Dunkirk Fredonia Pennysaver | 03/26/21

Dunkirk • Fredonia

Friday, March 26, 2021

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DF PENNY SAVER | March 26, 2021

Air Force officer turns JCC nursing education into worldwide career

Photo submitted Fredonia alumna Rebekah Denz

Photos provided U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cheri Foti on the day she was promoted to her current rank.

SUNY Jamestown Community College alumna Cheri Foti (at right) is shown with fellow service members during chemical warfare training at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.

JAMESTOWN — An atlas is one of Cheri Foti’s most prized possessions — a visual memory of a career dedicated to serving her country and others across the globe.

“I’ve highlighted each of the countries and continents I’ve been to,” Foti says. “I’ve been to over 21 countries and four continents — North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.”

“That’s not bad for a little Jamestown girl who was afraid to leave home,” she

laughed.

Foti is a nurse by trade and a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force. One of the highest-ranking female officers in Chautauqua County, she mortgaged a desire to serve humanity into a 19-year career that took her across the country and throughout the world.

“I just wanted to help people,” she said. “Whatever I did, I wanted to be able to help people.”

Her journey, however, be-

gan in her hometown. The daughter of two working class parents and the first in her family to earn a college degree, Foti never traveled during her adolescent years and found herself not quite “ready to go to college or go away from home” after graduating from Jamestown High School in 1973.

“I wasn’t emotionally ready to leave the nest and our family didn’t travel a lot or go places back then,” she said. “The other thing, too, was the money. I had to pay

Ny Forward: Wedding And Event Venues Health Department offers information MAYVILLE– On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, New York State released additional NY Forward interim guidance for weddings and other similar catered events.

Non-residential events, including wedding receptions, celebrations, meetings, conferences and other similar events, that involve a number of people greater than the State’s social gathering limit and that feature the preparation and service of food and/or beverages are now allowed with new restrictions.

The Chautauqua County Health Department has created a web-based form for venues hosting weddings and other large catered events. Facilities can use this form to share event information with the Health Department at least five days prior to the event, as required by the NY Forward guidance.

The NY Forward interim guidance includes extensive requirements for physical distancing, COVID-19

screening testing for event attendees and employees, contact tracing and face mask use. Event organizers must carefully review the NY Forward interim guidance and take steps to educate staff and event coordinators on their roles in following these requirements.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is ready to work with these facilities to ensure the health and safety of their guests and employees. In order to hold these events, the food service operator and/or responsible party must follow

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directions on the County’s web page at: https://chqgov.com/public-health/ large-gatherings-and-weddings-during-covid-19-pandemic.

The State’s social gathering limit for events held at private residences is currently no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

for college myself so I had to consider my options.”

And so, after a gap year, she enrolled at SUNY Jamestown Community College.

“I wasn’t ready to spread my wings yet, so JCC was perfect for me because it gave me the opportunity to go get a degree and get my education and I didn’t have to leave home,” Foti said.

JCC......................page 4

Fredonia History graduate to describe journey to the White House in virtual talk FREDONIA– Rebekah Denz, who earned a B.A. in History in 2019 from the State University of New York at Fredonia, will present, “Leadership through the Eyes of a Young Professional,” a virtual discussion that describes her transition from a student leader to the youngest and least experienced staff member in the White House Office of Records Management, on Friday, March 26, from 11:30

a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ms. Denz began her professional career as a document custodian reviewer at M&T Bank. As a student, she completed the Fredonia Honors Program and an internship at the National Archives. Denz, who recently relocated to Washington, D.C., will also describe what it’s like to be both a leader

History................page 4

Dunkirk man gets 7 years in prison for burglary A Dunkirk man was sentenced to seven years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision stemming from a burglary case.

Justin Baez was sentenced on a plea to second-degree burglary before Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley, the district attorney’s office reported on Tuesday.

Baez was originally charged in early January 2020 with three counts of third-degree burglary and one count each of third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny, possession of burglar’s tools and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

According to the Dunkirk Police Department, Baez was arrested after officers

received a report of a suspicious person inside a Central Avenue multi-family house. Upon their arrival, the officers saw him running from the scene. After a short foot chase, Baez was arrested in the basement of a house near Seventh Street and Washington Avenue.

Police determined that Baez unlawfully entered the Central Avenue dwelling and vandalized the coin-operated dryer to steal coins.

Further investigation led to charges filed against him for allegedly unlawfully entering Fieldbrook Foods on and stealing an employee’s belongings and vandalizing a contractor’s trailer.

Additionally, Baez was charged for allegedly entering Ehrheart’s Collision on Bucknor Street and stealing cash.

The DA’s office reported

Baez was also arrested in connection with a November 2019 burglary at Rural Ministry, 319 Washington Ave. IN ANOTHER CASE, Jason Maisonet of Fredonia faces one to three years in prison for a September 2020 arson fire at a village hotel.

He was sentenced Jan. 13 before Foley following a plea to third-degree arson.

Maisonet was facing a second-degree arson charge after firefighters were called Sept. 2, 2020, to the Econo Lodge Room 222 on Bennett Road for a mattress fire.

Officers evacuated tenants from the hotel while the fire was put out. An investigation into the origin of the fire by Fredonia Fire Chief Ryan Walker revealed it was suspicious in nature.

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DF PENNY SAVER | March 26, 2021

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Around Town FOR RENT

JAMESTOWN– Thanks to a generous donor, Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County was given over 8,000 books. These books have been sorted and are now ready to be sold! The sale will take place on April 15, 16 & 17 from 10am – 5pm.

Because of the number of books, the sale will be held at Location: 4595 West Main Road (Rt 20) Fredonia.

Book topics include: Historical, Political, Educational, Biographies, Fi-

nance, Spiritual, Poetry, Music, Fiction, Reference, Audio, Record Albums and Much More! Some New, Some Used, Some Vintage Books are priced to sell!

Thursday and Friday (15 & 16) - Hardcover $1 each or 6 for $5 and Paperback 50 cents each or 12 for $5. On Saturday (17) - Arm Load $10, Bag Full $15, Box Full $20.

Bring your own arms, bags and boxes.

All proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County

Vietnam Veterans of America next monthly meeting scheduled Chautauqua County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #459 will hold their monthly meeting Sunday, April 11th at 11:00a.m at John T. Murray VFW Post #1017 113 Deer St. Dunkirk,

NY. Social distancing rules and masks will apply.

For more information contact Danny S. McGill at 716-366-2287 with questions.

Grape Discover Center Announces Hours The Grape Discovery Center located at 8305 West Main Road in Westfield will be open Saturday, March 27 and Saturday, April 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Beginning Friday, April 9, the Center will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. during the months of April and May. Extended summer hours will be an-

nounced at a later time.

Visit the gift shop, tasting room and exhibit room for a unique experience and to learn more about the history of the grape industry in our region. All COVID-19 regulations will be followed including the wearing of masks, social distancing and the need to purchase food if beverages are being consumed.

Holding an event? Virtual or in-person, doesn’t matter, we want to know about it!

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NOW HIRING! is in search of a

WE ARE HIRING! Outside Sales & Marketing Inside Telesales & Support Digital Sales & Marketing We are in search of serious candidates who are motivated and willing to work in a fast paced, ever changing work environment.

We have recently launched new weekly publications and are in need of successful individuals to join our advertising team. If you have media experience, general outside/inside sales experience, or are simply looking to make a career change we would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about our openings.

This is a full time position Monday through Friday. We offer a competitive compensation program.

Duties include sales and customer service of digital advertising, electronic newsletter marketing, social media partnerships and sponsored features. Interface and interact with local and national businesses to build rapport, assess needs & qualify, build value, create desire, address & overcome objections, and close deals. Determination and persistence a must. Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills required.

You will be counted for something extremely important--a task no less important than to basically modernize our newspaperʼs digital presence. So big picture strategy development is required. But first and foremost, we will rely on you for sales and business development. Ideas must also be paired with execution.

This is a full time position Monday through Friday.

We offer a competitive compensation program.

Interested candidates should send resume with cover letter and references to:

The Bradford Era Attn: Jim Bonn 43 Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701 or email jbonn@oleantimesherald.com Bradford Publishing is an EOE employer.

Interested candidates should send resume with cover letter and references to:

The Bradford Era

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Attn: Jim Bonn 43 Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701 or email jbonn@oleantimesherald.com Bradford Publishing is an EOE employer.

Guided Morning Nature Walk at Audubon Saturday, April 3 JAMESTOWN – Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) was thrilled with the increase this past year of people safely enjoying the natural world as they flocked to both new and familiar outdoor environments. Monthly guided nature walks are scheduled to encourage this appreciation of nature to continue.

The next one is planned for Saturday, April 3, 2021, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Taking a walk with an ACNC educator is an opportunity to discover some of the seasonal changes that are taking place in the plants, animals, and landscape. Be sure to dress according to the weather for this outdoor activity that will be canceled if the weather is too severe.

Face coverings are required for all participants ages 3 and up for outdoor programs during which participants cannot maintain six feet of distance between family groups. Please have a face covering available. While donations are welcome, the event is free.

Because of limited space, reservations are required.

To reserve your space, call the Nature Center during open hours at (716) 569-

Photo provided Audubon Community Nature Center’s next outdoor nature walk is on Saturday, April 3.

The Eastern Phoebe pictured is among the birds you could spot on this hike led by an Audubon educator.

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social distancing measures, you can enjoy the six miles of trails on the 600-acre nature preserve from dawn to dusk daily. The Nature Center building includes the Blue Heron Gift Shop, live animals, and the winning photographs from the 2020 Nature Photography Con-

test. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation only. To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, visit AudubonCNC.org, or find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook.

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DF PENNY SAVER | March 26, 2021

County Awarded $15,000 for Electric Vehicles Purchases

History

JCC

continued from page 2

continued from page 2

At JCC, she was fascinated by her studies and encouraged by the professionals who inspired her desire to be a nurse.

“I remember all of my professors — they made the coursework so interesting,” she said, noting one presentation on critical care nursing in particular.

“That lecture immediately changed my life because I knew that was what I wanted to do,” she said. “It was as if electricity jolted through my body.”

She also loved the camaraderie the college provided.

“Back then, there was a student union that was a really little area and it had a TV and everybody would make sure we didn’t have classes at 1 p.m. … and we’d all meet in the lounge and watch “All My Children” at 1 p.m.” she remembered. “Several of my friends from high school also went so we were able to stick together and meet new people at the same time.”

Foti graduated from JCC in 1976 and joined the Air Force in 1978 as a second lieutenant. However, her time at the college was never far from her mind during her subsequent pursuit of a Photo provided bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Colorado (L to R) Deep Freeze committee members John Love, Ken Warren, and Jim Roach hand Megan Barone, director of development WCA Foundation a check for Health Science Center and an eventual master’s degree in $2,000 to support breast cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua nursing administration at the University at Buffalo.

She also learned very quickly the expendability of her degree.

“I didn’t always have to be a nurse in the traditional sense of working in the hospital,” she said. “I did work in the hospital, but they were different jobs. What JCC taught me was that you Chautauqua County has been awarded $15,000 from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation’s Zero Emission Vehicles program. The award will go to completing additional energy cost reduction projects through the Clean Energy Communities program. Back in 2019, Chautauqua County secured a $150,000 Clean Energy Communities grant from the New York State Energy

Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The grant funds were used to complete four clean energy projects, in partnership with the Department of Public Facilities (DPF). One of the projects included the purchase of 3 Electric Vehicles to add to the DPF’s fleet. The purchase of these vehicles has allowed the county to secure this additional funding and reduce the County’s annual energy costs.

and follower on the same team.

Danielle McCartney, an Honors Program student majoring in Music Industry and Communication: Public Relations, will moderate the question and answer session. Ms. McCartney is a senior and will graduate this spring.

The Zoom discussion, hosted by the American Democracy Project and the Honors Program, is free and can be accessed online at the following registration link: https:// forms.gle/RrxxoLJrHJW7CrRU8 The Honors program prides itself on offering students of all backgrounds and majors singular experiences to learn, lead and live from move-in to graduation. Honors students enjoy benefits from early class registration to attendance at exclusive events. More information is available via email at Honors.Program@fredonia.edu.

YMCA Deep Freeze Continues to Make an Impact for UPMC Chautauqua’s Breast Cancer Care

The two words that have become a foundation for many cancer fighting patients and that are especially important to those who organize the Deep Freeze are“Be Strong”. These words have resonated with the committee members and are an integral part of what the tournament is about and for who. Unfortunately, The Deep Freeze Racquetball Tournament couldn’t happen this year, but with the dedicated committee members and sponsors, they were strong and were able to raise $2,000 for breast cancer care at UPMC Chau-

tauqua.

Hope’s Windows, Jim Roach at Falconer Printing and Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo have been sponsoring this tournament for years, and the committee is grateful for their continuous support. In addition, Weber Knapp, The Marra Family, Tri-James Services, Precision Web Tech, Inc. and Kings Heating and Air committed to sponsorships.

Next year, the committee is hoping to hold the event and bring more awareness and funds towards UPMC Chautauqua’s breast cancer care.

It is their goal to assist with

ning's M an

providing mammograms for underserved individuals for early detection.

“It is with great hope that we can continue this tradition. Even though we couldn’t hold the traditional event this year due to COVID, we were very fortunate the community stepped up so we could generate funds to support breast cancer care locally. All proceeds will go directly to support the needs of those who can’t afford a mammogram,” stated Ken Warren, Deep Freeze committee member.

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can get a degree in something, but you don’t have to use it necessarily in a traditional way.”

Nothing emphasized that more than her various journeys — from Washington, D.C. to Japan and the many fascinating stops in between.

“I lived in Washington, D.C. at Andrews Air Force base and experienced everything from the arts to the big fancy restaurants to the Smithsonian,” she said.

“Through friends I made in the Air Force, I went to Europe for the first time, I went skiing in Colorado in the Rockies — those were just like wow experiences. It was just so unlike anything I had ever experienced in the previous in the 20-some years of my life.”

After her retirement from the military in 1996, Foti’s commitment to service and health continued as a volunteer for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Special Olympics. and Juvenile Diabetes Association.

A passionate JCC alumna, she’s also served as president of the college’s alumni board, and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2019.

“When I moved back here, I still wanted to give back because that is such an important thing, regardless of, even if you don’t have a degree,” she said. “Graduating from JCC made me feel very confident, because I was able to pass college tests and it proved to me that I could get a degree. … It gave me the confidence to move forward to the next chapter of my life.”

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DF PENNY SAVER | March 26, 2021

5

Fredonia’s M.M. in Music Education gets top 50 national ranking FREDONIA– Intelligent. com, a resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has rated the State University of New York at Fredonia’s Master of Music degree in Music Education among the nation’s best master’s degree in music programs for 2021.

Intelligent.com compiled its Top 50 Master’s in Music Education Degree Programs list following an assessment of programs offered at 191 accredited colleges and universities across the U.S., using a scoring system that included student engagement, potential return on investment and leading

third party evaluations. An algorithm that collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare schools was also utilized.

“This high ranking reflects the quality of the work that Fredonia’s outstanding artist and academic music faculty members do with graduate music education students,” said School of Music Professor and Music Education Area Head Katherine Levy. “Fredonia’s music education degree options enable students to focus on performance or research while deepening their music education study.”

Fredonia is one of only

three SUNY schools that advanced to the Top 50 list and only one of two schools overall in Western New York. In addition to the M.M. in Music Education, Fredonia offers a bachelor’s and master’s Multi-Award Music Education degree program, and a M.M. in Music Education Studies.

According to Intelligent. com, graduates of the top highly rated programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. The unbiased research is used by students to make informed decisions about higher education Photo submitted: programs.

A student works with musicians during a group session.

More Economic Impact Payments set for disbursement in coming days WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the next batch of Economic Impact Payments will be issued to taxpayers this week, with many of these coming by paper check or prepaid debit card.

For taxpayers receiving direct deposit, this batch of payments began processing on Friday and will have an official pay date of Wednesday, March 24, with some people seeing these in their accounts earlier, potentially as provisional or pending deposits. A large number of this latest batch of payments will also be mailed, so taxpayers who do not receive a direct deposit by March 24 should watch the mail carefully in the coming weeks for a paper check or a prepaid debit card, known as an Economic Impact Payment Card, or EIP Card.

No action is needed by most people to obtain this round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). People can check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov on to see if the their payment has been scheduled.”The IRS continues to send the third round of stimulus payments in record time,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Since this new set of payments will include more mailed payments, we urge people to carefully watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks.”Following enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act on March 11, the IRS moved quickly to start delivering the third round of Economic Impact Payments. The IRS initiated the first batch of the $1,400 stimulus payments, mostly by direct deposit, on March 12.Today marks the second batch of payments, with additional payments anticipated on a weekly basis going forward. The vast majority of taxpayers receiving EIPs will receive it by direct deposit. In addition, the IRS and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service leveraged data in their systems to convert many payments to direct de-

posits that otherwise would have been sent as paper checks or debit cards. This accelerated the disbursement of these payments by weeks.Watch the mail for paper checks, EIP Cards Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the third EIP may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving them in the mail may get either a paper check or an EIP Card – which may be different than how they received their previous stimulus payments. IRS and the Treasury Department urge eligible people who have not received a direct deposit to watch their mail carefully during this period.

Paper checks will arrive by mail in a white envelope from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. For those taxpayers who received their tax refund by mail, this paper check will look similar, but will be labeled as an “Economic Impact Payment” in the memo field.

The EIP Card will also come in a white envelope prominently displaying the seal of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The card has the Visa name on the front and the issuing bank, MetaBank, N.A. on the back. Information included with the card will explain that this is an Economic Impact Payment. Each mailing will include instructions on how to securely activate and use the card. It is important to note that none of the EIP cards issued for any of the three rounds is reloadable; recipients will receive a separate card and will not be able to reload funds onto an existing card. EIP Cards are safe, convenient, and secure. EIP Card recipients can make purchases online or in stores anywhere Visa Debit Cards are accepted. They can get cash from domestic in-network ATMs, transfer funds to a personal bank account, and obtain a replacement EIP Card if needed without incurring any fees. They can also check their card balance

online, through a mobile app, or by phone without incurring fees. The EIP Card provides consumer protections against fraud, loss, and other errors. The EIP Card is sponsored by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service and is issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank, N.A. The IRS does not determine who receives a prepaid debit card.

More information about these cards is available at EIPcard.com.How will taxpayers receive their stimulus payment?

Taxpayers with direct deposit information on file with the IRS will receive the payment that way. For those without direct deposit information on file with the IRS, the IRS will use federal records of recent payments to or from the government, where available, to make the payment as a direct deposit. This helps to expedite payment delivery. Otherwise, taxpayers will receive their payment as a check or debit card in the mail. If the direct deposit information is sent to a closed bank account, the payment will be reissued by mail to the address on file with the IRS. The IRS encourages taxpayers to check the Get My Payment tool for additional information.Highlights of the third round of Economic Impact Payments In general, most eligible people will get $1,400 for themselves (those filing joint returns will get $2,800) and $1,400 for each of their qualifying dependents claimed on their tax return. Eligible families will get a payment based on all of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents, and grandparents. Unlike the first two payments, the third stimulus payment is not restricted to children under 17.

Because these payments are automatic for most el-

Photo provided Rep. Tom Reed

Rep. Tom Reed apologizes, plans to retire following misconduct claim U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, has ruled out a challenge to embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo after reports of his own sexual misconduct surfaced.

First elected in 2010, the congressman in the 23rd Congressional District, which includes Allegany County, announced he won’t seek any elected office in 2022 after a former female lobbyist came forward with claims that he drunkenly fondled her during a party four years ago.

Nicolette Davis said Reed unhooked her bra and touched her thigh while the two were in a Minneapolis pub during an event in 2017.

After first declaring the allegation was inaccurate, Reed, 49, said in a statement that the incident occurred “at a time in my life in which I was struggling.” He said he entered treatment that year and realized he was “powerless over alcohol.”

Reed went on to apologize in a statement released on Sunday night.

“I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility.”

“Consistent with my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this amends and humbly apologize again to Ms. Davis, my wife and kids, loved ones, and to all of you,” Reed said.

Earlier this year, Reed considered running against Cuomo and was one of many politicians from the

Empire State demanding the governor step down following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.

The lawmaker cited an obscure pledge he once made not to serve more than six terms, but the timing of the announcement left little doubt that it was related to Davis’ misconduct claim.

Reed voted against impeaching former President Donald Trump in January but voted in favor of certifying the 2020 election of Democrat Joe Biden.

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SUNY Fredonia prepares for ‘familiar setting’ in Fall 2021 Campus preparing for in-person instruction and extracurricular activities in August (Fredonia, NY) — With the prospects of better days ahead, State University of New York at Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. announced the university’s plans to resume full in-person instruction in the Fall 2021 semester.

“I am hopeful as I read about positive cases declining in our region as a whole, more vaccines being approved, more mass vaccination sites like ours being established, and more projections that the majority of Americans will be vaccinated by mid-summer,” Dr. Kolison said in a recent email to the campus community. “I believe it is okay for us to begin imagining a fall semester that allows for more in-person connections. It is my hope that we should be able to return to a more familiar setting of in-person instruction and extracurricular activities this fall.”

Dr. Kolison pointed out the challenge involved in predicting just what the status of COVID-19 will be

when the Fall 2021 semester begins. “For the most part, the Fredonia community has been impressive this semester in following proper protocols and participating in surveillance testing,” Dr. Kolison said. “While some of these protocols may need to continue, we are hopeful that those elements and expanded vaccinations will allow for a healthy and safe campus this fall.”

Dr. Kolison said the plan for in-person instruction this fall will also be contingent on updated public health guidance from SUNY, the Chautauqua County Department of Health, the New York State Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Dr. Kolison’s message to campus also included a request to faculty to prepare contingencies that would pivot academic modalities to remote or hybrid models if the need presents itself.

“SUNY Fredonia is looking forward to returning to a dynamic and engaged campus this fall,” Dr. Ko-

lison said. “We are excited for the prospect of students returning to the classroom, to clubs and organizations, and to musical, theatre, and athletic events that make Fredonia vibrant and exciting.”

Founded in 1826, Fredonia is among the most storied in the State University of New York system.

It is home to the world-renowned School of Music and over 80 degree programs in the theatre and visual arts, natural and social sciences, education, business, and liberal arts. The university is known for its strong academic programs, attractive architecture and grounds, rich campus life, and commitment to student engagement and success. Fredonia is focused on ensuring that all students, utilizing knowledge developed through a broad range of intellectual experiences, will be: skilled, connected, creative and responsible global citizens and professionals.

SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said.

“The SBA knows these venues are critical to America’s economy and understands how hard they’ve been impacted, as they were among the first to shutter. This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”

Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Those interested in participating can register here.

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with

the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

As the SBA builds and prepares to open the program, the dedicated SBA website, www.sba.gov/ svogrant, which includes frequently asked questions, video tutorials and other SVOG details, is the best source for information for those looking to apply for a grant. To prepare in advance of the SVOG application portal opening on April 8, potential applicants should get registered in the federal government’s System for Award Management (SAM.gov), as this is required for an entity to receive an SVOG, and reference the preliminary application checklist and eligibility requirements

Social continued from page 5 igible people, contacting either financial institutions or the IRS on payment timing will not speed up their arrival.

The amount of an eligible individual’s EIP3 will be based on the taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019.

This includes anyone who registered online at IRS.gov using the agency’s Non-Filers tool last year or submitted a special simplified tax return to the IRS. If the IRS has received and processed a taxpayer’s 2020 return, the agency will instead calculate the amount of the individual’s EIP3 based on that return.

If a taxpayer’s payment is less than the full amount and is based on their 2019 return, they may qualify for a supplemental payment after they file their 2020 return. The IRS will automatically reevaluate their eligibility. If the agency determines that they are entitled to a larger payment or the full payment, it will send them a supplemental payment covering the difference between what they originally received and the larger amount. If the re-evaluated amount is smaller, they won’t need to pay back the difference.

Aside from filing a 2020 tax return, no action is needed on their part.

In addition, the IRS will automatically send EIP3 to people who didn’t file a return but receive Social

Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits.

This is similar to the first and second rounds of Economic Impact Payments.

Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits.

The IRS is working directly with the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Veterans Administration to obtain updated 2021 information for recipients to ensure it is sending automatic payments to as many people as possible. More information about when these payments will be made will be provided on IRS.gov as soon as it becomes available.

While payments will be automatic for many people based on their federal benefits information, some may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they don’t usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for any qualified dependent. People in this group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional payment for their dependent as quickly as possible.

Special reminder for those who don’t normally file a tax return People who don’t normally file a tax return and

don’t receive federal benefits may qualify for these stimulus payments. This includes those experiencing homelessness and others. If you’re eligible and didn’t get a first or second Economic Impact Payment (that is, an EIP1 or EIP2) or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but you’ll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren’t required to file a tax return.

Free tax return preparation is available for qualifying people.The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of stimulus payments have changed. This means that some people won’t be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for married filing jointly); people above these levels are ineligible for a payment.

More information is available in Fact Sheet 2021-05, Updated details about the third round of Economic Impact Payments.

County Officials release data on 2020 overdoses MAYVILLE– Officials from Chautauqua County’s Department of Mental Hygiene and Department of Health and Human Services today released data on rates of overdoses and overdose deaths in the county in 2020. Consistent with trends across New York State and the nation, non-fatal overdoses rose dramatically in Chautauqua County in 2020. Overdose fatalities also increased, but at a much lower rate than the rise in non-fatal overdoses, an outcome county officials attribute to effective harm reduction, emergency, and treatment efforts undertaken during the pandemic.

“Every death related to this pandemic, whether directly or indirectly, is tragic,” said Pat Brinkman, Chautauqua County Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services. “Reports from our region and the nation are revealing the toll the pandemic has had – on physical health, certainly,

trends, we are extremely grateful for the life-saving efforts of individuals and agencies in our county who have helped address addiction throughout this difficult time. As a result of their work, lives have been saved.”

Data from the Overdose Detection and Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) system, a public health monitoring tool used to alert communities to changing overdose patterns, indicates that Chautauqua County experienced a 54% increase in non-fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020.

Over the same time frame, overdose fatalities rose 18%, from 33 in 2019 to 39 in 2020. In contrast, media reports indicate that Erie County (NY) experienced a 49% increase in opioid

“One overdose death is one too many,” said Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County public health director. “The efforts of our many partners throughout the county has kept an increase in fatalities from being even worse. This data reveals that emergency, harm reduction, treatment, and outreach efforts, all undertaken in the midst of a pandemic, are helping. We plan to continue working with partners throughout the county to build on these efforts to help more county residents who are battling addiction.”

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene reminds residents that help for individuals struggling with addiction is available right here in Chautauqua County. Visit CombatAddictionCHQ.com/

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