There may have been only one launch for this year’s Great Wellsville Balloon Rally, but it was a site to behold.
All 29 of the registered hot air balloons launched from the Rally site the evening of July 17. Stars and Stripes, a red, white, and blue balloon piloted by Brett Endolf out of Pennsylvania, was the first to hit the sky. Sponsored by the Hahn Homestead, it carried artist Eric Jones, who had created a spectacular sand sculpture for the Rally.
The sculpture included more than 10 balloons, representing each of its sponsors, the Pink House and the Immaculate Conception Church.
Stars and Stripes headed east, leading a few other balloons.
The remaining balloons caught a wind current that sent them flying north over the village. With the wind dying down, they landed all across the center of the village, blocking streets and bridges and delighting spectators who followed in their cars or hung out of their apartment windows to grab photos of the giant, colorful balloons.
That was the one and only launch for the 49th event. Rain and wind
kept the balloons on the ground for the rest of the weekend. However, organizers didn’t close down the event. The midway was open and balloonists sold tethered rides and participated in the Afterglow. On Saturday night the Rally lit up the sky with a fireworks display. Brad Thompson, who has piloted the event as chairman of the Great Wellsville Balloon
Rally for 16 years, said at the end of the event, “Well, that wraps up another successful Great Wellsville Balloon Rally, number 49. Although we had one flight, Friday night, it was a beautiful flight and a lot of balloons stayed right here, local, in the village of Wellsville and landed on the village of Wellsville. The Main Street Festival weather ended up turning good and the Chamber of Commerce got a successful event up there.
“We now look forward to number 50, which is a huge milestone for the Rally,” Thompson said. “There’s only a couple of the rallies that have existed as long as ours. We’ll be making announcements beginning in the late fall of some of the new events that will be added to the 50th year anniversary of our Balloon Rally. Keep a close eye on all our social media outlets for announcements.
“Once again, we want to thank the community for all the support and without you the Rally would not be possible. It truly does take a village.”
Meanwhile, photos of the Rally are sought for a photo contest. Submissions should be sent to bearitallphotos LLC at bearitallphotos@ gmail.com.
Rules of the free
contest: One photo submission per person and it must be from the 2026 Rally, while the photo also must contain one or more balloons. No edited photos will be accepted — no AI-generated images, videos, drawings, paintings or other forms of digital art will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is July 24. The winner will be notified and the public announcement will be made July 31.
Photo by Kathryn Ross
Photo by Kathryn Ross Balloons are becalmed over Wellsville’s Main Street Friday night.
Photo by Kathryn Ross Balloons
River, which
Allegany County CCE agent receives national award
BELMONT — Cris-
tian Acosta, Agriculture Educator and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Achievement Award from the Nation al Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA).
sented at the NACAA
Annual Meeting & Pro fessional Improvement Conference, held this year in Denver, Colo.
Award recognizes Coop erative Extension professionals with fewer than 10 years of service who have shown excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to serving their communities.
Acosta has served Allegany County for four years as the county’s
agriculture educator and Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) coordinator. In that role, he has led gardening classes for residents covering ornamental gardening, food gardening, and emerging invasive species.
In 2022, Acosta took part in a regional grant project that helped
municipalities educate residents on the care and management of community trees. In 2024, he co-developed a horticulture greenhouse manual for veterans in partnership with Cor nell Small Farms.
Acosta also launched a YouTube channel to make horticulture edu
cation more widely accessible, has led groups through Seed to Supper and MGV programs, training and incorporating four new members to the team.
“It’s an honor to be part of this wonderful team at Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County, to work with our great Master Gardeners, and to be recognized alongside so many dedicated Ex-
tension professionals,” he said. “This work is about the community as much as it is about me — every class, every project, every garden we’ve helped grow together.”
For more information about gardening/ agriculture programs through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, visit allegany.cce.cornell.edu.
Photo provided
Christian Acosta (left), Agriculture Educator and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, is presented the 2026 Achievement Award from JJ Jones, President of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
WELLSVILLE — In what has become an entertaining community tradition, the David A. Howe Library welcomes Shake on the Lake back to their front lawn this summer, on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m.
The company will perform its interpretation of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” with only a handful of actors taking on all the roles. There will be live music before the show begins. This performance
is free and open to the public thanks, in part, to funding from the Allegany County Area Foundation and the Friends of David A. Howe Library. The show lasts approximately 90 minutes with no
dining & Entertainment
Shake on the Lake returns with ‘The Comedy of Errors’
intermission. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for this outdoor performance. In case of inclement weather, the show will be in the Nancy Howe Auditorium inside the library. Set in the port town of Ephesus, “The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth. Antipholus of Syracuse and his butler, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive at Ephesus, which, unknown to them, turns out to be the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his butler, Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps ensues.
Shake’s performance will help you understand why “a comedy of errors” has entered the popular English lexicon as an idiom for “an event or series of events made ridiculous by the number of errors that
were made throughout.” In 2013, “The Comedy of Errors” was Shake on the Lake continued on
Swine show winners announced at Allegany County Fair
ANGELICA — Youth exhibitors showed off their swine projects at the Allegany County Fair on July 20 with Jim Luckman and Lenny Ando as judges.
In the Senior Showmanship division, Armison of Farmersville Station earned firstplace, receving a blue ribbon along with a photo frame sponsored by Mark & Larraine Stone.
Second place went to Collin Wilson of Dansville, while Mason Findlay of Fillmore, Morgan Holcomb of Friendship, Shane Ploetz of Cuba and Natalie Burrows of Cuba were all awarded blue ribbons.
In the junior division Garrett Ploetz of Cuba topped the class and received a photo frame sponsored by the Ken Miller family. Also earning ribbons were Caidence Armison of Farmersville Station; Grady, Grant, Grace and Grayson Bell of Bolivar; Bentley Foster of Friend-
ship; Beverly Ploetz of Cuba; and Tinsley Foster of Friendship.
In the novice class, first blue was awarded to Vincent Costello of Scio followed by Presley Mcdowell of Bolivar. Vincent received a showman harness sponsored by Stony Brook Farm.
The top two from each division competed for Grand Champion Showman. This year’s winner, Conner Armison, received a belt buckle sponsored by Lindsey and Lincoln Reynolds. Reserve Grand Champion Showman Collin Wilson received a picture frame awarded in in memory of Sarah Beiler.
In the Cloverbud division open to youth between 5-7 years old, the judge complimented Gabriel Bell and Carter Fusiara for an excellent job participating in the show.
Four classes in the market swine division starting with light weight: Caidence
Armison, Grayson Bell, Grady Bell and Grace Bell receiving blues. Receiving red ribbons: Presley Madowell with two entries and Grayson Bell.
Medium weight swine: first place exhibited by Beverley Ploetz followed by Vincent Costello, Caidence Armison, Natalie Burrows, Grant Bell and Morgan Holcomb. First red to Grady Bell and second red to Grace Bell.
Connor Armison placed first blue in the intermediate weight class followed by Morgan Holcomb, Mason Findley, Natalie Burrows, Tinsley Foster, Collin Wilson, Grant Bell, Beverly Ploetz, and Tinsley Foster.
Blue ribbon heavy weight hogs: Mason Findlay followed by Connor Armison, Bentley Foster, Garrett Ploetz, Shane Ploetz and Beverley Ploetz.
Grand Champion
Market Swine receiving a banner sponsored by Skyview Farms along
with a wall plaque from the NYS Pork Producers Association: exhibited by Mason Findlay. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine banner was sponsored by Burch Family Dental and awarded to Connor Armison.
In first place of the
breeding division and Grand Champion Gilt: Morgan Holcomb, receiving a photo frame sponsored by ALCO Federal Credit Union. Additional blue ribbons were awarded to Shane Ploetz, Bentley Foster and Tinsley Foster.
The youth swine show was followed by the Livestock
Contest: First place senior, Collin
received a clipboard sponsored by Nicholson Pharmacy. First place junior, Brendon Wilson, received a clipboard was sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
Awards, ribbons in sheep show at Allegany County Fair
ANGELICA — Youth exhibitors showed off their sheep projects at the Allegany County Fair, with the contest an opportunity to be rewarded for the months of hard work caring for and training their animals.
In the Senior Showmanship division, Sarah Wilson of Dansville received a blue ribbon along with a photo frame sponsored by Bob and Donna Wilson
of Canaseraga. Second blue went to Jeffery Wilson of Dansville, followed by Collin Wilson of Dansville. For Junior Showmanship, Faith Wilson topped the class followed by Brendon Wilson, both of Dansville, and Garret Ploetz and Beverly Ploetz of Cuba. All received blue ribbons. Faith received a photo frame sponsored by Bob and Donna Wilson. Brendon received a
manure fork sponsored by the Peirce family.
Novice Lillian Gessel of Arkport received a blue ribbon along with a photo frame sponsored by the Wilsons. Also receiving blues: Ruby Zang and Zang of Belmont.
The top from each division competed for Grand Champion Showman. This year’s grand winner was Sarah Wilson and Reserve Grand Champion Showman was Faith Wilson. Both received a photo frame sponsored by the Wilsons.
In the market lamb divisions, with all exhibits receiving blue ribbons, first place was awarded to Sarah Wilson, followed by Faith Wilson, Brendon Wilson, Collin Wilson and Ruby Zang. Grand Champion Market Lamb sponsored by the Alco Federal Credit Union was exhibited by Sarah Wilson. The Reserve
Grand Champion Market Lamb sponsored by Bugman & Sons Inc. was awarded to Faith Wilson. Best Bred & Owned by exhibitor cash award in the market lamb class was presented to Sarah Wilson.
In the breeding sheep
➡Shake on the Lake continued from PAGE 3
the first full-length Shakespeare production Shake ever staged, becoming the blueprint for the company’s signature fast, fun, and physical style. Featuring returning Shake cast members Matt Duncan, Tim Cooper, McKenzie Gordon, Madeleine Dauer and Ladarius Jamerson, get ready to get ridiculous. Support for Shake on the Lake is made
possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support by the Arts Council for Wyoming County, GOArt, The Mary Conable & Norman Gayford Charitable Fund, the Conable Family Foundation, and the Ralph C. Wilson Arts & Cultural Initiative.
division, an excellent group of blue-ribbon stock was exhibited by Lillian Gessel, Beverly Ploetz, Garret Ploetz, Brendon Wilson, Collin Wilson, Faith Wilson, Jeffery Wilson and Sarah Wilson.
Grand and Reserve Grand Champion ewes were exhibited by Sarah Wilson. Grand Champion ram was exhibited by Jeffery Wilson; Reserve entry of Sarah Wilson. Grand Champion Flock of Southdowns was exhibited by Sarah Wilson and Reserve Champion
was awarded to Jeffery Wilson’s flock of Dorsets. Each of these championship classes received a photo frame sponsored by the Wilsons. Champions and reserve champions also received a cash award sponsored by the Empire Sheep Association. Sarah Wilson’s Grand Champion ewe was also selected in the Open Sheep Show to represent Allegany County in the first annual Empire Supreme Ewe Championship in September.
Judging
Wilson,
Photo by Lynn Bliven
Sheep judge Kirby Palmer is shown with (from left) Reserve Grand Champion Showman Faith Wilson and Grand Champion Showman Sarah Wilson.
Photo by Lynn Bliven
Allegany County Fair Grand Champion Market Hog: (from left) Conner Armison, Judge Jim Luckman and Mason Findlay. The animals will be sold at the Annual Youth Market Animals Sale on July 23
home improvement
A rundown on kitchen cabinet projects
Updated kitchens are in demand, and homeowners are not hesitating to open their wallets when renovating these popular spaces in their homes. According to a 2025 study from Houzz, the median spend on kitchen renovations rose to $60,000 between 2024 and 2025.
Homeowners concerned about the high price tag of kitchen renovations should know they have some less expensive means to giving their kitchens a new look. Cabinet projects can dramatically alter
how a kitchen looks and feels. This rundown of cabinet projects can help homeowners answer any questions they have about this unique and budget-friendly way to revitalize their kitchens.
• Refacing and replacing each merit consideration. Homeowners unfamiliar with cabinet projects may not realize they have two very different options to consider. Refacing allows homeowners to transform the look and feel of a kitchen while keeping the ex-
isting cabinet structure in place. When refacing cabinets, new doors, drawer fronts and typically hardware are installed to replace the existing ones. When replacing cabinets, the existing cabinet structure is torn out and completely new units are installed. Replacing might be done when the structural integrity of the existing cabinets is questionable or when homeowners are not fond of the existing cabinet layout and
purchase new doors, drawers or hardware.
decide to change it completely.
homeowners can consider repainting or re-staining existing cabinets. This is a particularly cost-effective project because it gives the kitchen a new look but does not require homeowners to
This is a potentially good option for homeowners whose existing cabinets are structurally sound and painted but started to fade in regard to their color. It’s also a potentially sound temporary option for homeowners who are hoping to do a full kitchen renovation at some point in the near future but looking for a less costly and temporary means to give their kitchens a fresh look. Cabinet projects can create a different feel in the kitchen without requiring homeowners to make as sizable a financial investment as a full kitchen overhaul demands.
• Cabinet refacing or replacing projects will not cost nearly as much as a complete kitchen overhaul. The cost of any home renovation project is unique to each home. No two homes are the same, and variables like layout and square footage will affect the price of most projects, including cabinet renovations. But homeowners should know that the average cost of cabinet refacing projects and replacement projects falls far short of the $60,000 price tag of kitchen renovations noted by Houzz. According to Angi. com, refacing cabinets costs between $900 and $6000 on average, while cabinet replacement projects can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000. The wide ranges reflect the variables unique to each home. Homeowners are urged to contact a professional who specializes in cabinet refacing and replacement to get an accurate estimate of how much these projects will cost in their homes.
• Cabinets also can be repainted. If refacing or replacing cabinets also threatens to bust the budget,
Wellsville ace Perry’s search for competition pays off with Big 30 Pitcher of the Year honor
BY HENRY BUCHAN
When Kennedy Perry first started pitching, she didn’t imagine it taking her to the Division I level.
It was because her town team needed someone to step up.
Perry was nine years old when she first tried it, filling a need and simply looking for a way to contribute.
“My local town team didn’t have any pitchers that year, so it was kind of something I was thrown into just trying out and having fun with it,” Perry said. “I ended up falling in love with it.”
More than a decade later, Perry has become exactly the type of player every team hopes to develop: a dominant pitcher, the type of hitter you pitch around, and a leader for a Wellsville team that reached the Section V, Class B championship game this past season.
She posted a .280 ERA with 159 strikeouts, allowing 30 hits across 75 innings. Per contest, she averaged a staggering 14.84 strikeouts. Even though it’s a pitching award, she was one of the area’s most productive hitters, batting .538 with 35 hits, 31 RBIs, nine doubles, two triples and four home runs.
Perry reached the level she did not by playing against area
players, but through travel leagues playing some of the best in the country.
During her freshman year, she joined a travel team based out of Atlanta, giving her the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the country. The experience required a significant commitment, with Perry and her family traveling across the country for tournaments in places
such as Kansas City, Georgia, Colorado and California.
“I loved the competition,” Perry said. “I loved being able to have the individuality in it, but also coming together as a team sport. I think you can really have moments to shine but also come together as a team.”
For many young softball players, opportunities like that never come. Perry recognized the chance she had and used it to raise her own expectations.
“The competitiveness has just skyrocketed from there,” Perry said. “I really learned what’s out there and what I want for my future.”
“Just even at the tryout, seeing all these girls, it was just stacked everywhere,” Perry added. “Seeing that made me realize that I wanted to continue being the best everywhere.”
That mentality helped Perry earn a
home improvement
Division I opportunity at Boston University, where she will continue her career after high school.
“I think just that mindset of wanting to be better than the next hitter, wanting to shine in every situation, has pushed me further than I really thought was possible,” Perry said.
This past season, with one still to go for Perry in high school, it paid off in full. The same confidence Perry built by competing against elite players showed up when Wellsville needed her.
Perry remembers one moment in particular that captured what made the season special. In a rivalry matchup, with the game tied 0-0 in the fifth inning, Perry stepped to the plate and delivered a three-run home run to give Wellsville the lead.
Bath/Haverling had defeated Wellsville in the crossover game the
previous season, adding extra meaning to the matchup.
“There was so much tension and so much rivalry going on,” Perry said. “When it was getting down to the wire, we all fought together. Then, in that one particular moment, we were all celebrating, all coming together.”
Now a senior season away from leaving for college, Perry is focused on continuing to grow. Her ultimate goal remains the highest one possible.
“I think the ultimate goal would probably be playing pro softball,” Perry said. “Obviously, that is a long ways away, and if I could get there, that would be my ultimate dream.”
For now, Perry can look back on the path that brought her here, from a young player filling a need, to a Big 30 Pitcher of the Year who proved she could compete anywhere.
Photo provided Kennedy Perry is committed to Boston University.
Genesee Valley Media returns as sponsor for Wellsville’s Jingle & Glow
WELLSVILLE — The Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society (TRGHS) announced that Nick Davis of Genesee Valley Media has returned as a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Jingle & Glow, the outdoor holiday exhibit at Fassett Greenspace.
Genesee Valley Media offers video production, photography, storytelling and promotional media that highlight the people, businesses and organizations of Western New York. In addition to sponsoring this year’s event, Davis will again produce a video capturing Jingle & Glow for visitors near and far to enjoy.
“Watching the volunteers transform Fassett Greenspace into a sparkling holiday destination last year was incredible,” Davis said. “My family loved walking through the lighted tunnels and displays,
and it was inspiring to see how one event brought so much joy to our community. Supporting Jingle & Glow is a way to show that a little holiday magic can brighten an entire town.”
Event Chair Jackie Comstock said the support of community-minded businesses is what makes the event possible.
“Nick’s enthusiasm for Jingle & Glow has been evident from the very beginning,” Comstock said. “His generosity, creativity, and professional talents have helped us share this event with thousands of people. Sponsors like Genesee Valley Media make it possible for us to continue growing Jingle & Glow while supporting the important work of preserving our community’s history. “
Comstock said organizers are inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals to support this year’s event.
health & Wellness
“Whether it’s a large sponsorship or a smaller contribution, every gift makes a difference,” she said. “Jingle & Glow belongs to the community, and supporters help us create this holiday tradition.”
Jingle & Glow will officially open on Saturday, Nov. 28, coinciding with the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce Hometown Holidays Parade.
Additional sponsors will be announced throughout the coming months. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring Jingle & Glow are encouraged to contact Comstock at (585) 593-4551.
The TRGHS is a non-profit 501c3 organization and all gifts and sponsorships are tax-deductible. The TRGHS is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of Wellsville and the surrounding area.
What to know about seniors and vaccines
Parents know that vaccination is a big part of caring for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to vaccinate children against a host of diseases and conditions in the first 12 to 18 months of a child’s life. The AAP notes that early immunization helps children build immunity at the best time — before they’re exposed to germs that can make them very sick.
The effectiveness of vaccines in relation to protecting young children is well documented, but what about seniors and vaccines? Are immunizations still a vital part of a wellness routine when adults reach their golden years? The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to speak with their doctors or pharmacists about the vaccines they need, which may help to prevent or reduce the severity of various diseases.
COVID-19
The NIA notes that age is a risk factor for serious illness from COVID-19. Due to the relative infancy of COVID-19, researchers are still learning about the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants of the virus. But older adults are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 than younger people, so it’s imperative seniors discuss immunization against the virus with their physicians.
Influenza
The World Health Organization notes that the flu kills as many as 650,000 people across the globe each year. A 2009 study published in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses indicated that most deaths associated with influenza in industrialized countries occur among seniors age 65 and older. The flu is easily transmitted from one person to another and the NIA advises everyone age six months and older to get an annual flu vaccine. While the protection from a flu vaccine can lessen over time, particularly in
older adults, a flu shot still reduces the likelihood of serious illness and/or hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that seniors age 65 and older receive a higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine, the latter of which helps to create a stronger immune response than a normal flu shot. Seniors are urged to speak with their physicians about which flu shot is right for them.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
The NIA indicates that RSV is a common virus that often produces mild, cold-like symptoms. But older adults should know that they are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms if they are infected with RSV. The
NIA notes RSV can be particularly dangerous for older adults with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. Hospitalization or even death can occur after severe RSV symptoms develop. RSV vaccines can prevent serious health problems, and the CDC urges seniors to speak with their physicians regarding immunization. Doing so prior to peak RSV infection season, which is fall and winter, is ideal.
Pneumococcal disease
The CDC advises that all adults age 50 and older get pneumococcal vaccination. Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that the NIA notes often causes pneumonia in the lungs. The risk of getting very sick and even
dying from pneumococcal disease is higher among older adults than younger people. There are different forms of the pneumococcal vaccine, and seniors can speak to their physicians about which one is best for them.
Immunization schedules begin shortly after birth, and seniors still have much to gain from being vaccinated.
Photo provided
Jingle & Glow Chair Jackie Comstock (left) is shown with Nick Davis of Genesee Valley Media and TRGHS Board President Annie Comstock (right).
Whitesville Library’s annual garden tour set for Saturday
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WHITESVILLE —
The Annual Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour sponsored by the Whitesville Public Library will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year, visitors to the event will explore vegetable and flower gardens, sample the harvest, learn tips and secrets and chat with knowledgeable gardeners about how to cultivate their gardens and what grows best in the area’s climate zone.
One of the features of this year’s event will be a visit to the permaculture plantation cultivated by Sue and Fred Beckhorn on Irish Hill Road where food crops are grown.
Permaculture gardening is a holistic approach to growing plants that mimics natural ecosystems rather than working against them. It focuses on creating self-sustaining landscapes that require minimal external input while promoting biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation.
Tours of the garden will take place at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.
Gay Thistle, president of the Whitesville Public Library Board, explained, “There are every kind of garden to tour from traditional to woodland. There will be guided tours of a permaculture “garden”
Outdoors
which will include a mushroom growing operation, most years there are blueberries to pick and veggies to sample along with viewing of pollinator gardens and native plant gardens.”
This year’s garden
tour will also feature visits to a variety of flower gardens in and around the village. Those who attend will participate in a self-guided tour they can either walk or drive, at their own pace. Maps of the route are available at the Whitesville Library registration desk. While the event is free, donations are appreciated.
The private gardens offered for viewing on the tour feature places to sit and enjoy the birds
and the bees or put your nose in a favorite book. It also includes ideas for decorating your garden spaces with found or antique materials. There is also a large variety of pollinator gardens. The Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour benefits programming at the Whitesville Library and provide activities at the library for children, teens, and adults. Contact the library at (607) 356-3645 with any questions.
Cuba Library plans wine tasting fundraiser
CUBA — Cheers, Cheese and Chocolate, a wine tasting fundraiser with delectable hors d’oeuvres and chocolate treats to benefit the Cuba Circulating Library, is planned for Aug. 7.
The event, for ages 21 and older, will be hosted at the library, 39 E. Main St., from 7 to 9 p.m.
Tickets are pre-sale only; go to the library’s website at cubalibrary.org/friends-of-the-cuba-library or call (585) 968-1668.
Some basics for a safe outing on a canoe
BY WADE ROBERTSON
I’m pleased to see more and more kayaks and canoes on the waters today. Not only do these pollution-free watercraft eliminate the roar of engines, they allow the users the freedom to explore places most motored craft cannot.
Since I’m basically a canoe enthusiast myself, I thought I might pass along a few tips I’ve picked up over the years. The first is to never allow anyone to sit or stand in your canoe on land. My children and grandchildren have all heard my bark when they’ve disobeyed. Any sharp cornered object on the ground can poke
through the hull of your canoe or crack it since the weight is suddenly concentrated on 1 small point instead of distributed evenly in the water. The second: there is nothing more frustrating than arriving at your destination and discovering you forgot the paddles! The solution is simple; always tie your paddles, net and yardstick between the thwart and the seat inside. If you have the canoe, you’ll always have the paddles.
Securing your canoe to the vehicle is beginning to require more and more ingenuity. In the old days you simply fastened the canoe to the roof rack with bungees or rope and then tied each end to your bumper. The canoe should be secured at 3 points: bow, center, and stern.
Today many vehicles have roof racks or one can be purchased; no problem. Getting a rope to the bow and stern can be more challenging. Recently I have been forced to run a rope through the
square bracket of the hood latch. This keeps the bow always pointing forward and is the most critical point, keeping the canoe faced into the slipstream of the car. I’ve known people to neglect this and a 16’ foot canoe turning sideways at 50 miles per hour can rip your roof rack off your car and severely damage the roof as well; it’s happened to people believe me!
Fastening the canoe to the rack is important also. Strong bungees can be used, rope or even ratchets. I recommend using 2, one at either end of the rack. Fastening the stern is the biggest challenge. I usually install a trailer hitch on my vehicles and to it. Otherwise you may have to become creative looking for a solid anchor point to tie to. Bow and stern lines should always be twanging taunt. Canoes require passengers to be constantly aware of their position. You must remain balanced, sitting in the exact center, never sit to one side or the other. Sitting off center is dan-
gerous and forces the other person to counterbalance the offender by leaning to the other side. Most uncomfortable and should the canoe strike an obstacle or larger wave you will not be able to recover since it’s virtually impossible to immediately regain balance with 2 people out of position and the canoe rolling unexpectedly.
The person sitting in the rear is the captain! They must be the person most competent in maneuvering the canoe. The captain’s in charge and the bow stroke needs to follow the instructions given without question in any potentially dangerous situation.
The rear seat provides the point of greatest control, the spot of greatest leverage. The bow paddler by bracing, back paddling or paddling forward merely aids the steering process of a properly handled canoe.
The rear paddler notices immediately that 3 paddle strokes on the left side quickly turns the canoe to the
right. The bow paddle can slow that turn by paddling hard on the opposite side, but cannot overcome it. Hence the captain should at the end of each paddle stroke touch the lower hand to the gunnel, quickly rotate the paddle blade vertically in the water, creating a rudder, and then push the blade outward, swinging the bow back. In other words you should be able to paddle a straight course from the rear of the canoe without switching sides.
To emergency stop, grip the paddle low down and turn it broadside, the entire blade in the water. Hold on! The force exerted against you will be high, both paddlers should be performing this simultaneously.
To quickly turn to either side the rear paddler back paddles hard while the bow paddles ahead on the opposite side. This method, if continued, will spin you completely around.
A high wind can make turning difficult.
To combat this this rear paddler back paddles
the bow reaches out at right angles to the canoe and pulls the paddle back with force, dragging the bow around.
The emergency stop, the spin and the quick turn should be practiced until the paddlers, as a team, become proficient. Their proper execution could save your life or expensive equipment. Floating a stream, river or lake you may have to stop very quickly when an unseen log, snag, rock or other obstacle appears suddenly in front of you. In a lake you may have to quickly face a large wave or vicious gust of wind. A quick decision to turn, stop or run will have to be made and then done quickly, the rear paddler giving the orders. You should be practiced and prepared, trusting one another.
Canoes are a wonderful watercraft and can provide hours of enjoyment on the water. Respect them, practice and become a master of their control.
(Email Wade Robertson at wadewrites3006@gmail.com.)
while
Photo by Wade Robertson
Canoes are a great way to float rivers and creeks and enjoy time on lakes and ponds as well. In most cases you will have a troublefree experience but paddlers, in order to remain safe and secure in certain circumstances, should be able to turn, stop, and handle
Attendees can pick up maps at the Whitesville Public Library on Main Street for the annual Hands in the Dirt, Nose in a Book Garden Tour, which is Saturday.
