Pizza is widely enjoyed food all over the world. Modern pizza is believed to have originated in Italy, and was derived from similar flatbread dishes in Naples between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Today, pizza is enjoyed on a daily basis in different countries across the globe, and you’d be hard-pressed to
find a person who hasn’t enjoyed a slice of pizza at some point. Dig into these eye-opening facts about pizza.
$50 billion: Statista reports that the pizza industry in the United States is a major economic force, exceeding $50 billion in market value.
3 billion: This is the number of pizzas that Americans consume annually.
percentage of Americans who consider pepperoni their favorite pizza topping.
Top days: The biggest days for pizza sales, include Super Bowl Sunday, New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Thanksgiving Eve, and New Year’s Day.
81 percent: The number of Canadians who eat pizza at least once a month, according to paNOW.
8 to 12 minutes: The average number of minutes it takes thin crust pizza to cook at 475 F.
JESUS SAID, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (JOHN 14:6) INDEPENDENT BIBLE BELIEVING FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP TIME SUNDAYS 10:30 AM
61 percent: The percentage of people in the U.S. who prefer thin crust pizza, according to Craig Priebe’s The United States of Pizza.
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY. AND YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE. (2 COR. 3:17, JOHN 8:32).
Fun and innovative modern kitchen features
Kitchens are the hub of many homes. Perhaps due to their popularity as gathering spaces, kitchens are popular rooms to renovate to ensure they remain functional and attractive through the years. Online resources such as Houzz and Fixr indicate kitchens are consistently ranked among the most popular rooms to renovate. In 2022, 42 percent of homeowners were motivated to remodel their kitchens, according to data from Statista. Homeowners looking to enhance the functionality and look of their kitchens can consider these fun and innovative features as they plan their renovations.
Concealed countertop appliances
The latest small appliances and gadgets can make easy work of preparing food, but these devices can add to kitchen clutter. A roll-down door “appliance garage” will conceal appliances kept on counters.
Cleverly placed storage Additional storage also can give kitchens a cleaner look. Narrow, pull-out drawers can be nestled in between cabinets or appliances to make the most of tight spaces. These spots are perfect for utensils or spice containers.
Mixer lift
Baking enthusiasts will cheer if they don’t have to lift a heavy stand mixer when preparing foods. A mixer lift is an innovative feature that enables homeowners to raise and lower the mixer from a dedicated cabinet any time it’s needed.
Microwave drawer A microwave drawer maximizes space and boasts a sleek design. Instead of installing a microwave above a stove, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful range hood.
Wine refrigerator Available in a variety of sizes, wine refrigerators offer stylish storage for any wine lover’s collection. A refrigerator can be installed into an island or lower cabinet and integrated into
the rest of the kitchen.
Double ovens Double ovens are built directly into cabinetry and offer convenience and a sleek, modern look. Two ovens can make entertaining crowds easier, and separating the ovens from the burners lets homeowners install a cooktop elsewhere in the kitchen, which can expand floorplan options.
Pot filler A special faucet near the cooktop makes it much
to fill heavy pasta pots. A pot filler can be quite
39 percent: The
285: This is the number of calories in a typical slice of pizza cut from a 14-inch pizza with regular crust.
12: Pizza may be a lot of carbohydrates, but it also has protein. The average slice of cheese pizza has around 12 grams of protein.
Bricks & Bits offering lots o’ Lego fun
in Salamanca
See Page 5
Shop at W.I.L.M.A. event this weekend to support local businesses
BY DEB EVERTS
LITTLE VALLEY —
Talented artisans and manufacturers from all over Cattaraugus County will showcase and sell their products this weekend at the 13th annual W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend. Hosted by the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, the free, two-day event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the corporate and domestic buildings on the county fairgrounds, 501 Erie St.
W.I.L.M.A.
(We Invite Local Manufacturing & Artisans) gives county residents the opportunity to show their support and to invest in their own community’s businesses. It encourages people to shop local and promotes businesses by showcasing the products of local artisans and manufacturers in the county. With the holidays just around the corner, shoppers will have the opportunity to get a jumpstart on their gift purchases while supporting local artisans and manufacturers.
Deborah Miller,
Regular W.I.L.M.A. Bucks door prizes will be drawn Saturday, but people need not be present to win. Three W.I.L.M.A. Bucks drawings will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. — one for $75, another for $50 and the final for $25.
“Attendees on Saturday can enter the door prize drawing for W.I.L.M.A. Bucks,” Miller said. “This will be drawn at 3 p.m. Saturday so the winners can come back Sunday to spend them.”
Both days will also feature a Chinese auction and raffles where people can win various vendor prizes. All participants will get a free shopping bag and refreshments, including donuts from the South Dayton Supermarket and Pumpkinville cider.
economic development specialist, said over 40 vendors have registered so far, and some will occupy multiple spots. She said a few new vendors will be bringing their handmade wreaths, jewelry, woodworking items, handmade totes and bags. In past years, shoppers have been able to choose from a wide variety of unique, oneof-a-kind, handmade products including
candles, wood art, wooden baskets and signs, hand-painted slates, wreaths, tote bags, jewelry, leather goods, knitted and hand-sewn items, ornaments, toys, stained glass pieces, soap, primitive and country décor, as well as food items including cookies, jams, jellies, relishes, sauces, dips and mixes, herbs, hot mustard, garlic, honey, maple syrup products and organic artisan
cheese.
On Saturday at 1 p.m., county legislator Norman Marsh will read the bands on his own woolly bear caterpillar to make a winter weather prediction. According to the “Old Farmer’s Almanac,” the woolly bear caterpillar, with its distinct segments of black and reddishbrown, has the reputation of being able to forecast the coming winter weather.
Folklore says the wider the middle brown section is, the milder the coming winter will be. On the flip side, a narrow brown band is said to predict a harsh winter.
Shoppers should come early because the first 50 adults to arrive on Saturday will receive $5 in W.I.L.M.A. Bucks to spend at the vendor tables, and the first 25 adults arriving on Sunday will as well.
Miller said the W.I.L.M.A. event has more than doubled in size since it was first launched in October 2013 as a “Buy Local” campaign to highlight local businesses in Cattaraugus County. If an artisan or manufacturer cannot participate in this year’s W.I.L.M.A. event but would like to be listed on the Cattaraugus County business website, ccbizhelp. com, call (716) 938-2311. For more information, visit online at EMFun. us/WILMA or call (716) 938-2318.
A spot of tea for the Little Valley Food Pantry
LITTLE VALLEY —
A tea party fundraiser in support of the Little Valley Food Pantry was held Sept. 22 at the Little Valley Congregational Church.
The social gathering was graciously attended by 33 ladies, many coming dressed in historical fashion, wearing traditional hats and tea party attire.
Betty Plucinski, a guest speaker, spoke about tea party history, etiquette and culture. Door prizes were given to the delight of many. Afterward, the food pantry was opened for a tour to show guests what the program is all about.
The tea party was a great time that supported the pantry with much-needed funds to assist those in need of food assistance.
Organizers extended their thanks to Sander’s Parkview, Save-A-Lot, the Little Valley Congregational Church and those who purchased tickets or
File Photo
The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism will host its annual W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear event at the county fairgrounds this weekend. The free event will feature artisans
buildings. Shown
Gowanda Scarecrow Contest winners announced
GOWANDA — The last full weekend in September brought the annual Scarecrow Contest back to the streets of Gowanda. A total of 10 scarecrows competed for the title of Gowanda’s favorite.
After the online votes and paper ballots were counted, the Gowanda Free Library’s entry, “Pete the Cat” landed in 1st place with a total of 69 votes. Not far behind with 60 votes were
“Puff n’ Stuff,” entered by Jessie’s Home and Gifts in 2nd Place, and in third was “Edie Escrow,” entered by Danahy Real Estate with 54 votes. Rounding out the top half with just
Halloween is an annual celebration that many children and adults look forward to each October. From the mysterious and the macabre to the goofy and gregarious, Halloween speaks to people in many different ways. And with the opportunity to accumulate several pounds of sugary treasure after a few hours of trick-ortreating, is it any wonder celebrants love Halloween?
While Halloween hijinks may be ideal fun for plenty of ghosts and ghouls,
companion animals may not be so enthusiastic come October 31. In fact, Halloween can be a source of stress and even dangerous for many pets. Here are some things pet parents should keep in mind prior to Halloween.
Costumes Pet costumes are popular and can help owners and their pets coordinate for Halloween. Some pets may find costumes uncomfortable or frightening. For those with a mind toward creative costume coordination,
short of 50 votes were “Victor the Vampire” by Gabel Brothers Furniture and “4-H Barn Buddies” by Perrysburg Barn Buddies 4-H.
What to know about kids and cholesterol
High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, is a common problem among adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says roughly one in three adults has a total cholesterol level above 200, which is considered to be elevated. Having high cholesterol can potentially contribute to plaque deposits in the arteries, which could lead to blockages and cardiovascular disease over time. It’s important to note that high cholesterol can affect children and teenagers as well as adults. Although diet may be a contributing factor, high cholesterol in kids largely is due to genetic factors, says the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, kids with high cholesterol commonly have a biological parent with a history of elevated cholesterol or one who needs medications to keep their cholesterol at a safe level. Obesity, diabetes and certain medications also can raise cholesterol levels in children. There usually are no signs of high cholesterol in younger people. Therefore, pediatricians may need to request that routine blood work include a lipid panel. According to MedlinePlus, the first test should be between ages nine and 11.
introducing the costume to the pet slowly and gradually can help ease the
Children should have the test again every five years. Some children may be tested more frequently if there is a family history of high cholesterol.
Medical providers typically recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and increased physical exercise as first-line treatment for high cholesterol in children. When determining whether or not to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication to children, doctors typically follow the expert guidance of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association. Typically, an LDL level higher than 190 with no additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease is the initial milestone for medication use. If other conditions are present, such as risk factors for cardiovascular disease or a parent with a history of heart disease, an even lower LDL level may lead doctors to prescribe medication.
It’s important to realize that high cholesterol is not just a condition of adulthood. Teenagers and young children also can have high cholesterol. Treatment depends on risk factors and the advice of professionals.
Keep pets safe this Halloween AUTO CORNER
of candy, especially chocolate. Chocolate is toxic and particularly dangerous to dogs. Chocolate with high amounts of cacao is especially dangerous. Raisins and gum with the artificial sweetener xylitol also are problematic. Candy wrappers can get stuck in the intestinal tract and cause a lifethreatening blockage. Lock candy away so pets can’t get into it.
Nerves
transition. Allow the pet to sniff the costume and put treats nearby to indicate it is no threat. If the pet simply will not warm to the idea of a costume, it’s best not to force the issue.
Glow sticks
Glow sticks are a safe way for children to enjoy some spooky fun on Halloween night and become more visible when the sun sets. But those glow sticks may be attractive to pets and
they can bite them, ingesting the liquid. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says typically pets experience a mild and self-limiting taste reaction to glow stick liquid. Wiping off the excess with a damp cloth to help prevent the pet from licking again and having another reaction can help.
Accessibility to candy
One of the biggest Halloween dangers for pets is the accessibility
Many youngsters will ring the door bell on Halloween. Anxious pets, and even those that normally aren’t nervous with visitors, may be overwhelmed. Keep pets in a dark, calm room away from the door to reduce anxiety and make it less likely skittish pets will escape the home and get lost.
Understanding common Halloween dangers can help keep pets safe on this funfilled holiday.
Photo Provided Samantha Bucco and Jessie Mekus accepted the 1st place medal for the Gowanda Free Library’s entry “Pete the Cat.” Library director Heidi Khawam was not present.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
SALAMANCA — If you can dream it, you can build it with Lego.
Owner Jonathan Young cut the grand opening ribbon Friday, Oct. 3 for Bricks & Bits, his independently owned store for Lego fans to buy, sell, donate, trade or just play with the interlocking plastic bricks.
The store, located at 8 Main St. in the Ray Evans Seneca Theater building, provides a safe, inspirational environment at an accessible and affordable cost for both kids and adults alike to create, collect, buy, sell, trade or even pass on their beloved Lego to another fellow creator.
“I love Lego more than any other hobby I have, and my number one objective and goal for the store is to bring Lego to more people,” Young told the Press. “I believe Lego has gotten pretty expensive, and one of the goals of my store is to have more than half of it devoted to a cheap and accessible pick-a-brick and buildyour-own-mini-figure option that is attainable to everyone.”
Although the grand opening was Friday, Young had a soft launch for the store about a month earlier on Sept. 6. Business was off to a strong start that day with about 25 customers and has steadily grown with word-of-mouth and a new regular customer base.
“Every day I’ve had new people coming in,” he said. “They’re seeing the signs out front, they’re seeing the Facebook posts. And even if they’re not coming in to buy something, they always say, ‘I have a son’ or ‘I have a grandkid’ or ‘I
Bricks & Bits offering lots o’ Lego fun in Salamanca
have a nephew who would love to come here.’”
Just as there’s a new generation of young folks discovering Lego for the first time, Young was 8 years old when his grandparents gifted him his first Lego kit — set 4883, a creator set with ideas and instructions for over 25 different cars. Lego rapidly surpassed all others as his favorite toy, which soon became his lifelong hobby. “It meant the most to me as a kid. I got the most out of it. I found the most escape and calm that was offered to me just through the creativity and experience of Lego,” he said. “Surprisingly, over the years, at 27, I am more into Lego today than I have ever been.”
Young said he’d had the idea of opening a Lego store in the back of his mind for
a long time, but first seriously considered the possibility about seven years ago because there wasn’t anywhere locally to buy or sell Lego. The closest one in Buffalo opened in 2020.
“I just always dreamed of what it would be like as a kid to have a store of Lego,” he said. “I didn’t imagine it would necessarily be around this area, but it just turned out the cards fell in the right place.”
There were multiple stages to acquiring what Young needed to set up a store, he said, from containers and shelves to hold the various Lego pieces to having enough different pieces to sell. Thankfully, the space itself was already in good shape and nearly move-in ready. Young just needed a rental agreement from the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association board of directors,
which he sits on.
“They had been looking for a new business to have here for almost a year,” he said. “They had a couple other people in front of me who were interested, and it turned out that all of them fell through for one reason or another.”
To prepare for the possibility of opening a Lego store, Young had been collecting various wooden shelves, glass jars and other unique, vintage storage options for the Lego pieces that are reminiscent of an older time.
“I made it a goal of mine, even four or five years ago, if I did ever open a store someday, I would love to have it be a cross between a candy store and an apothecary,” he
explained. “I collected an eclectic mix of jars, bottles and display furniture, and somehow put it altogether.”
Young hopes to inspire moments for others in which, through the play, imagination, innovation and endless world of Lego, they too can feel truly special — just like he did at 8 years old. In his experience, there are countless benefits for both growing children and fully grown adults.
“It sparks and hits so many areas of the brain and health for people, especially young children developing and growing up,” he said. “It can be a great way to focus, to build spatial reasoning skills, how to follow directions and how to collaborate and
work with others.”
At Friday’s ribbon cutting, Young was congratulated by John Sheehan, executive director of the Salamanca Seneca Chamber of Commerce; Paula Bernstein, member of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce board; Assemblyman Joseph Sempolinski; and Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera.
“My son, who is 55 years old, still has his Lego from when he was little,” Magiera said. “He’s based that passion on to his son, who has passed that on to his little brother, so it keeps going down the generations.”
“There’s a piece of Lego that I didn’t understand, and that piece is that it brings joy to kids,” Sheehan said. “When you see kids smiling, see moms and dads get together as a family and they enjoy each other and have fun, that piece is priceless.”
“Local businesses and hubs like these are how our communities continue to thrive,” Bernstein said. “I really love the fact that you want us to play well. I think that’s a great message for all of us.”
“I’m here as your assemblyman, but I’m also a dad,” Sempolinski said. “When you sit down with your daughter and put something together and you have something tangible when you’re done, it’s a great family activity.”
For more information about the store, special deals and promotions and hours of operation, follow “Bricks & Bits” on Facebook.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Owner Jonathan Young cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of Bits and Bricks, an independently owned Lego store at 8 Main St. in Salamanca.
Leon Historical Society holding fundraisers for 1836 Church restoration
LEON
— The Grange Museum has closed for the season for public safety, the Leon Historical Society decided at its September meeting.
The woodchuck that was in the church has not reappeared, but the raccoon that made its way into the Grange Museum left some destruction before it was successfully shut out. The building will need extensive repair and restoration.
The present exhibits will be moved to the 1836 Church for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the dehumidifier is not working properly
again, and options are being explored.
Board trustee Brian Spiller, who fell off the roof of the 1836 Church while doing repairs, is home from ECMC. It will be a long recovery for him but he is improving. A card with thanks was collected for his recovery.
Plans are underway for a Pancake Breakfast Nov. 1 at the Leon Fire Hall to collect donations to help the family during Spiller’s recovery. Any contributions are gratefully accepted. Contact Jason Lyndsiey, Leon Fire Chief, at (716) 720-3975. The Take-Out Only
Leon Harvest Dinner is scheduled for Oct. 19 from noon until sold out at the Leon Fire Hall. The firefighters and auxiliary will participate. Menu includes a turkey dinner with all the fixin’s and pie.
The community has been very supportive of the 1836 Church steeple project. The Pat Frost rocker, which is being auctioned, can be seen at the church. Call Pat Bromley at (716) 6805709 to bid.
McCarthy Foundation supports domestic violence prevention services
ELLICOTTVILLE
—
The Bob McCarthy Foundation continues its annual funding of critical programs in the community, including supporting prevention services for domestic violence victims.
Connecting Communities in Action’s Victim Services Department provides comprehensive support and advocacy for victims of crime, with a particular focus on those impacted by domestic violence.
The Pennyroyal Racetrack exhibit and the Clark Civil War Quilt exhibit are up every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October at the Church. The next presentation, “Where Some NASCAR Drivers and Winners Actually Started: Driving to Fame,” will be Oct. 11 at the 1836 Church.
The next historical society meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the 1836 Church.
With a 24-hour hotline, CCA provides emergency safe dwelling licensed by New York state for domestic violence victims and their children. This service creates an aura of safety while building skills and self-esteem to ensure recovery for the entire family.
In addition, the victim services group also operates a Rape Crisis Program, Crime Victim
Program and Therapy Services, along with a Prevention Education Program. For more information on these and other services from CCA, visit www. ccaction.org.
It is through the generosity of the community supporting the Bob McCarthy Foundation that the organization can fund and endorse local programs like this. For more information on the foundation, visit www.bobmccarthy foundation.com. Donate online or at PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731. The organization’s annual fundraiser, Bob McCarthy Irish Christmas, is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5. The event provides support for the many programs critical to a better community.
