AUGUST 6, 2021
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AUGUST 6, 2021
Borrello: Clinics to help seniors stay safe from scammers in August
OLEAN — County and state officials hope to help seniors avoid all-toocommon financial scams with a pair of clinics this month. State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, on Monday announced clinics Aug. 17 at Genesee Valley Central School and Aug. 19 at the John J. Ash Community Center in Olean, to offer tips and answer questions on scam tactics and how to deal with such fraud. “With the evolution of technology, the prevalence of fraud has increased dramatically. However, during the pandemic it exploded to levels we’ve never seen before,” Borrello said. “According to data from the New York State Comptroller, identity the increased 85 percent during 2020 and more than four times the level of just one decade ago.
“The effects of fraud on our seniors can be devastating, not just financially, but emotionally as well. Research indicates older adults are less likely to report fraud because of shame or concern that family members will think they are unable to manage their own affairs,” he added. “The events we’ve planned will help participants identify the most common types of scams, provide tips on how to avoid being victimized and offer an opportunity to obtain personalized assistance in resolving a fraud issue.” Officials with area aging agencies have been repeatedly cautioning residents Photo provided about scammers for years — doubly so during the Sen. George Borrello pandemic. “It is a pleasure to be able for Elder Law and Justice this event,” said Anita to partner with Senator as well as the A orney Ma ison, Director of the Borrello, the Allegany General’s Office to provide Allegany County Office for County Sheriff, Center
the Aging. “Each year, millions of older Americans fall victim to scams and fraudulent activity, which can deplete the savings that they worked so hard for. This event will help educate older adults on the signs of fraud and scams. It will also empower them to know what steps to take to protect themselves and their financial future.” In Belmont, officials will open with a presentation, followed by one-onone meetings with agency representatives who can help with answering questions or helping to submit claims to the Federal Trade Commission. Representatives will be discussing common scams and discussing strategies seniors can use to protect themselves from various types of identity the , credit card and financial scams and other types of fraud.
To register for the Belmont clinic, call the Allegany County Office for the Aging at (585) 2689390 by Aug. 10. The second clinic, from 10-11 a.m. Aug. 19, will be held at the John J. Ash Community Center, 112 N. Barry St., Olean. The Ca araugus County Department of the Aging will have members of its interdisciplinary team on hand to discuss common scams, telltale red flags, share prevention tips and how to report scams. Representatives from the Department of the Aging, the Ca araugus County District A orney’s Office, and Ca araugus County Sheriff’s Office will be among the presenters. Anyone with questions may call the Ca araugus County Department of the Aging at (716) 373-8032.
28 New Girl Scout Badges Introduced as Girl Scouts of WNY Prepares for Another Year of Programming Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) today announced 28 new badges focused on entrepreneurship, math in nature, and digital leadership that embolden girls to navigate a changing society and build the futures they want for themselves and the world. Amid seismic shi s in technology and culture brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts can now earn new badges—in addition to the hundreds of existing badges—that address girls’ evolving interests in ways
that resonate with them. The badges also address some of parents’ top concerns for their children as they handle the increasingly digital world, helping girls develop an entrepreneurial mindset toward technology, learn STEM skills while exploring nature, and build confidence and safe practices online. The new Girl Scout badges include: Math in Nature (grades K–5): Despite increased remote learning, not all learning happens indoors. This badge gets girls outdoors to
explore and conserve the natural world as they learn math concepts. Activities include discovering shapes and pa erns in natural objects, learning about symmetry and tessellation, and mastering time and measurement theories. Girl Scouts then use this background to design nectar feeders, trail maps, and other outdoor tools and essentials. Girls o en receive the message that STEM isn’t for them, but they’re especially interested in STEM concepts when they’re linked to things that girls enjoy, such as outdoor time. Sponsored
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by Johnson & Johnson. Cookie Business (grades K–12): With businesses shi ing their models and relying even more on technology, girls learn to think beyond the storefront. The new Cookie Business badges help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via the Smart Cookies platform. The badges progress from goal se ing and effective salespitching in person and online to using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns. In light of the consumer trend to shop more online, including on the Smart Cookies platform, girls now have even more opportunities to experience digital sales and marketing. Digital Leadership (grades K–12): Digital well-being is not a just buzzword—it’s here to stay. Girl Scouts explore what a leader is, both online and in their everyday lives. They learn how to be online in a responsible and safe way, and dive into topics like managing your well-being online, how to balance your
time on and offline, and how to deal with issues like misinformation, clickbait, and biases in advertising. Girl Scouts discover how people use technology to connect and lead, then use those skills to create impact and become digital activists themselves. While internet safety and well-being are among parents’ top concerns since the pandemic, many girls are already digital leaders who use technology to connect with others on social issues and causes they care about. These forward-thinking badges are designed to support and motivate girls as they navigate the digital world. Sponsored by Instagram.
current issues girls, parents, and caregivers care about.” “We are so excited for girls to experience these new badges,” said GSWNY CEO Alison Wilcox. “Girl Scouts is here for girls seeking opportunities to participate in fun, confidence-boosting activities in a supportive community.”
Through Girl Scouts at Home™, GSUSA has made free self-guided activities from select new and existing programming available online to the public. Members can additionally access a suite of Girl Scout programming online through the Volunteer Toolkit, including troop meeting plans, tips for volunteers, and other resources “Girl Scouts helps girls nav- to help girls earn badges and igate our changing world and awards. For girls in grades K-12 who build the futures they want to see,” said GSUSA Interim have not joined Girl Scouts CEO Judith Ba y. “Through yet, families are invited to our new badge experiences, begin registering now for an girls can conserve the natu- exciting year of upcoming ral world, run their own programming. Currently, small business, create digital the Girl Scouts of WNY are content that inspires others, encouraging families to and address online bullying. “press play.” Over the past Girl Scouts has been a source year, many have put life and of connection, support, and other activities on pause, but joy for girls throughout the now many families are ready pandemic, and is addressing to get back into the fun available in their communities, including ongoing in-person and virtual opportunities. For girls who have previously had a Girl Scout membership but paused their participation last year, the annual renewal campaign is inviting everyone back to pick up where they le off. To find more information about joining or renewing, visit www.gswny.org.
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AUGUST 6, 2021
Allegany County National Honor Society announces scholarship winners The Allegany County National Honor Society is pleased to announce its scholarship winners for the 2020-21 school year. $500 scholarship award recipients include: Zoe Balinsky (AlfredAlmond), Claire Benham
(Cuba-Rushford), Kayci Bigelow (Genesee Valley), Sarah Clark (BolivarRichburg), Caleb Cutler (Whitesville), Aidan Heaney (Belfast), Alexa Hill (Wellsville), Kieran Kelley (Fillmore), Livia Simon (Andover), Noah Sleight (Canaseraga), Caitlin
Steward (Friendship), and Camryn Wiech (Scio). $200 scholarship award recipients are Cory Bolzan (Scio), Leah Fuller (CubaRushford), Sco Garis III (Whitesville), Liberty Gaylord (Andover), Avery Grusendorf (Genesee Valley), Aaliyah Harmon
(Friendship), Allyson Herbert (Bolivar-Richburg), Harley Miller (Fillmore), Molly O’Donnell (Canaseraga), Emma Sullivan (Belfast), Amber Weinar (Alfred-Almond), Jocelyn Wilson (Wellsville), and Jared Winkins (Houghton Academy).
$100 scholarship award recipients include Anna Bliss (Fillmore), Paige Chase (Whitesville), Maya Cooley (Houghton Academy), Hannah Dunaway (Wellsville), Bethany Gardner (Friendship), Brennen Gilliland (Bolivar-Richburg), Desirae
Minns (Cuba-Rushford), Sienna Montague (Canaseraga), Katherine Reilly (Andover), Zoe Tarun (Alfred-Almond), Cierra Wallace (Belfast), and Savannah Werner (Genesee Valley).
HOME & GARDEN What to know before planting around your property When planning a landscape, it’s tempting to pick the most colorful, vibrant plants. An eye-popping property filled with yellows, purples, pinks, and other bold colors is sure to catch anyone’s eye. However, the right plant for a property is not always the most colorful. Gardening novices can easily be overwhelmed on a trip to their local garden center, where employees may ask a host of questions that have li le to do with homeowners’ preferences and everything to do with the growing conditions around their properties. Those questions may seem a li le intense, but they’re well-intentioned. Successful gardening is more about soil conditions and access to sunlight than it is about the plants themselves. An awe-inspiring hydrangea bush will only impress if it’s planted in a location where it can thrive.
The Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry program at UMass Amherst Extension advises homeowners to learn about the following site conditions, and ultimately share that knowledge with local garden center representatives, before they pick and plant anything around their properties. • Hardiness zone: The Plant Hardiness Zone Map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is designed to help gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive where they live. The map can be found on the USDA website at www.usda.gov. • Light availability, intensity, and duration, from full sun to deep shade: Prior to planting, homeowners can document this information in a notebook or on their smartphones. Do so for a long enough period of time that you can get an accurate of idea of the
conditions in which plants will have to grow, and then take that information with you to the garden center where you will buy your plants. Employees can then use this info to help you find the right fit given the light conditions. • Water availability, both quantity and quality, as well as ease of access • Exposure to wind and temperature extremes • Exposure to weather events, snow loads, erosion, and flooding: Garden center employees can likely recommend plants based on traditional weather pa erns in a given area. • Soil type, drainage and compaction: Homeowners can take note of any areas of their property where water pools or the ground feels especially soggy a er rainfall. Share this information with garden center employees prior to picking plants for such areas. If soil appears compacted,
aeration prior to planting may be necessary. • Competition from existing vegetation, keeping in mind the roots underground that you can’t see • Above ground wires or
obstructions: Trees will grow up, and the presence of power lines or other obstructions may threaten the trees or prove dangerous if trees eventually grow into or hang over
power lines. Knowledge of various conditions prior to planting can save homeowners the cost of replacing plants and the hassle of dealing with plants that don’t take.
How to create a sunroom
but a sunroom affords homeowners a chance to marvel at snowy winter landscapes without venturing out into the cold. Sometimes referred to as “all-season rooms,” sunrooms can make for a great retreat on quiet summer mornings or crisp autumn a ernoons. Sunrooms can be treated as blank canvasses, which makes decorating them more fun. But a few tricks of the trade can help homeowners turn their blank canvasses into welcomIt might not prove an ex- ing spaces to take in all that act substitute for summer nature has to offer throughnights around the firepit, out the year.
As fall inches closer to winter, it’s not uncommon for people to look to the coming cold with a degree of lament. Spring, summer and fall provide ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but such chances are few and far between once the winter freeze se les in. Though winter might compel the masses to huddle up inside, there’s still a way to take in the great outdoors on cold winter days and nights.
• Define the purpose. The experts at Be er Homes & Gardens recommend homeowners decide how they want to use the sunroom before they begin decorating it. When the weather gets too chilly to dine outside, will the sunroom serve as an alternative dining space in the same way patios and decks do during the warm weather? Or do homeowners want to turn their sunrooms into reading rooms? Though it’s possible to make sunrooms multipurpose spaces, it may be hard to create a relaxing vibe in rooms that are too crowded with furnishings or too busy. Defining how the space will be used also makes it easier when shopping for furnishings. • Define when the room will be used. In addition to defining how the room will be used, homeowners should give ample consideration to when the room will be used. A year-round sunroom will need to be heated, while a
three-season sunroom likely won’t require heating. Cooling might be a concern on hot summer a ernoons, but many homeowners will likely spend such days outside anyway, so cooling the room may be as simple as installing a ceiling fan and ensuring windows can be opened to let fresh air in. Homeowners who want a year-round sunroom should install insulated glass to keep the room even warmer when the mercury dips. • Opt for bright colors. Bright colors can make sunrooms feel all the more inviting and make for a perfect match with all the natural light already in the room. The renovation experts at HGTV note that white walls and ceilings can maximize the warm illumination of the natural light that will be pouring in from the floorto-ceiling windows. Be er Homes & Gardens adds that brightly colored cushions, pillows and area rugs with
similarly hued colors and pat- a view of the ocean or a lake terns can add visual interest or dense woods that a ract local wildlife. In rooms with and texture to a sunroom. • Make use of a view. a view, arrange furniture so Homeowners needn’t direct residents and guests can comtoo much of their focus on fortably look outward and decor if their sunrooms come take in all the surround landwith a view. Art on the walls scape has to offer. Sunrooms are a great place and other decorative items around the room are less im- to take in nature no ma er portant if a sunroom affords the weather.
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AUGUST 6, 2021
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AUTOMOTIVE
How drivers can handle suddenly unsafe driving conditions The chance to take in idyllic landscapes and sunsoaked views is a big part of what makes road trips so appealing. When traveling during certain times of year, such as spring and fall, seasonal landscapes do ed with vivid colors can be especially stunning. Prior to embarking on a road trip, travelers can’t be blamed for ge ing caught up in the sights they’re on the cusp of seeing. But it’s equally important that drivers take steps to prepare for unsafe driving conditions. Even if the forecast is nothing but
sunny skies, driving conditions can suddenly take a turn for the worse. The following are a handful of unsafe conditions drivers may encounter on the road, and what they can to do to make it through such situations safe and sound. • Aggressive drivers: Aggressive driving or road rage is a significant issue, more so than some drivers may recognize. A 2016 survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at
least once in the previous 12 months. The insurance experts at Geico® recommend that motorists who encounter aggressive drivers do their best to stay away from them. Consider safely changing lanes, gradually slowing down or even exiting the highway. Geico® advises against stopping, as that can lead to potentially dangerous confrontations. • Bad weather: Bad weather can include anything from snowfall to driving rain to thick fog. Though it’s wise for drivers to consult the weather forecast prior to hi ing
the road, no forecast is 100 percent accurate, which underscores the importance of knowing what to do when conditions suddenly take a turn for the worse. If inclement weather appears unexpectedly, slow down and be sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The automotive analytics firm J.D. Power notes that many experts recommend drivers double the cushion between their vehicles and the ones in front of them when driving in rain, snow, sleet, and other adverse weather conditions.
Doing so can help to offset on the side of your vehicle the slower brake time that so you can swerve out of occurs when driving in the way. On especially bad weather. long road trips, share driv• Debris: Road debris ing duties so whoever is becan include anything from materials that get hind the wheel is fresh and blown away from roadside alert. Alertness improves work sites to falling rock reaction time, making it to tire treads to items that much more likely drivers fall off of other vehicles. can avoid debris. The suddenness of and the The open road has its potentially serious consequences of being hit by hazards. But drivers who or hi ing debris is why a plan ahead and know what proactive approach is ide- to do when encountering al. Avoid tailgating so you adverse conditions can enhave ample room to maneuver should anything sure road trips are memofall into the road. It’s also rable for all the right important to leave room reasons.
How to make camper travel more comfortable and take on all the dirt your hiking boots track in a er a day enjoying the great outdoors. Custommade carpets and runners may be a tad expensive, but budget-conscious travelers can find durable mats to warm their toes each morning for around $20.
are not beholden to checkout times or many of the other restrictions that can govern how people spend their time on vacation. Campers may not have all the creature comforts of a five-star hotel room, but travelers can take steps to make their campers more Campers can give road comfortable. • Furnish the floors. Few trips a more liberating feel. When taking to the drivers give much thought road in a camper, drivers to the floors in their cars The open road beckons millions of people across the globe every year. People’s idea of the ideal getaway varies depending on the individual, but few can deny the appeal of a road trip that allows travelers to move at their own pace.
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and trucks. But camper floors deserve a li le more a ention. Camper rugs and runners can ensure your first step out of bed in the morning isn’t a frigid one. Many camper carpets and runners are built to withstand heavy traffic
• Take stock of the mattress. Much like that fold up cot that only comes out of the closet when your inlaws visit, a camper mattress is an a erthought until drivers go to bed on the first night of their trips, only to remember their factory-installed ma ress is less than welcoming. Upgrading a factory camper ma ress won’t cost as much as replacing the ma ress on the bed inside your home. In fact, the most popular RV
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ma ress sold by the custom ma ress retailers at Ma ressInsider® will cost travelers less than $1,000. That’s an investment well worth making for the promise of a more restful night’s sleep on the road. • Warm it up. Weather is unpredictable, and that can make nights in a camper uncomfortable. A portable camper/RV space heater can help travelers combat cold nights when the mercury unexpectedly dips. Most portable electric space heaters are compact, meaning they won’t take up much space inside the
camper cabin. The market for portable camper heaters is flooded, so drivers may want to spend some time researching all their options before purchasing a new heater. Some heaters feature an adjustable thermostat. Safety features like overheat protection and cool-touch exteriors can provide some added peace of mind when going to bed at night.
Campers may not be made for comfort. But travelers can take various steps to make their campers more comfortable prior to hi ing the open road.
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AUGUST 6, 2021
HOME & GARDEN
Design ideas to give your home a farmhouse feel Farmhouse style homes are having a moment. A 2020 survey from Homes.com asked more than 5,000 adults across the United States about their favorite house style from a list that included bohemian cra sman, mid-century modern ranch, French chateau, and Tudor, among others. Modern farmhouse was the runaway winner, as participants in 42 of the 50 states indicated this simple, cozy style was their favorite. Home renovation projects can help homeowners put their own unique stamp on their homes, and such projects can be both aesthetic and functional in nature. The following are some farmhouse design elements homeowners can consider as they look to transform their home interiors with this popular style in mind. • Exposed beams: Exposed beams instantly evoke images of a farmhouse. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that this rustic renovation project can utilize real wood or faux beams that look like the real thing. Decorative beams that have nothing to do with a home’s structural integrity can be installed by skilled do-it-yourselfers. However, even faux beams are heavy, and BobVila.com recommends homeowners have an engineer assess their
existing structure prior to installation. • Distressed wood finishes: Distressing is designed to make something look less than perfect. Distressed wood finishes can be found throughout many farmhouse style homes. Furniture and picture frames can provide the distressed look farmhouse fans are looking for. This is a relatively inexpensive project that many homeowners can tackle on their own a er watching some online tutorials that recommend the right tools and techniques to get the job done right. • Kitchen sink: Many components combine to create a truly classic farmhouse kitchen. But perhaps no component is more essential
than the classic farmhouse sink. The renovation experts at HGTV note that a classic farmhouse sink features a deep, wide basin. Farmhouse sinks are large enough to handle all the dishes that come a er a big family meal. Oldfashioned porcelain sinks are worth consideration by homeowners who want their kitchen sinks to evoke a traditional farmhouse feel. • Countertops: HGTV recommends butcher block countertops for homeowners who favor European farmhouse style. Homeowners overhauling their kitchens to create a farmhouse feel should consider installing a large island with a walnut butcher block countertop for an authentic farmhouse feel.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS Healthy habits that can become part of your daily routine A person’s habits can have a strong impact on his or her overall health. Unhealthy habits like smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle can increase a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases. On the flip side, healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and ge ing enough sleep can bolster a person’s immune system and reduce his or her risk for various ailments. Some healthy habits, like daily exercise, can be time-consuming. Busy adults may not have time to exercise vigorously each day, though the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services urges men and women to find time for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. But not all healthy habits take up time. In fact, adults can incorporate various healthy practices into their daily routines without skipping a beat. • Take the stairs. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can have a profound effect on overall health. According to Duke University, climbing just two flights of stairs combined per day can contribute to six pounds of weight loss over the course of a
single year. In addition, a study from the North American Menopause Society found that stair climbing can help postmenopausal women reduce their risk for osteoporosis and help them lower their blood pressure. • Drink more water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water helps the body maintain a normal temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and helps to rid the body of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Adults who
are thirsty can choose water over soda or other sugary beverages. The CDC notes that sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks contain calories but li le nutritional value, making water a healthier way for individuals to quench their thirst. • Go for daily walks. Walking benefits the body in myriad ways. For example, the Harvard School of Public Health notes that women who walk 30 minutes per day can reduce their risk of stroke by 20 percent and potentially by 40 percent if they walk
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briskly. In addition, researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than a quarter mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as men who walked less. A 15-minute walk around the neighborhood each morning coupled with a 15-minute walk a er dinner can help adults dramatically improve their overall health. • Eat more greens. Eating more greens is another healthy habit that doesn’t require a major overhaul of an individual’s lifestyle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that dark green leafy
vegetables, such as spinach, are rich in vitamins A,C, E, and K. The Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin E alone can help people maintain their vision and promote a healthy reproductive system while also improving the health of the blood, brain and skin. The USDA also notes that green vegetables contain very li le carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol. Adults won’t have to reinvent the dietary wheel to incorporate more greens into their diets, and the results of doing so can have a significant, positive effect on their overall health. The right habits can help people live healthier lives, and such habits need not require any major life changes.