — led by Republicans and Democrats

alike — changed eminent thousands of signatures, as domain laws following the well as a rally at the county case. However, New York did office building. not.

The proposed action led to an online petition with

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7 Steps to Save Money on a Remodel (Family Features) Every homeowner has a defi ned budget he or she can allocate toward a remodeling project.

Even if funds were unlimited, it’s still in a homeowner’s best interest to secure the best value for each dollar invested in a remodeling project, ultimately increasing the value of the home.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association for the Remodeling Industry to help save money on your next project.

1. Determine how far your budget will go.

Create a wish list of everything you want to accomplish. Disregard cost and simply write down everything you can dream of.

Prioritize items from “must

haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

2. Decide how to handle budget overages.

If you can’t get far enough down the list with the available money, you could choose to stop the process and continue saving, investigate financing options, re-evaluate your wish list or consider material substitutions.

3. Make material selections you can afford.

Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality. * Cabinets: Subtle changes

like forgoing custom rustic cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost. * Countertops: Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but advances in the design options for lower-cost countertop materials have rejuvenated their popularity, too. With the proper usage and protection, nearly all countertop materials can support your everyday needs. * Millwork: Painted millwork has dominated the

market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface. However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when fi nished properly. * Flooring: Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products.

Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood,

Remodel continued on ..........page 5

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4. Pay attention to project details.

It’s critical to ensure every detail of labor and material is specified in the agreement with the remodeler. If it’s not included in the written agreement, it’s likely not included in the work scope.

Ask your remodeler what labor and materials are not included and determine what additional expenses you’ll likely incur to complete the project.

5. Ask how you can help reduce costs.

Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce the project cost without affecting its schedule.

This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend

considerable time securing.

6. Plan ahead for project timing.

Ask for a potential timeframe for completing the project, as well as any factors that could affect the schedule so you can anticipate costs such as eating out more often while the kitchen is being renovated or renting living or storage space.

7. Know how you’ll resolve disputes.

Because of the unique stresses induced by remodeling projects, it’s a good idea to determine before you begin how disputes will be resolved, such as adding an arbitration clause to the agreement that eliminates expensive legal representation. A few deep breaths and a solution-minded approach can also save more than money if confl ict arises.

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Photo courtesy of Alfred University Alfred University Professor of Glass Angus Powers and Professor of Glass Science Bill LaCourse.

Alfred University announces ‘Year of Glass’ events ALFRED, NY – When Alfred University Professor Emeritus David Pye ’59 ’68 learned the United Nations would declare 2015 the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies, he began thinking of a similar UN resolution that would establish an International Year of Glass.

The result is a resolution approved this week by the UN General Assembly declaring 2022 the International Year of Glass. Pye’s colleagues at Alfred University, working in both the Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design are preparing for a year that celebrates Alfred University as one of the preeminent glass science and arts education institutions in the country.

The University is the only institution of higher education in the country that offers the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Glass Science Engineering. Side by side with glass technology research, artists studying in the School of Art and Design have used the medium of glass in creating art on display in private and public collections around the world.

Glass art and glass technology are changing world culture and industry, observes Alfred University Professor of Glass Science Bill LaCourse. “Glass is booming.”

2022 is still eight months in the future; however, LaCourse is envisioning a number of programs showcasing Alfred University’s role in bringing glass technology to the center of modern manufacturing processes. His ideas include an international conference that gathers glass technology experts from around the world, as well as the reopening of the Paul Vickers Gardner Glass Center as a venue for interdisciplinary glass studies. Vickers, a 1930 graduate of the University’s College of Ceramics, served as curator of ceramics and glass at the

Smithsonian Institution.

Mutual relations between glass technology and art will also be showcased in the School of Art and Design.

Angus Powers, Professor of Glass in the Division of Sculptural and Dimensional Studies, will continue his explorations of that interplay through GlassArtEngine, a course in which glass engineering and art students partner to work through research and technical challenges, exploring new physical combinations of glass as a material. Visiting artists and Alfred University’s Art Talks will also highlight the University’s status as a uniquely supportive environment for glass artists.

The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University’ is ideally positioned to provide key services and opportunities to glass scholars, engineers, and artists through the 2022 International Year of Glass.

The College was founded in 1900 by an act of the New York State Legislature, then took shape in the heart of the Arts and Craft s movement, dedicating itself to educating students in both ceramic manufacturing processes and ceramic art. The University continues to lead international explorations of applied glass technologies through its Center for Glass Innovation.

“Our initiatives have placed us squarely at the center of the new Age of Glass,” says Alfred University President Mark Zupan. “It’s not an overstatement to say Alfred University, together with David Pye’s efforts, have played a key role in the UN’s declaration of 2022 as the International Year of Glass.”

Glass engineers trained at Alfred University include John Mauro ’01 ’06 and Robert Shaut ’92, both of whom have played major roles in modern glass technologies.

Mauro, currently Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Chair at Penn

State University, worked at Corning Inc., where he co-invented the modern iteration of the clear, hardened material known familiarly as Gorilla Glass.

Shaut, currently Scientific Director for Pharmaceutical Technologies at Corning Inc., served as team leader in Corning’s development of Valor Glass, used in medicine vials including the containers used for COVID 19 vaccines.

In the field of glass art, graduates of Alfred University’s School of Art and Design also have carved out positions of leadership and the highest regard. “Works by faculty members and alumnx have been in exhibitions and are part of private and public collections around the world,” says Lauren Lake, Dean of the School of Art and Design. Well-known glass artists with Alfred University degrees include Chicago-based artist Pearl Dick ‘98, Artistic Director of Firebird Community Arts and the co-creator of Project FIRE, a glassblowing and trauma recovery program for youth injured by gun violence in Chicago; also the renowned glass artist Joel Philip Myers, Fellow of the American Craft Council and Honorary Life Member of the Glass Art Society, whose work has been described as “exquisite craft smanship and an extraordinarily strong sense of formal design.”

With the UN General Assembly’s passage this work of the International year of Glass Resolution, David Pye has continued his own work as an international leader in glass science. In addition to serving on the Alfred University faculty for 34 years, Pye served also as dean of the College of Ceramics before his retirement in 2002. He has served also as president of the International Commission on Glass and president of the American Ceramic Society.

Pye also worked closely with both Corning Inc. and the

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Corning Museum of Glass, in encouraging the UN General Assembly to consider establishing 2022 as the International year of Glass.

Their combined efforts have contributed to more than 1,100 endorsements from 74 United Nations member countries.

Alfred University will post announcements of its initiatives in glass science and art as the International Year of Glass approaches, in addition to hosting individual events in 2022 to celebrate glass engineering and art.

Glass art extends back to the Bronze Age, and engineers in the Age of Rome developed architectural uses for the material; Alfred University will continue to highlight ways in which glass technology is vital part to the global economy, and glass art a key feature of modern arts creation.

Automotive

How to inspect and maintain vehicle belts Responsible vehicle ownership involves taking inventory of the automobile and ensuring it is working at peak capacity. Hundreds of parts work together to keep vehicles on the road, but quite often drivers do not look under the hood until something is amiss.

Routine maintenance is widely acknowledged as a critical component of responsible vehicle ownership, but many motorists may not know how to care for their cars. Belts are one example of components that are integral to efficient, well-running vehicles. The automotive resource iDriveSafely.com indicates that belts are some of the most crucial moving parts in the engine. Belts transmit power between shaft s, and all belts, from serpentine belts to V-belts to timing belts, all serve important functions.

• Serpentine belt: Firestone® Complete Auto Care says a serpentine belt is a long, snaking, winding

belt that keeps parts such as the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning running smoothly. Serpentine belts transport power to automotive accessories. A failing serpentine belt can cause enormous and expensive headaches, including overheating and loss of steering power.

• V-belts: Also known as drive belts, these are usually found in older vehicles.

Unlike serpentine belts, which run through various parts, V-belts run through one or two accessories. Older cars with many bells and whistles will have multiple V-belts, and should one break, it may not cause as much of an issue as if a serpentine belt were to falter.

• Timing belt: Advance Auto Parts says that most cars have interference engines in which the clearance between moving parts is so small that they can end up bumping into each other if they’re not running on the

same timing as one another.

That is where the timing belt comes into play. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, helping them stay in sync. Failing to pay attention to a timing belt can result in an expensive engine repair.

Belts have fi nite service lives, and heat and wear and tear are usually their nemeses. It is important to look for fraying or cracking of belts.

Even belts that look new may

have worn out grooves that lose their grips on matching pulley grooves. Mechanics often use special gauges to check belts.

Belts also may need to be replaced due to oil or grease contamination that can damage the rubber or synthetic rubber. It is important to check the owner’s manual and seek advice from a qualified mechanic about when belts should be serviced.

6

JUNE 4, 2021

WAG Trail continued from 1 entire trail easily accessible.

As it travels through woodlands and farmlands its grass and gravel surface is very flat. The grade is less than 5%, with only about 80 feet of elevation change over the length of the trail.

Hiking, running, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and horseback riding are all allowed on the trail.

Users can see a menagerie of wildlife, from beaver, mink, fox and deer, to grouse, woodcock, turkey, songbirds and waterfowl and possibly bear according to some recent hikers.

Journalist Nora Wilson Wheeler hiked the trail last year.

“I could see bear scat on and near the trail, so you know they are around,” she said. “I didn’t see any, but I certainly saw lots of other wildlife including deer and insects.

If you hike the trail in the summer be sure to have nett ing and your mosquito repellent.”

Wilson-Wheeler said the thing she liked best about the trail is its flatness.

“There aren’t any hills and there are plenty of places to sit down and rest and enjoy the river.”

The trail and its amenities make a hike on it a family

affair.

Gretchen Hanchett, the executive director of the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and administer of the Allegany County Department of Tourism, recently took her 4-year-old granddaughter for a hike on the trail.

“It was easy enough for Arya to enjoy,” Hanchett said.

“It is safe, you do see other people, especially the closer to the village, but it is a trail for all ages. It reminds me of going back in time. Going for a nice stroll.”

With its scenery ranging from farm fields, wetlands and forests, Hanchett said, “I like it. It is well-maintained and it isn’t hard. It is like taking a nice deep breath and letting it out.”

She also noted that there are benches on the trail.

Historically, The WAG Trail was part of the WAG Railroad and originally part of the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad system. At its peak, the railroad extended from Buffalo to Sagamore, Pa. The rail line from Galeton, Pa., to Wellsville was constructed in 1895-96.

In 1929 the B&S Railroad became part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad system. In 1956 the Wellsville branch and the branch from Galeton to Addison were sold to the Salzberg Company and the line became known as the Wellsville, Addison and Galeton Railroad. The railroad originally served

the Sinclair Oil refi nery in Wellsville and tanneries in Pennsylvania. It operated until 1979 but the fi nal shutdown of the Sinclair refi nery in 1963 eliminated the railroad’s major customer. The Wellsville branch ceased operating in 1973 following sever damage to the line caused by the remnants of Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

New York state acquired the 9-mile section in 2009.

Early on, enthusiastic volunteers helped clear and maintain the path. Each year students help to clear the path and in recent years Jones Memorial Hospital provided funds to replace and repair bridges on the trail.

Parking for the WAG Trail is in Wellsville’s Island Park, where the trail may be accessed from a paved walkway.

Parking can also be found at Carter Road, Mapes Road, Graves Road, Hawks Road.

Traditionally the trail can be accessed from Weidrick Road where the trail it is used for access for the Wellsville water intake facility.

Currently the location is undergoing the replacement of the bridge, so parking may not be available. In Shongo the DEC advises trail users to use the Hawks Road parking area because the Shongo site is used by fishermen.

Directions to each site may be found on the DEC website.

The DEC also advises that if you bring it in — take it out to minimize impact on natural resources

Out & About

ACCORD is Hosting a Series of Webinars to Explain the New Small Business and Rental Assistance Programs Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing fi nancial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ACCORD will be completing a series of webinars to share information on the programs and answer questions.

Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program – Anticipated Start June 10th The small business recovery grant program will provide funding to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, with priority being given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, including minority- and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in economically distressed communities.

Grants will be for a

a fi xed distance of 50 meters.

The scores result in a seeded elimination bracket.

Houseknecht, a technology management major from Candor, advanced through his matches until the quarterfi nals, where he lost a close match, fi nishing eighth and picking up a medal. Notably, this was Houseknecht’s second consecutive fi nish at Target Nationals with a top 10 fi nish in men’s compound.

Texas A&M ultimately went on to win the overall national championship. The Alfred State Archery Team wrapped up the 2021 season with three members fi nishing their collegiate career: seniors Chloe Miles, veterinary

populations. After the fi rst 30 days, applications will be processed on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, as long as funds remain available. The ERAP will provide tenants with significant protection and stability and will allow landlords to receive fi nancial compensation at the same time.

Jacob Winterhalter from ACCORD’s business department is hosting a webinar on about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program on June 1st at 10:30am that will cover the totality of the program and field questions at the end.

For assistance or more information contact ACCORD at: (585) 268-7605 ext. 1711 or jwinterhalter@accordcorp. org

Health & Wellness

Alfred State archer Jacob Houseknecht earns medal at Collegiate Target Nationals ALFRED— The Alfred State Archery Team recently wrapped up its season in the USA Archery Collegiate Target Nationals in Richmond, VA, with archer Jacob Houseknecht bringing home a medal in a second consecutive top 10 Target Nationals performance.

A total of 10 Alfred archers traveled to Richmond, where the Collegiate Target Nationals sees the top collegiate archery programs in the country descend to battle for both individual and team honors.

Several Pioneers posted solid scores in Friday’s qualifying “720 round,” in which all archers shoot 72 arrows in six-arrow ends at

minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 and will be calculated based on a New York State business’ annual gross receipts for 2019. Reimbursable COVID-19 related expenses must have been incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.

Jacob Winterhalter from ACCORD’s business department is hosting a webinar on Thursday June 3rd at 10:30am to cover the grant program in detail and field questions.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – Applications start 6/1/21 at 9:00a The rental assistance program will assist households behind on their rent and that have experienced fi nancial hardship, that are at risk of homelessness or housing instability and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income. During the fi rst 30 days of the program, the program will prioritize the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable

technology; Canisteo; Dylan Krise, surveying engineering technology, Gillett, PA; and Jacob Pollock, mechanical engineering technology,

Franklinville.

In just three short months, the Alfred State Archery Team will be back in action as it prepares for 3D season.

Photo provided Alfred State Archery Team member Jacob Houseknecht recently earned a medal with a top 10 finish at the USA Archery Collegiate Target Nationals in Richmond, VA.

How to Combat Social Isolation (Family Features) Even before COVID-19 limited social contact with friends, family and colleagues, many adults experienced loneliness and depression due to limited contact with others. Now, a year after the pandemic forced many people into even greater levels of isolation, the issue of social isolation is especially prevalent in Americans over the age of 50.

Despite the physical implications of a global pandemic, research shows the mental health stakes are high, too.

Social isolation has provided plenty of time for Americans to reflect on their priorities. The majority of Americans surveyed (90%) have re-evaluated their post age-50 goals and put spending more time with family at the top of their lists. In fact, the most common fi rst thing 50-plus Americans will do once COVID-19 is over is to see and spend time with their families (41%).

“While restrictions are beginning to ease, many older adults are still isolated from friends and family, and that takes a toll on their mental well-being” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of the AARP Foundation.

“We must do all we can to help older adults, who have suffered greatly during COVID-19, strengthen the social connections that are so essential to their ability to lead longer, healthier lives.”

For example, AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect platform equips older adults with the tools they need to stay physically and mentally healthy and connected to their communities. The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays is helping fund the foundation’s work to increase social connection with donations based on new accounts and eligible purchases, up to $1 million annually.

A litt le creativity and a commitment to fi lling time productively can help reduce the strain of being alone until it’s safer to resume social activities.

Use technology to connect with loved ones. Video chats and traditional phone calls can help you feel connected even when you can’t be together in person. While

a drop-in call can be fun, consider arranging regular visits with kids and grandkids. If you schedule calls throughout the week, you’ll have something regular to look forward to and can benefit from a check-in that affi rms everyone is healthy and safe.

Make time for physical activity. Staying closer to home may mean you’re not gett ing the exercise you once did, but it’s important for your health to stay active.

Regularly using your muscles helps keep your body strong, and even light physical activity a few times each week can help keep your cardiovascular system fit for better heart health. Regular exercise can also provide a range of positive mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, and improved memory.

Volunteer in your community or consider virtual volunteering. Helping others is a way to release feel-good endorphins for yourself. While your limited social calendar may afford you some extra time, inquire with local nonprofits about how you can contribute to their causes.

Especially as funding for charitable organizations has dropped, volunteers are still essential to most nonprofit organizations, whether the help comes in person or virtually. Even from a distance, you may be able to help with tasks like making calls to donors, assisting with mailings or planning fundraising campaigns.

Find more resources that support older adults at connect2affect.org.

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PCAs, HHAs, & CNAs

Jan & Bev’s Home Care Inc. 102 N. Main Street Wellsville, NY 14895 585-593-3760

Call between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday - Friday