Identity theft is a very real threat in the digital age. While it once was complicated for criminals to collect personal data, such as identification numbers, emails, phone numbers, and more, the connectivity the internet offers can sometimes make stealing information as easy as clicking a button.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fielded more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft. Credit card fraud was the most common crime. Also, 2024 saw the largest data breaches in history, impacting billions of users and subjecting customers to the potential of having personal data exposed and ultimately exploited. Although there is no foolproof way to keep personal and
financial data safe, people can take several steps to safeguard their information.
• Use strong, unique passwords. Have several different and complex passwords for each online account to prevent a compromised password from providing access to all of the accounts. People can use a password manager to help create and store these unique passwords. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency says that strong passwords should be at least 16 characters; feature a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols; or comprised of a memorable phrase of four to seven unrelated words, known as a passphrase.
• Use two-factor authentication.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts to add an extra layer of security. This second form of verification often comes by the way of a texted or emailed code that must be entered to log into an account.
• Consider extra security for your credit report. Individuals can contact the three major credit bureaus and bolster their credit-related security. A fraud alert tells businesses to check with the person before opening a new account to verify if it is really him or her. An initial fraud alert or active duty fraud alert expires in a year, while an extended fraud alert lasts seven years, but requires an FTC identity theft report. A credit freeze is a greater measure of security that keeps
others from getting into the credit report at all (with a fraud alert the credit report can still be accessed). That means no one can open a new credit account while the freeze is in place. It must be lifted each time a person wants to open a new account.
• Protect your identification numbers. Individuals should not carry a Social Security card in a wallet or give out their Social Security Number (Social Insurance Number in Canada) unnecessarily.
• Exercise caution on the phone and when answering emails. Scammers can mislead others by using seemingly legitimate phone numbers or email addresses to solicit information. Always verify the validity of requests before sharing personal information.
There are many things that signal the start of the holiday season. But a sure sign that Christmas is on its merry way is seeing the famous advertising featuring those gentle giants of Budweiser—the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales—trotting through a winter wonderland. Now Hawthorne is proud to introduce the Budweiser Holiday Express that’s positively brimming with the joyous spirit of the King of Beers®!
This classic, heirloom quality train—that includes a working headlight on the steam locomotive—features dramatic, full-color artwork of the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales, fully sculpted Budweiser icons including the historic Budweiser Beer Wagon and is richly adorned with holiday motifs.
An incredible train and an exceptional value! Begin your illuminated train collection with the “Steam Locomotive and
• Regularly check accounts. People should doublecheck all financial accounts periodically for suspicious transactions. Each year individuals are able to request and check a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
• Use a secured internet connection. To reduce the risk of data being stolen, only review financial information when utilizing a secured (password locked) internet network. Taking strides to protect personal data is important to safeguard one’s financial security.
14-piece track set— creates a 47" x 38" oval— power-pack and speed controller— a $100 value YOURS FREE!
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Saturday with Santa is on the way to ASP
BY DEB EVERTS
CATTARAUGUS — Big things are happening in the village of Cattaraugus as a new manufacturing company begins setting up operations, while a revitalization grant is expected to help transform the community and make improvements possible.
The former SetterStix plant at 261 S. Main St. is being revived by Daich Coatings Corporation, a Canadian company based in Hamilton, Ontario.
Daich manufactures architectural and concrete finishes for Do-It-Yourselfers and professional users. Their natural, water-based coatings are sold at various stores in Canada, as well as in the United States at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards in the Midwest region.
At the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency’s (CCIDA) September meeting, Daich Coatings requested a series of tax breaks for the $1.2 million project that was approved.
On Oct. 30, IDA Executive Director Corey Wiktor said Daich purchased the building outright since the meeting and would be starting to move equipment into the facility this week.
Daich Coatings’ Cattaraugus plant will be the company’s first U.S. manufacturing and distribution hub. Wiktor said the company is expecting to start production sometime in December or January.
The IDA is looking to have a targeted job fair for the company. Wiktor said Daich plans to hire 20 to 25 new employees, which is a conservative number and may end up being more in the future.
“What’s nice is this
ELLICOTTVILLE
— The tradition continues this holiday season with the popular wreathmaking class, presented by volunteers of the Nannen Arboretum.
This year’s event will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 3 and 4, starting at 6 p.m. Volunteers will be present to help attendees design their own fragrantfresh evergreen wreath, sharing their experiences and knowledge of the various types of greens and other natural materials to use for decorating the wreaths.
Class participants will be provided
See Page 4
Canadian manufacturer reviving former SetterStix plant
physical location in Cattaraugus will be the company’s headquarters in the U.S.,” he said. “Albeit small, they will continue to grow their market share in the states and products in that related growth will be manufactured right here in the village of Cattaraugus.”
The 60,000-squarefoot facility on South Main Street has sat empty since 2021, when Setterstix relocated its operations to South Carolina.
Wiktor said Peter Daich, president of the company, had been looking for an opportunity to develop a U.S. presence to make the coatings for several years. He said Cushman & Wakefield | Pyramid Brokerage Company in Buffalo held the contract
Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. Contact Nan Miller at (716) 244-0695 to reserve a class space, either Dec. 3 or 4. The cost of the program is $20 per participant. Cattaraugus
to sell the building, and they were actively promoting it. Cattaraugus happened to be a location not too far from Hamilton — within a few hours’ drive.
“They want to expand and have a U.S. presence at a U.S. location with U.S. employees,” he said. “They really want to become part of the fabric of the community.”
Cattaraugus Mayor Anthony Nagel said discussions regarding the project began earlier this year, with the village and CCIDA engaging in early conversations about the company’s potential investment.
“This project represents a tremendous opportunity for our community,” he said.
“The addition of a new manufacturing operation will bring local jobs,
renewed energy to an existing industrial site, and added momentum to our broader efforts to revitalize the Cattaraugus business district and surrounding area. We’re thrilled to welcome Daich Coatings and look forward to supporting their successful launch here.”
THANKS TO A $10 million grant awarded to the village of Cattaraugus last spring, the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program will help revitalize the downtown business district and support local businesses, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
The mayor said the DRI planning process is moving forward with great progress. The local planning committee
has completed most of its meetings, he said, and the final slate of transformative projects is being prepared for submission to New York State for review.
“The proposals reflect a balance of public- and privatesector investments, ranging from streetscape improvements and pedestrian enhancements to the rehabilitation of historic buildings and the creation of new community gathering spaces,” he said. “Each project is designed to strengthen our Main Street corridor, attract new business investment, and celebrate the village’s historic character and small-town charm.”
According to Nagel, they’ve seen encouraging momentum. He said several new businesses
have recently opened or expanded, including Evergreen Floral & Gifts, Whispering Willow, the addition of a hobby shop at Brick Lane Speedway, Rocketcup Coffee’s collegiate coffee branding and Daich Coatings’ upcoming operation.
“These developments are tangible signs of the revitalization we envisioned when we applied for the DRI — more energy, more investment and a growing sense of optimism in downtown Cattaraugus,” the mayor said. Nagel said the Revolution Rail project, designed to complement the village’s ongoing economic development efforts, did a soft launch event in early October, giving residents and visitors a preview of what’s to come.
“The initial pop-up rides were completely sold out, and additional runs were added to meet demand — an encouraging sign of the strong public interest in this new attraction,” he said. “Earlier this year, the IDA approved a multiyear lease agreement with the company for the operation of approximately three miles of track along the New York and Lake Erie Railroad line, running from the historic depot area into the scenic countryside. The project has generated tremendous enthusiasm and we expect to see full operations begin in the coming season.”
Nagel said they are proud of the progress being made across all these initiatives and deeply appreciative of the partnerships — local, regional, and state — that are helping bring new opportunity and vitality to the village of Cattaraugus.
Nannen Arboretum to host wreathmaking class this holiday season
with a wreath form and a unique paddle wire that will be used to hold wreath creations together. Items attendees need to bring are hand clippers for pruning, gloves and a 30-gallon garbage bag — not a grocery bag — full of cut evergreen tips approximately nine inches long. Evergreen tips may be collected up to two weeks in advance of the class and should be stored in a cold area.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Daich Coatings Corporation has purchased the former SetterStix plant in the village of Cattaraugus and is preparing to begin operations in the very near future. Photo
Saturday with Santa is on the way to ASP
RED HOUSE —
The holidays are fast approaching, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit than by spending some time in Allegany State Park.
Join the Environmental Education Department on Saturday, Dec. 6 for Saturday with Santa, the annual fun, festive, family event.
In this season of giving, organizers are asking event participants to bring non-perishable food items and/or an unwrapped toy to be donated to a local food pantry and Toys for Tots.
The big day starts at 11 a.m. in the Red House area of the park, with Santa’s parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Santa will pass by Camp Allegany and the Administration building on his way to the Red House picnic shelter.
Stop by the Red House Administration Building to hang a couple of ornaments on the big tree and have a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie. The Red House Museum will serve as a quiet holiday room for those who need a
break from the lights and sounds of the season.
Camp Allegany, site of Santa’s Workshop, is open from 11 a.m.
Deb Perry
to 3 p.m. Make crafts, design your own button, play games, take pictures in the festive photo booth and other fun
activities. Take part in the Allegany State Park Historical Society coloring contest in the Recreation Hall and grab a cookie and hot chocolate provided by the Friends of Allegany State Park.
The Red House Picnic Area Shelter will become a winter wonderland to make Santa feel at home during his short break from duties at the North Pole. He will be greeting and taking photos with children from noon to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to make your way back to Camp Allegany for the announcement of the coloring contest winner at 2:45 p.m. The Friends of Allegany State Park and the Allegany State Park Historical Society will be on hand to introduce folks to their organizations. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided by the Friends in the Recreation Hall at Camp Allegany. For more information, contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at (716) 354-6232 or email carrie.busekist@ parks.ny.gov.
LITTLE VALLEY
— The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism (EDPT) is now accepting applications for the 2023 Group B Tourism Promotion Grant Program, due Dec. 5.
This grant provides funding from the county’s bed tax to support new or expanded tourism initiatives that
in the hopes they will move faster.
· Overusing the horn.
· Communicating angrily with other drivers by gesticulating or yelling out of the window.
· Becoming frustrated when people drive slowly, especially if there is a lot of traffic.
· Rolling through stop signs at most intersections.
· Failing to signal when making a turn or changing lanes.
attract visitors for overnight stays and day excursions. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply to receive support for events, festivals and attractions in the upcoming year.
“Our Group B grant program is a powerful way to enhance visitor experiences and showcase the unique character of Cattaraugus County,” said Crystal Abers, Director of the EDPT. “We are looking for creative proposals that will inspire more people to visit the Enchanted Mountains, whether for a themed festival or new major attraction. These grants are an investment in our local economy,
our community organizations and our partners who work so hard to make our region a vibrant destination.”
Eligible applicants include chambers of commerce without full-time staff, business associations, nonprofit organizations, festivals, events and other tourismrelated activities. All recipients will work in partnership with the Cattaraugus County Tourism Department to execute their promotional strategies. For additional details, visit enchantedmountains. com/group-b, contact Samantha Hayes at (716) 938-2307 or email at slhayes@cattco.org.
Photo provided
Visit with the jolly old elf when Allegany State Park hosts its annual Saturday with Santa celebration on Dec. 6.
A pie fit for a holiday feast
Dessert makes the perfect capper to a delicious holiday meal. Though everything from appetizers to entrées to side dishes merits attention and appreciation, dessert might garner extra recognition because it’s the final thing holiday celebrants eat when sitting around the dinner table with the people they love.
Hosts have a range of options to consider when planning a holiday dessert menu, and pie will undoubtedly come onto their radar. As hosts ponder which pie to serve this holiday season, they can consider the following recipe for “Sweet Potato Meringue Pie With Ginger Snap Crust” from Lines+Angles.
Sweet Potato Meringue Pie With Ginger Snap Crust Serves 8
For Ginger Snap Crust:
1 3⁄4 cups crushed ginger snap crumbs
1⁄4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 large egg white
For sweet potato filling:
2 pounds sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons butter
3 large eggs
3⁄4 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons allspice
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄3 cup evaporated milk
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
For meringue:
4 large egg whites
3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
For Ginger Snap Crust:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. In a bowl, combine the ginger snap crumbs, butter and brown sugar and mix well. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, and press into the bottom and
up the sides with your fingers. Place another pie pan on top of the crust and press firmly to smooth and pack the crust.
3. Bake until golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Brush the crust with the egg white. Refrigerate, tightly covered, for one hour before using; or freeze for up to 6 weeks.
For sweet potato filling:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until very soft, about 1 hour.
3. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, halve and scoop out enough flesh to measure 2 cups, discarding skin. While potatoes are still hot, add butter and mash until almost smooth; small lumps of potato should remain.
4. Whisk together eggs, sugar, allspice, ginger, and salt. Stir
in evaporated milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Gradually add egg mixture to sweet potatoes, whisking gently to combine. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
5. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 F. Reduce the heat to 325 F and bake until the filling is set around edges, but still jiggles slightly when shaken, about 20 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly, about 30 minutes.
For meringue: 1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks start to form.
Slowly add the sugar while beating constantly. Beat until glossy and stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat the meringue.
2. Preheat the broiler. While the pie is still warm, spread the meringue evenly over the filling, smoothing out to the pastry edges to seal. Place under the broiler and cook until the meringue is golden brown, about 1 minute.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a rack, about 1 hour. Serve.
