James Raptis Day proclaimed during Wellsville village board meeting
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Mayor Ed Fahs signed an official proclamation the evening of March 23, designating March 25 as James Raptis Day in the village.
The framed proclamation was presented during the village board’s meeting to Mike Raptis, son of James, who passed away on Feb. 22 at age 95. Mike thanked the board for remembering his father, a native of Wellsville and best known as one of the owners of Texas Hot, an iconic local restaurant he inherited from his father, a Greek immigrant.
The proclamation reads: In honor of James Raptis and in tribute to his many significant accomplishments and in appreciation for the recognition he brought to the Wellsville community.
Whereas James G. Raptis, better known as Jim, the son of Greek
immigrants, is one of those Community members and leaders who is benefitting of such recognition, and Whereas Jim was educated and continued as a second-generation owner of the family business, the Texas Hot, and Whereas Jim was a faithful husband of almost 70 years to his wife Demetra and father of three sons, George, Michael and Charles, grandfather to eight, and Whereas Jim also served his community as chairman of the March of Dimes, as aas member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Man-
Wojciechowski is Cuba-Rushford valedictorian, Joy is salutatorian
CUBA — Cu-
ba-Rushford Central School announced that the valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is Joseph Wojciechowski while Peyton Joy is the salutatorian Wojciechowski graduates with an exceptional weighted GPA of 99.95 and has been actively involved in many aspects of student life throughout his high school career. He has participated in cross country and track and field since
seventh grade, served on Student Council all four years, and has been a class officer since 11th grade.
He has also been involved in FFA since 10th grade, as well as Chorus and Pop Group. Earlier in high school, he performed in Band and Jazz Band until 10th grade and he has contributed to the school’s drama productions through the pit and stage crew.
In addition, he is a member of the Nation-
al Honor Society and volunteers outside of school by helping with the men’s ministry at his church.
After graduation, Wojciechowski plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan University of Rochester, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics, possibly with a minor in global studies, through the honors program. He hopes to continue his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he
plans to earn a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He resides with his father and stepmother, Adam and Libby Wojciechowski, and is the son of Jeanne Wallace.
One lesson that has stayed with him throughout his academic journey came from Mr. Wild in eighth grade: to always be yourself, enjoy life and not worry about what
Wellsville
clarksville
Whitesville
Alfred State students spend spring break volunteering with Habitat for Humanity
James Raptis
Photo by Kathryn Ross
Mike Raptis (left) accepts the proclamation of James Raptis Day in the village of Wellsville, in honor of Mike’s father, from Mayor Ed Fahs.
James Raptis Day continued on PAGE 5
Joseph
Alfred State students spend spring break volunteering with Habitat for Humanity
ALFRED — Six Alfred State College (ASC) students and a pair of staff members spent spring break working with Habitat for Humanity in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The trip was part of the Alternative Spring Break service initiative coordinated through the Center for Civic Leadership.
Heather Craft, administrative assistant for the civil, mechanical and electrical engineering technology departments along with her daughter Amy Evingham, administrative assistant in the student records and financial services department, led the trip along Mamadou Barry, Elijah Beckford-Mack, Jaelyn Benjamin-Wilson, Liam Cass, Aidan Lenz and Abby Lewandowski. Craft, Evingham and
Barry have participated in similar trips in the past.
“I have continued to participate on service trips because I enjoy representing Alfred State and working towards a common goal together with our students,” commented Craft. “The personal growth and positive feeling of giving is priceless.”
The group worked on two different homes during their week in Horry County. They placed sod and landscaped at the first home before painting trim, ceilings, and walls of the second home. The team spent a great deal of time installing vinyl siding.
Evingham added, “My favorite part of the trip was seeing the stu-
dents come together, not only through teamwork but also in the friendships they developed. It was rewarding to watch those connections grow while also seeing the progress and impact we made each day.”
“On behalf of all of us at Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, I would like to again thank you and your students for a wonderful week,” said the Development & Volunteer Specialist, Betty Kuvinka. “It is truly heartwarming to see college students volunteer their time in support of our mission. We deeply appreciate all that you contributed, and it was
inspiring to watch as the home began to take shape. The homebuyers were in awe of the progress made.”
On top of working on the houses, the team participated in a dorm room design contest at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore facility. “We were tasked with designing a dorm room for auction out of items around the store,” recalled Cass. “We won first place and received a goat trophy to show for it.”
Kuvinka added, “Congratulations to the group on your win in our Design A Dorm Challenge! You were incredibly resourceful
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Other times available by appointment. Striving to serve you better. debdidion3@gmail.com • Deborah@didiontaxes.com
in selecting fantastic ReStore items to create a well-designed and functional space. Your creativity and thoughtful choices truly stood out!”
The group returned to campus excited with their opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and encourage others to take the opportunity to experience what they did.
“This trip was a great experience to meet new people, expand my knowledge, and to push me out of my comfort zone,” commented Lewandowski.
Benjamin-Wilson added, “Trips like this are a great opportunity to work hands-on and see firsthand how much of a difference you are making, especially when you meet the homeowner and learn about them and their family.”
This trip marked the 12th time in the last 13 years that an Alfred State group has worked with Habitat for Humanity during spring break.
Photo provided
The Alfred State Habitat for Humanity team stands in front of one of the homes they worked on during their Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
dining & Entertainment
BY DEBORAH SNYDER
I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Baker, a reenactor who lives in Allegany County. Steve is from Canaseraga, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971, lived
and worked in South Carolina and Tennessee and eventually returned home to New York. Steve attended the first Stone Tool and Craftsman Show at the Buffalo Museum of Science several years back. There he met a master flint knapper and author of the book, “The Art of Flint Knapping,” D.C. Waldorf. Steve had also done some flint knapping and so found him
to be very interesting.
History comes alive with reenactors from colonial, Revolutionary War period
trades of that time from American history.
Steve also joined Hoisington’s New York Rangers, a group of reenactors that have participated in many events over the years. He told me that his favorite reenactment is at Fort Niagara, where he portrays a scout from the French and Indian War (1754-1763). During this reenactment, which features a battle of that war, he is on the side of the British. He has also participated in a reenactment at Fort Klock,b located along the Mohawk River, with the “Wolves of the English,” a reenactment group out of Fort William Henry.
The Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR was honored to meet Steve and learn about the Battle of Newtown when they attended a reenactment there this past summer. There Steve’s name is Schind mehit tuk (which means spruce tree). There he portrayed an Oneida with the Hoisington Rangers on the side of the colonists. This engagement was part of the Sullivan Campaign
— Gen. John Sullivan, with 3,000 troops, broke camp in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania on July 31, 1779, and marched into New York on a campaign against the Iroquois aligned with the British. Sullivan’s army defeated a combined force of 1,000 loyalists and Iroquois at Newtown, near Elmira, on Aug. 29, 1779. This was the nearest battle to the area that includes Cattaraugus and Allegany counties of today in the Revolutionary War.
Reenactors like Steve Baker are called to portray figures from that era — on either side of the conflict — to bring history alive so that all may become interested and learn the truths about our past.
Bob Winters, another flint knapper dressed in primitive clothing, who Steve had met along the way, told him that, with his interests, he should attend the Eastern Primitive Rendezvous, which was being held in Naples in an area known as High Tor. Steve followed the advice and said that as he walked through a hedgerow, he immediately left the year 1991 and walked right into 1750. There were more
than 3,000 tents and 3,200 participants. There, he was able to trade the arrow heads and stone knives that he had made. When he left the rendezvous, he had all the attire he needed and he became a member and an active participant of fur trade era reenactors. Steve’s interest in life in the 1700s continued to fascinate him. He joined the Little Beards Club, which celebrates the fur trade era (1640-1840) and is involved with the
Photo provided
Steve Baker of Canaseraga frequently portrays an Oneida scout when he takes part in historical reenactments.
Editor’s note: The Catherine Schuyler Chapter NSDAR is offering frequent articles about colonial and Revolutionary War history this year to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Easter Coloring Contest Easter Coloring Contest
by Thursday, April 2, 2026. Winner will be chosen randomly and notified. Household members or family of any employees of Bradford Publishing Company are not eligible to play. No purchase necessary.
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others think. He also draws inspiration from his favorite Bible verses, 2 Timothy 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“Cuba-Rushford congratulates Joseph on his remarkable accomplishments and wishes him the very best as he pursues his future goals,” school officials stated.
PEYTON JOY, the son of Megan Torpey, graduates with an exceptional weighted GPA of 99.67, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and his determination to succeed at the highest level.
A dedicated and well-rounded student, Joy has made his mark both in the classroom and through his extracurricular involvement. He has been an active member of FFA and the Cuba-Rushford Fish and Wildlife program, and he earned first place in Envirothon at the county level — an achievement that highlights his knowledge, teamwork and passion for environmental science.
He is also an accomplished athlete, excelling in both basketball and golf. His love for basketball extends beyond the school season, as he has competed in AAU basketball and participated in a World Championship Tournament. He has
also demonstrated leadership off the court by coaching youth PTO basketball, giving back to younger athletes in his community.
Joy’s athletic accomplishments are numerous. He was selected to participate in the Big 30 NY vs. PA All-Star Game and the Allegany vs. Steuben All-Star Showcase. He was named an Allegany County Division 1 First Team All-Star, earned All-Tournament Team honors at the ACE Memorial Tournament and received a Big 30 nomination for basketball.
In the fall, he will attend St. Bonaventure University, where he plans to pursue a degree in business while continuing to explore his future goals and interests.
Joy credits his success to a mindset shaped by one of his favorite quotes from NBA star Giannis Ante tokounmpo: “There is no failure — just steps to success.” He carries this perspective with him as he looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities.
congratulates Peyton on his outstanding achievements and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors,” school officials stated.
➡James Raptis Day
agers, United Way Board of Directors, First Trust Union Bank Advisory Board, and Whereas Jim also served as a town justice, a member of the Wellsville Town Board, a director of the Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc, and Whereas Jim served
his community and county as an active Republican and as a member of the Allegany County Legislature, where he served as Chairman of the Board for several years, and Whereas Jim was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and Allegany County Shriners Club, served as President and Treasurer
Maple Weekend set for March 28-29
Maple producers across Western New York, who have been busy tapping trees, collecting sap and boiling the liquid gold in their evaporators, are hosting visitors for the annual Maple Weekend events March 28-29.
Sponsored by the Western New York State Maple Producers Association, participating sugar houses are hosting free open houses at their facilities for two consecutive weekends, culminating this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
of the Wellsville Lions Club and brought the Christmas tree project to the David A. Howe Library lawn. He was also responsible for the historical marker project of the Wellsville Lions Club, and Whereas such accomplishments have left our community a better place because of his commitment.
Now, therefore be it resolved, I, Edward Fahs, Mayor of the Village of Wellsville, find it fitting and right to, under my name and seal, proclaim Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, Greek Independence Day, to be James Raptis Day in the Village of Wellsville, NY and I urge all citizens to join me in this observance.
While the intention to honor Raptis was made public at the first village board meeting of the month, the board
set the actual date of the declaration to coincide with Greek Independence Day, March 25. Historically, on that date in 1821 the Greek war for independence from more than 400 years of rule under the Ottoman Empire began.
Nine years after the conflict started, Britain, France and Russia intervened and helped Greece obtain independence with the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829. It was nearly 50 years after the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War.
Today, Greek Independence Day is celebrated with parades and demonstrations of Greek pride in Greece, Cyprus and cities around the world with a large Greek population, including Chicago, New York, Sydney, Melbourne and, now, Wellsville.
Size keys Pennsy Big 30 basketball all-stars past New York
BY J.P. BUTLER
PORTVILLE — The Pennsylvania boys allstar team couldn’t put in an offense, incorporated four players from outside the traditional Big 30 area and was limited to just a 20-minute pregame shootaround for practice time.
But you wouldn’t have known it by the way it played on Sunday evening.
In fact, you might have assumed they’d been playing together all winter.
The Warren duo of Lucas Thrift and Logan Crissey netted 20 and 18 points, respectively, and Pennsy opened up a 23-point lead in both halves before downing New York 108-94 in a high-level 10th iteration of the Big 30 Senior Basketball Classic at Portville Central School.
It was PA’s third-straight win and its fourth triumph in the last five 40-minute ‘Classic’ contests, all of which have come in convincing fashion (Sunday’s victory followed a 104-81 win last March and a 135-71 decision in 2024).
Parker Calla and Jude Schreiber, both of Johnsonburg, added 18 and 13 points, respectively, as that non-North Tier League quartet penetrated and shot their way to the bulk of Pennsylvania’s production.
“The kids from
Warren and J-burg, we didn’t play those guys in the regular season,” PA coach Scott Babcock said. “But from the moment those guys went into the locker room, it was like they’ve all been the best of friends for years. They’re in there laughing, talking. They were just loose and having fun.”
Of Pennsy’s approach, Babcock added: “We just told them to play and showcase their skills. Just go out there — there’s a reason they were selected to play. That was our plan, just let them go play. It was fun to see the chemistry that they had.”
FOLLOWING A slow start from both teams, Pennsy took a double-digit lead midway through the first half,
pushed it to 51-28 with 2:11 left and, after a 12-6 run by New York to close the frame, brought a 17-point advantage (57-40) into the break. In the second half, PA again built a sizable lead — 6643 on a Calla breakaway dunk with 16:23 left — before New York made one final, frantic effort in the waning minutes to climb back.
Despite those rallies, Pennsylvania essentially maintained control throughout.
And it did so, in large part, with its size. Though Pennsy had just one more player listed at 6-foot-4 or taller (4 to 3), the red squad boasted bigger guards and more overall size and physicality, including Thrift (6-4), Jarrod Funk (Port Allegany, 6-5)
and 6-foot-8 Cameron County forward Isaac Grovanz, who contributed 10 points, which made them difficult to stop.
“The guys we haven’t played against this year, I wasn’t sure how tall they were,” Babcock said. “They walked in and I was like, oh, you’re way bigger than I anticipated. And we went down to (Portville’s practice gym) and those guys were all going up and dunking; there were, like, seven kids on the team that could dunk.
“Just our athleticism. If we weren’t driving to the hoop, we were kicking it out and knocking down open 3s.”
IN ADDITION to Olean’s Mykel Rivera (15 points), who helped keep New York in it early, the Empire State’s leading scorers were 5-foot-9 guards Aidan DeFazio (Portville), who drained six 3-pointers and finished with a gamehigh 21 points, and Zach Deck (Cuba-Rushford, 15 points).
Cuba-Rushford’s Peyton Joy Scored 8 points and Adam Roe scored a bucket; from Fillmore, Isaiah Sisson scored 6 and Jameson Rhett scored 6; Genesee Valley/Belfast’s Ian MacKenzie scored 9; and Colton Calladine of Andover/Whitesville tallied a bucket.
New York knew that it was “undersized
from the start,” DeFazio noted.
“Those guys are good,” he said of Pennsy, “so, Coach (Josh Forster, of Cattaraugus-Little Valley) told us that we had the green light. I mean, you saw me taking fadeaway 3s, whatever shot I wanted. I got hot, and so I could shoot whatever, and same with the other guys.
“We knew they were big, and the worst part was, even their big guys can play guard. No. 1 for them (Thrift) was (scoring both inside and out). We knew we had to hit shots; obviously, they came out on top, but I think we played well.”
Though it trailed by 15-plus mostly throughout, New York’s plan to let it fly allowed it to nearly make it interesting in the end. Down 101-78 with 3:21 left, NY ripped off a quick 14-0 run, highlighted by 3s from Deck and Ian MacKenzie (GV/Belfast, 9 points), to make it 101-92 with 1:26 remaining. Schreiber, however, responded with a trey at the other end to all but seal it for Pennsylvania, which now owns a 7-3 lead in the all-time series.
Until the final buzzer, New York never gave up.
But Pennsylvania answered every mini NY run … and the big one at the end.
“WE’D MAKE a run,
Girls Big 30: Pennsylvania denies NY rally,
PORTVILLE — A 12-point lead with eight minutes to play evaporated going into the last media timeout for the Pennsylvania girls basketball all-stars, but coach Jamie Evens’ team had an answer.
Pennsylvania looked in control for much of Sunday afternoon’s annual Big 30 Senior Classic at Portville Central School, leading by 12 at halftime and again at the eight-minute mark. But a New York run,
sparked by some outside shooting from Portville’s Emma Rhinehart, made it 55-55 entering the final four-minute frame of the afternoon. That’s when Evens made his final substitutions and Pennsylvania relied on defense to bring home the win.
Neither team scored in a two-minute span before Rhinehart put New York in front, 57-55, with 1:54 remaining. But then Austin’s Lilly Clinger scored both the
tying and go-ahead baskets — the first earned after multiple offensive rebounds, the second after Clinger forced a turnover with a steal on the perimeter — and Pennsylvania held on to win, 59-57.
“We definitely had to control the tempo, get offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds,” Eisenhower’s Clara Steinberg said. “They had a really good team as well but I think we came out with the win because we had more aggression toward the end of the game.”
Steinberg had 10 points, six rebounds and three steals in the PA win. She was pivotal to Pennsy’s early lead, scoring six points in a 16-3 run after New York led 7-3.
“I wish I had 10 of her all year long,” Evens said of Steinberg. “The athleticism, court knowledge, you expect that in an all-star game, but I thought she really pushed the tempo in that 10-0 run and really got us going. The first five minutes was kind of a feeling out period for everybody and she came out on the court and really got things moving.”
put together the right lineups as the game rules enforced substitutions every four minutes (in two 20-minute halves). Evens looked to a group with chemistry to close the game.
“Brynn (Evens), Jenna (Renner), Molly (Hanslovan) and Clara Steinberg played travel ball together for a couple years, so they had a little bit of familiarity with each other, which in this game I think gives you just that little extra advantage,” Jamie Evens said. “We didn’t hit many shots that last four minutes but I thought they dug in at the defensive end and, the last 30 seconds, Molly Hanslovan really stepped up and really shut the ball down to hold off a victory for us.”
Pennsylvania’s win marks its third straight in the Senior Classic girls game, evening the series at 5-5 since the first one in 2015.
After a 7-3 start, New York didn’t lead again until 55-53 amid its late push. NY erased both a 36-24 halftime score and a 47-35 deficit, but couldn’t hold on.
then they’d come down and hit two or three 3s,” said Babcock, the Port Allegany boys coach. “And it seemed like they were living and dying by the 3 and not much of the inside game (New York drilled 16 trifectas to PA’s 13).”
He added: “I know I had one timeout. I didn’t want to be that coach in a game like this to call it. The score shows how well these kids can play. You don’t see a whole lot of 108-94 games in the NTL.”
In an entertaining contest, one before which Martha Altmire (Olean), Jim Insley (Wellsville) and Jim Thompson (Cameron County) were inducted into the Big 30 Hall of Fame, NY outscored Pennsy 54-51 after the break, with Deck, DeFazio and MacKenzie combining for eight 3-pointers and 31 points. New York was perhaps just one more run away from truly having a chance.
“Even at the start of the game, I fouled a kid and the ref’s like, ‘hey, it’s an all-star game,’” DeFazio recalled. “I said, ‘no, we’re playing to win.’ It stayed the same way the whole game. We knew we were gonna give it our all no matter what; it’s an all-star game, so anything can happen.
“Both sides gave it their all, and I think that was the best part.”
hold on 59-57
silient and battle back.”
Leading NY, Rhinehart scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers. She made two treys to start New York’s comeback run.
“I was excited. I was having fun,” Rhinehart said. “I like fast-paced games and that’s what it was. It was nice to play with girls who are able to come up and down the court with me. It was just a good time.”
Northern Potter’s Lillian Steele scored a game-high 12 points for PA. Clinger had nine points and four steals, Port Allegany’s Jenna Renner chipped in eight points and six rebounds and Austin’s Kadence McKeirnan grabbed seven rebounds.
Both coaches, Evens and Salamanca’s Joe Hinman, looked to
“To be down 12 at different points in the game and to fight back showed how much grit this New York team had and it really goes to show how much talent there is in this area too, especially with this senior group,” Hinman said. “It was a lot of back and forth and definitely a game of runs between us and PA. But (I’m) really proud of how our girls handled it and they never gave up and continued to be re-
Ellicottville’s Ande Northrup added 10 points (two 3-pointers) with five steals. Fillmore’s Mattie McCumiskey had eight points with 12 rebounds (five offensive) and Salamanca’s Makenzie Crouse had 12 rebounds (six offensive) with two blocks and seven points. Portville’s Ali Haynes grabbed 10 rebounds and Allegany-Limestone’s Emerson Ortego had seven rebounds.
“The Big 30 committee does a great job in organizing all that,” he said. “It’s a lot of hands on deck. You have people greeting you at the door, you have people telling you where to go, what to do. So it’s a really big event and there’s a lot of hands in that, and really appreciative of the opportunity that the committee gave me and all these players too.” Seniors from both states expressed gratitude for the chance to play one more game.
“All the girls were amazing, so I’m just really grateful to be a part of it. But it was fun,” Northrup said.
“It was super nice to have one last game and play with girls who love the sport just as much as I think we all love it,” Rhinehart added. “It was nice to play in a competitive game.”
Renner enjoyed playing for Jamie Evens, and with Brynn Evens, one more time, along with the rest of the PA squad.
“We really weren’t hitting our shots in the beginning and in the second half we were hitting them and we were working the inside, getting some runouts and it really helped that the energy was high,” McCumiskey said. Hinman said he would coach the game “in a heartbeat” if ever asked again.
“It felt good, especially winning, but even just working with new girls and obviously Jamie is my coach,” Renner said. “But it was just seeing him one last time and just connecting with the girls.”
Photo by Derek Gumtow
New York’s Peyton Joy of Cuba-Rushford (35) attempts to block the shot of Pennsylvania’s Logan Crissey of Warren (5) during Sunday’s Big 30 Senior Basketball Classic game in Portville.
Photo by Derek Gumtow
New York’s Emma Rhinehart of Portville (left) puts in the runner in front of Pennsylvania’s Molly Hanslovan (2) of St. Marys in Sunday’s Big 30 Senior Basketball Classic in Portville.
home improvement
Features that can redefine a living room
Spring is widely cherished as a season of rejuvenation. As winter winds down, many people embrace the arrival of spring blooms and the regrowth of grass on the ground and leaves on the trees, which can breathe new life into landscapes that might have grown a bit stale in previous months. That same staleness can affect a home’s interior as well. Home interiors can benefit from periodic updates
in much the same way a landscape benefits when spring blooms return. As homeowners seek to refresh their living spaces, they can consider these features to redefine their living rooms.
• Fireplace: A wood-burning fireplace is undeniably a game changer when looking to redefine a living space. But such a project could be a significant undertaking in a home that does not already feature a wood-burning fireplace. Homeowners who want to add a wood-burning
fireplace can reinvent a living room, but they will likely need to adhere to building codes, secure permits and even consult with an engineer to ensure such an addition does not affect the structural integrity of the home. A gas-powered fireplace is a less demanding project, but will also require some extra work if homeowners need to connect a gas line where no such line currently exists.
A plug-in electric fireplace can create
a new ambiance and will not require as much time, effort and money as the alternatives.
• Coffered ceiling: A coffered ceilings can immediately redefine the impression people get of a living space. Coffered ceilings feature a series of rectangular, square or octagonal grids that are typically accentuated by molding. Coffered ceilings provide a luxurious and even historic aesthetic, making them an ideal addition for homeowners looking
to redefine an existing space.
• Windows: New windows are another option when homeowners are hoping to redefine a living room. Modern windows are energy-efficient, so replacing aging windows may help homeowners combat rising energy costs. If a yard is a notable feature of a home’s exterior, new windows that accentuate the view from a living space can quickly redefine how
residents and guests see the room. Permits may be necessary if you’re expanding ex-
that can be worth it if you’re able to design the space around the view. All that extra natural light also
may reinvent the feeling people get upon entering the space.
• Wallpaper: Interior design specialists note that wallpaper is making a comeback. Wallpaper can be used to draw attention to a wall in much the same way bold colors are chosen for accent walls.
Wallpaper on an accent wall can feature a bold pattern or a strong color to add a sense of personality to a room that might be lacking if the walls are currently painted in neutral colors.
Homeowners can consider any number of features when looking to give their living spaces a fresh look.
HORNELL — Dem-
ocrats in Allegany and Steuben counties are planning No Kings 3, a protest against President Donald Trump and his administration, 10 a.m. to noon at Union Square Park in Hornell.
“Our right to assemble is enshrined in the First Amendment to our Constitution,” said Karen Ash, chair of the Allegany County Democratic Committee. “It is a sacred patriotic duty to continue our protests against this administration’s lawlessness.”
Organizers stated that the administration “is bombing countries, committing war crimes, killing Americans, terrorizing immigrants, defying court orders, attacking civil rights, foregoing due process, destroying the economy, and ignoring the needs of everyday Americans
to cater to billionaires.”
They said local participants will join millions of Americans taking part in an estimated 3,000 similar No Kings 3 events across the country on Saturday. John Bradley, chair of the Hornell Democrats, said, “We anticipate that this No Kings Hornell event will be several times larger than the last event. Ordinary citizens of all political persuasions are fed up with cruelty and capriciousness of the Trump regime.”
Organizers said participants will also have the opportunity to meet political candidates, sign nominating petitions and register to vote on Saturday.
To learn more about Allegany County Democrats, visit www.acdcny. org, call (585) 610-4321, email info@acdcny.
org or visit Facebook, Threads or Bluesky.
MYSTERY WINE PULL & TRIVIA EVENT
The Allegany County Democratic Committee will host a Mystery Wine Pull & Trivia Event on Sunday, March 29 at 22 W. Main St., Angelica, NY. This is a drop-in event, open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Everyone aged 21 or above is welcome. Come sign petitions for candidates for local, state and federal elections.
Team Trivia begins at 1:30 p.m. with a suggested donation of $5 per person per game.
Guests can enjoy snacks and soft drinks, and there are prizes for the winners of each of five rounds. This year we’ll have a sixth BONUS round, with a homemade blueberry pie for
the winning team. Every Wine Pull ticket is a WINNER! Presale tickets for the wine pull are available from any committee member. Bottles retail up to $40 and many have quality ratings in the 90s and above. Tickets are $20 for adults 21 and over. A small number of tickets will be available at the
door. To purchase tickets (or make a donation) on-line, follow this link: https://secure.actblue. com/donate/wineandtrivia
According to event organizer Karen Patterson, “This event grows more popular with each passing year. Come for the wine, stay for the trivia, and sign petitions
No Kings 3 rally planned for March 28 in Hornell
for candidates whose districts include part or all of Allegany County.” If you can’t make it to Angelica on that day, contact ACDC for alternate arrangements to pick out your mystery bottle. For more information, call 585610-4321 or email info@ acdcny.org
Cornell Cooperative Extension offers strawberry growing class
Perseverance is part of becoming a doctor
Doctors aspire to keep their communities healthy and safe. According to the 2018 Survey of America’s Physicians Practice Patterns & Perspectives, the average primary care doctor sees 20.2 patients per day. Indeed, estimates suggest each doctor has roughly 2,000 people under his or her care and spends about 22 minutes with a patient during the average appointment. Medical students
travel a long road of study and practical application before they become doctors. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, illnesses and injuries. They also interpret diagnostic tests and may counsel patients on preventive heath care and healthy living. This requires immense knowledge, so it should come as no surprise that the road to becoming a licensed doctor is so challenging and lengthy.
There are few professions with higher stakes than the field of medicine, which is one reason why the process of becoming a doctor requires years of hard work and tremendous patience. Requirements for becoming a physician vary by country, so for the purpose of this article, the process outlined refers to licensure in the United States.
Undergraduate degree
The path to being a doctor starts at a fouryear undergraduate
program, says Indeed. Students may get their degrees in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, or even Nursing. Data assembled by the American Association of Medical Colleges showed that, in 2019, 58 percent of those who took the Medical College Admissions Test majored in biological sciences. Medical schools have a significant number of academic prerequisites and likely will require premed classes in college, so it’s essential to find a college that can accommodate this career path.
health & Wellness
How
Polypharmacy, or the practice of managing multiple medications, is a part of life for a significant percentage of seniors. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are essential for maintaining health and managing chronic conditions. However, the
Participate in extracurricular activities
The road to medical school is competitive, so applicants should set themselves apart with résumés that include activities that go beyond study. These activities will help candidates appear well-rounded. Take MCATs and get into school
The Medical College Admission Test are akin to the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) for aspiring medical students. Med schools use the MCAT to screen ap-
plicants, so it is essential for premeds to do well. Medical school is an additional four-year commitment. Aspiring physicians can attend research-oriented institutions or those that focus on primary care. They also can choose between Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees. Both programs include a mix of clinical rotations and medical science courses.
Residency
The University of Medicine and Health Sciences says newly licensed doctors need to go through several additional years of post-graduate training in specialties of their choosing, called medical residency, after graduating from medical school. This program takes place in a hospital or academic setting. Residency can be an additional three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Exam
Following a residency, doctors need to take exams for the states in which they plan to practice medicine. It can take 11 to 15 years to become a physician. Patience, knowledge and perseverance is required to become a licensed doctor.
manage multiple medications
chemical complexity of mixing so many drugs can lead to dangerous outcomes if one isn’t careful.
Older adults take more medications than any other age group.
A report conducted by Age Wave and The John A. Hartford Foundation
found that the average senior takes four medications, but more than 15 percent take eight or more. Some medications can create further conditions or worsen existing conditions. Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality show that 15.9 percent of older adults use inappropriate medication. Structured medication management is essential for seniors’ safety. Here’s how to safely navigate taking multiple medications at once.
• Conduct a medication audit. Take all of the medications and supplements you use to a primary care physician or pharmacist to discuss potential interactions and if any prescriptions can be canceled. Research from Clarest
Health indicates that patients taking five to nine medications have a 50 percent chance of experiencing a significant adverse drug event.
• Talk about deprescribing. Speak with a doctor about the process of tapering off medications that may no longer be necessary or are resulting in more harm than benefit.
• Use one pharmacy. Always fill prescriptions from the same pharmacy. Modern systems are equipped with safeguards to flag certain drug-to-
drug interactions automatically. Also, the pharmacist is often an underutilized resource. Ask questions and figure out if he or she can conduct a medication review to ensure a regimen for taking medications is as complication-free as possible.
• Utilize smart systems. Rely on smart pill dispensers that unlock only at the correct time to manage high-risk medications. Other pill organizers and digital apps can set reminders to take medications at the appropriate times.
An app like Medisafe will notify family members if a dose is missed.
• Link doses to actions. Make medications an automatic part of your day by linking them to activities, like morning pills taken with a cup of coffee or evening pills when you eat dinner.
• Use visual cues. Keep pill organizers in a visible spot so you remember to take the medication.
• Ask for help. If managing medications has become a tall order, ask a friend, family member or a visiting nurse or aide to assist with medication management.
• Update your list. Always maintain a current list of the medications and supplements you are taking, and bring it along to every new medical appointment for further review. Managing medications becomes more complex as seniors typically take multiple drugs and supplements to maintain health.
