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Coloring Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition dating back more than 2,500 years. There is evidence that people living in the ancient settlement of Trypillia dyed eggs. Ancient Persians also were believed to paint eggs for Nowruz (Persian New Year).

Christians adopted similar traditions to symbolize aspects of the Easter story. Originally Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross, according to Chase Oaks Church.

Good Housekeeping reports early Christian missionaries adapted the dying tradition to include more egg colors to represent different aspects of the Easter story. Yellow represented the resurrection, blue

6 Easter egg coloring tips

represented love and red remained a symbol of Christ’s blood.

Whether families dye eggs to symbolize the Easter miracle or simply for fun, the following are some coloring tips to enhance the process.

1. Prevent cracked eggs. Most colored eggs are hardboiled. To prevent cracking during the

boiling process, add a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Additional anticracking measures include rubbing half a lemon on each shell before boiling.

2. Boil eggs and cool completely. It takes roughly 10 minutes to hard-boil an egg. Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the eggs, then bring it to

a boil over mediumhigh heat. Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cool in a bowl of water or run under cold tap water.

3. Don’t forget the vinegar. Whether you use colored dye tablets or drops of food coloring from the pantry, use a

mix of water and vinegar in the coloring solution. According to Education.com, food coloring is an acid dye and bonds using hydrogen. This chemical process only works in an acidic environment. Vinegar is added to water to make it more acidic and help the dyes adhere more strongly to the eggs and produce brighter colors.

to purchase white eggs, as the dyes will show up more vividly on the white shells.

5. Create distinctive designs. By covering portions of the bare eggs before dipping into color, people can create unique designs. Things like masking tape, rubber bands, wax (or crayons), and even twine can be used. The dye will only take on the uncovered areas, leaving white behind.

6. Dyes are not the only way to color eggs. Everything from watercolor paint to acrylics to decoupage can be used to cover eggs in vivid colors. Egg decorators also can use colored yarns, fabric or stickers. Search for creative materials to set Easter eggs apart this year.

4. Stick to white eggs. Stores sell both brown and white eggs. The species of chicken determines whether the eggs will be white or brown. When coloring eggs, it might be better

Coloring eggs is a popular Easter tradition, and there are many ways to ensure this beloved activity produces beautiful results.

MEETING of the Maples

Association: Monday

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

West Valley students were recognized March 25 for their academic achievements, leadership, service and character during the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society induction ceremony.

Membership in these honor societies requires students to meet high academic

service to their school and community and exemplary character. Candidates undergo a selection process by West Valley faculty that evaluates their commitment to these core values.

National Junior Honor Society inductees include: Makayla Richardson,

Savannah Griffis, Nicholas Klahn, Jersie Czapla, Alayna Kinney and Karly Otto.

National Honor Society inductees include: Samantha Fisher, Noah Klahn, Isabella Mitchell, Elizabeth Winsor, Logan Manaher, Abbigail Pinkowski, Payton Ehnes and Victoria Parish.

visiting an independent auto repair center, there are various benefits to using a dealership for servicing needs.

According to a study by Kelley Blue Book, 35 percent of all cars were serviced at a dealership in 2021. By 2023, that figure had dropped to 30 percent. Service chains, like tire service centers and quick lube brands, are gaining ground in the automotive servicing market. Here are six reasons why consumers may want to think about returning to the dealership to maintain their vehicles.

1. Cost KBB says that owners are not saving much by shifting their business to service centers. In 2023, the average dealership service visit cost $258, while a visit to a non-dealer service center was $249 on average. Customers may be able to negotiate with dealerships where they purchased the car for lower prices or coupon incentives, as dealerships typically like to build relationships with customers to ensure repeat business.

2. Original equipment manufacturer parts

A big advantage to going to the dealership for service is original equipment manufacturer parts, known as OEM parts and accessories. OEM means the components used in the service or repair will be the same as those used by the manufacturer in their own workshops, guaranteeing both quality and compatibility, according to DCH Honda. This can be especially important for electrical components.

3. Certified technicians

Modern vehicles are complex and unique between make and model. Visiting a dealership for service means you’ll be getting a service technician who has specific knowledge about the vehicles that dealership sells. Technicians at dealerships have to be manufacturer-certified, meaning they will have the most up-to-date knowledge and access to cuttingedge equipment.

4. Warranty savings More often than not, new vehicles come with manufacturer warranties. Certain service may be covered by the manufacturer or dealership at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Plus, the dealership can easily look up and apply the warranty pricing if applicable. Also, the service may need to be performed at a dealership by a certified technician for a warranty to continue to be valid.

5. Accessible records If and when the time comes time to sell a vehicle, having a handy log of all servicing can be advantageous. This is easier to come by if all of the visits took place at a dealership. They can simply pull up a record of the vehicle and provide it to the owner; otherwise,

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Celebrate spring with activities hosted by Allegany State Park

RED HOUSE — In

observance of Earth Day and Arbor Day, Allegany State Park is hosting three funfilled indoor and outdoor events April 23–26.

Celebrate spring on the “Signs of Spring Evening Walk” when a park naturalist will explain the park’s blossoming flora and spring critters on Wednesday, April 23. This free event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Site 53, Quaker Beach Road, near the gate at the osprey platform.

Participants will experience the sights and sounds of early spring that may include the display flight of the American Woodcock, chorusing amphibians, newly emerged spring plants and much more.

Come early and celebrate Earth Day by making bird feeders using recyclable materials. This year’s theme is “Our power, our planet.” Earth Day is all about environmental stewardship, and this activity is a meaningful way to reduce waste and support local wildlife. Everyone is welcome. Participants

should dress for the weather. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, camera and a sense of adventure. For more information or any questions, contact the Environmental Education/ Recreation Department at (716) 354-6232 or alleganysp@parks.ny.gov.

A celebration of Arbor Day will be held Friday, April 25, on the Pat McGee Trail, with a community bike/walk event. The general focus is on celebrating trees and their importance, encouraging tree planting and promoting environmental conservation.

Participants will meet at 6 p.m. at the Ellicottville Brewing Company parking lot, located at 202 Second St. in Little Valley, where bathroom facilities are available. Bikers will travel two miles south towards Salamanca, experiencing towering trees and fascinating bridges, as well as beautiful flora and fauna. Walkers will stroll one mile north towards Cattaraugus to the Wetlands, where they will see an array of spring birds and discuss the trees of the area.

A limited number of fat

fun-filled,

and

tire bikes are available to use for the event or participants may bring their own bike. All skill levels of bikers are welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome on the walk. There will be a social to follow for those interested. Anyone who has questions or would like to use a bike should contact the Environmental Education/ Recreation Department at (716) 379-6939.

Arbor Day celebration continues, promoting tree planting and care. “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time outdoors while making a lasting impact on the environment for generations to come. Plus, you can visit your tree year after year and watch it grow,” said a representative from the Environmental Education Department.

Volunteers will meet at Anderson Cabin Trail, where they will work alongside

park staff to plant a variety of native species. They will learn about the species, why they are being planted and about Arbor Day. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, clothes to get dirty in and work gloves if they have them. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite, at eventbrite.com/o/alleganyregion-environmental-educa tionrecreation-80295711843. Any questions can be directed to the Environmental Education Department at (716) 354-6232.

The benefits of lighting up your landscape

Homeowners

lighting can be equally transformative at a fraction of the cost of larger undertakings. The home renovation experts at Angi.com estimate the average landscape lighting project costs around $4,000, making affordability a notable benefit of the project. • Appearance: There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of a well-lit landscape at night. Landscape lighting can be utilized to draw attention to awe-inspiring components of a landscape, whether it’s natural features like gardens and foliage or manmade components like architectural features. Improved appearance can increase curb appeal, which is often associated with how a home looks during daylight hours. But photographs of a well-lit nighttime landscape can impress buyers as well.

• Cost savings: Landscape lighting might help homeowners reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance. Researchers at PolicyGenius.com found that insurance companies typically offer a discount of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who install a home security