Potter & McKean County Community Source 11/23/21

NOVEMBER

23 2021

Vaccines available for students in some McKean County schools

File photo An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard.

Official: Public outreach needed on low-fly proposal over PA Wilds

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER BRADFORD — Saying “this is not a one-time airshow,” the head of the PA Wilds Center is calling for more public outreach on the Maryland Air National Guard’s proposal for a low-fly zone over the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Ta Enos, CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, said in a press release on Monday that she’s requesting the Air National Guard conduct public meetings in the impacted counties. And she’s asking other agencies to sign on to the request.

In October, the ANG released an environmental assessment on the proposal, finding a low-fly zone would have no significant impact on McKean, Elk, Cameron, Potter, Clinton and Tioga counties, and parts of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York state.

The proposal is for flights between 100 feet above ground to 7,999 feet, two hours a day with no more than 6 total aircraft, 170 days a year including weekends. Nighttime

68 new COVID cases reported in one day Nov. 18

operations would be at above 1,000 feet. The flights would normally be between 10 a.m. and noon, and between 2 and 4 p.m.

The majority of the flight time would be at higher altitudes, with 10 minutes or less below 1,000 feet, reads information from the ANG. “There is concern that the ANG has not done adequate outreach to educate the public on the proposed Duke Low MOA and the potential impacts. There is also concern that the issuance of a ‘Finding of No Significant Impact’ would be premature,” Enos said.

“We are asking organizations to sign on to a letter in support of the Air National Guard hosting public meetings in each of the impacted counties to provide informative presentations and offer opportunity for input and questions.”

She described her understanding of what the Air National Guard is planning.

“Our understanding is this proposed (military operations area) means residents and visitors in these counties could hear and see

DUKE CENTER — The handful of Otto Township residents who attended the monthly supervisors’ meeting were informed

by Chairman Eric Barton that the Otto-Eldred Police Force will be hiring a parttime officer immediately and a full-time officer in the near future.

Details will be finalA total of 68 new cases ized at next week’s police of COVID-19 were reported in the region as of Nov. 18, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

McKean County had a one-day increase of 21 cases for a total of 5,617 cases and 99 deaths, an increase of two cases from the day prior. In a week’s time, there have been 183 new COVID cases and two additional deaths. In a month’s time, there have been 684 new cases and 16 deaths.

As for COVID vaccinations, McKean County’s rate is 40.7 percent fully covered.

Elk County had a oneday increase of 30 cases for a total of 4,608 cases and 65 deaths. In a week’s time,

COVID Update on ...................... page 3

A-10Cs, F-16s and other military aircraft flying very low over their homes, cabins or popular outdoor recreation destinations, multiple times per day every other day of the year, if not more frequently, for many years to come,” Enos said.

“I have a hard time believing this will not impact quality of life for residents, wildlife, livestock, the visitor experience and small businesses dependent on visitor spending.”

The public comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment is open until Dec. 15.

Enos said the Wilds Center has asked for “a full, more robust, environmental impact statement (EIS) so we can all better understand what the impacts will be.”

She’s asking other people to do the same thing.

“I know some people fear that by speaking up they will be seen as anti-military. I can say unequivocally that is not what this is about,” Enos said.

“We are a hugely patriotic region and respect and value our military. But there

is potentially a lot at stake for rural Pennsylvania with this proposal, and it is important for us to do our due diligence.”

The PA Wilds Center’s letter to the ANG can be viewed at www.

PAWildsCenter.org.

Enos said the Center is also coordinating the sign-on letter requesting public meetings.

The draft assessment raises questions, and “relies heavily on military jargon and technical terms that are no doubt foreign to most residents,” Enos said.

“Rural PA deserves a more transparent process. People are asking us, will they be flying low over this area or that area and the truth is — we don’t know. It would help to have in-person meetings so the public can ask questions and hear from the Air National Guard directly.”

She’s asking for the public comment period to be extended to accommodate meetings in each of the impacted counties. Close to two dozen organizations

Low-fly Proposal on .................. page 3

File photo A vaccine is administered to an adult earlier this year.

BY JOELLEN WANKEL The McKean County Department of Emergency Management is working with Universal Primary Care, located in Bradford, and local school districts to help get students age 5 to 11 vaccinated.

In a post to social media, officials said that students in Otto-Eldred School District, Port Allegany School District and Smethport Area School District are eligible to get a vaccine at the Otto-Eldred Elementary School on Nov. 23, in the after-school hours.

Sign-ups are being done through a website, which can be found by visiting the McKean County EMS Facebook page or the OESD Facebook page.

There are 150 slots available for the clinic.

McKean County DES Director Nathan Burgett explained the clinic is in answer to a survey of area

school districts, determining interest.

A clinic was held in Bradford Tuesday for students aged 5 to 11, with the second dose scheduled for Dec. 8.

For the clinic at OttoEldred Elementary Nov. 23, the second dose will be scheduled for Dec. 14.

Kane Area School District is currently surveying students and parents to determine interest and need in that area. A clinic may be scheduled for those students at a later date, if needed.

Universal Primary Care is located at 159 Interstate Parkway and offers services in adult medicine, pediatric care, vaccines and immunizations, pre and post-natal care, management of chronic diseases and well visits for both school physicals and general medical exams.

Otto-Eldred police to hire another officer meeting.

Blight committee spokesperson Marilyn Kahle announced that the committee will meet at 10 a.m., Nov. 22 at the township office with three McKean County employees to discuss the problems of compliance and enforcement of the blight code. The public is invited to attend.

A quote to repair and

replace fencing on the three ballfields and the football field in the park was received from Hoffman Landscaping for the amount of $44,000 and accepted by

the supervisors. This led to a question as to whether the park committee was still functioning. Barton stated that it was no longer active and a new one should be

formed. Anyone interested in serving should notify township secretary Jeannie Drummond or attend next month’s meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Randolph’s Country Christmas Saturday, December 4th Randolph Holiday Arts & Crafts Show Randolph Central School

10:00 - 4:00 “Light Up the Night” Christmas Parade 7:00 Memory Tree Lighting (immediately following parade)

For more information visit: www.EnjoyRandolph.org

EnchantedMountains.com

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NOVEMBER 23, 2021

Skill Up PA is great way to improve skills during job search

BY JOELLEN WANKEL During 2021, many people have pursued alternate employment or considered a change. In honor of National Career Development Month, this article highlights the benefits of the Skill Up PA program.

This program provides training for Pennsylvania residents who are on the hunt for a new job and may feel they need to bolster skills to get the job they want.

“CareerLink is happy to help the Department of Labor & Industry roll out the Skill Up PA initiative. PA residents are able to access this system, free of charge, to develop a strong career pathway and enhance their skills on many levels,” said Ron Hammersley, Careerlink Site Administrator for McKean and Potter counties.

The program launched Aug. 14 statewide, providing Pa. residents with flexible courses that are available 24/7 and free of charge.

Metrix Learning is a tool created in 2008 in response to the last recession and related job loss. It has since been expanded and enhanced as new needs

have come to light for the nation’s job seekers.

Users can see skills needed for a specific job, rate their own skills and find gaps and ways to remediate them with the courses available.

Pennsylvania is the 18th state to sign up to use this program.

Interested users can register through https:// www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/ jponline/ and will have access to more than 6,000 courses. This includes assistance for 10 career pathways, 200 in-demand occupations and more than 130 industry certifications.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry secured grant funding for the program.

The state department is using 100% federal funding for the tool, which is provided through the WagnerPeyser program.

Pennsylvania officials also recognize the current atmosphere of the job market and have other avenues in action to help both employers and job seekers.

Hammersley explained, “Currently PA has an ad campaign addressing job seeker and employer needs and how the PA CareerLink is the one stop option for these customers.”

McKean County man pleads guilty to charge from Capitol riot

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER Capitol riot suspect William Blauser of McKean County, Pa., entered a guilty plea in federal court on Monday to one charge of demonstrating in a Capitol building.

Blauser, a Vietnam War veteran and retired mail carrier from Ludlow, accepted a plea agreement for his actions on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C. According to the statement of offense, Blauser traveled from Pennsylvania to D.C. with Pauline Bauer, who was also charged, to attend a rally in support of then-President Donald Trump. After Trump spoke, Blauser walked to the U.S. Capitol building, where at 2:43 p.m., he and Bauer “pushed through the crowd and past law enforcement officers to enter the U.S. Capitol through the East Rotunda doors.”

The statement indicated at least three officers were attempting to stop the crowd’s entry, but Blauser and Bauer entered the Capitol building. He was carrying a sign that read, “Walk as Free People,” and was standing near Bauer when she yelled, “bring them out, they’re criminals … they need to hang.”

At 3:02 p.m., the pair

were involved “in a brief skirmish with law enforcement” as they were resisting efforts to be pushed out of the Capitol Rotunda. The two left the building at 3:21 p.m., the statement read.

Blauser acknowledged that he and Bauer were captured in a photo while inside the Capitol.

According to the plea agreement, the charge to which Blauser pleaded guilty carries a maximum sentence of 6 months of imprisonment, and a fine of not more than $5,000. The U.S. Attorney’s office made no sentencing recommendation; the sentence will be under the discretion of the judge.

The agreement also indicated that Blauser agreed to allow law enforcement to review any social media accounts for statements and postings on and around Jan. 6 prior to sentencing.

The U.S. Attorney’s office, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Peterson, agreed not to seek a change in Blauser’s release conditions pending sentencing.

He remains free on his own recognizance. Blauser agreed to a stipulation to hold further hearings by video conference or teleconference, the statement indicated.

File photo William Blauser (left) and Pauline Bauer were photographed inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Blauser has pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from that day.

He also agreed to pay $500 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol.

Peterson indicated a total of $1,495,326.55 in damages were done to the Capitol on the day of the riots.

Meanwhile, Bauer remains incarcerated, where she has been since September after refusing to comply with conditions of her release. In a motion for reconsideration of her detention order filed by standby counsel Carmen

Hernandez, Bauer said, “I have learned the error of my ways and will agree to adhere to the conditions of release.”

In the motion, Hernandez argued that Bauer is not a flight risk, has no prior convictions, runs a business in McKean County and is no danger to the community.

As of Tuesday, Judge Trevor N. McFadden was taking the matter under advisement.

Upper Allegheny Valley Soccer League season recap

BY JESSE KOLODKIN PORT ALLEGANY — Port Allegany/Smethport and Kane split the Upper Allegheny Valley Soccer League North boys soccer title. It’s no surprise that the two teams combined for five of the North’s 13 AllStar players.

Port United’s River Cramer and Ty Guilds were selected while Josh Greville, Jon Mishic and Justin Mishic were chosen from Kane.

Saying Cramer was important to Port’s offense is an understatement. The senior scored 36 goals in 18 games, or two goals a game.

The team scored 72 goals. In other words, Cramer scored half of Port’s goals on the year.

As important as Cramer was to the offense, Guilds was to the defense. He earned five shutouts and recorded over 140 saves as a stonewall in net. The senior spent over 1,000 minutes in goal and allowed only 14 goals.

“They’re both fantastic young men,” said Port United coach Aaron Clark.

“I’ve gotten to know them quite a bit over the last five or six years. Both are three year starters for us. They’ve been heavily involved in our program.”

“They’re both going to be… Hard players to replace. Both are great young men, the kind of players you want to be around your team and your program.

They — along with a lot of our other seniors — they’re gonna create a hole.”

Nine seniors will graduate from Port this year: Kaleb Green, Ryan Bowser, Terry Ireland, Aleczander Kiser, Syrus Sauers, Kai Stauffer and Noah Yeager, Guilds and Cramer. But, many of Port’s young players have gotten playing time this season and that should bode well for them in the future as they get more opportunities.

“We’re gonna bring back a lot of good young players as well,” Clark said. “We’ll have a lot of guys come in with minimal experience next year. Probably three freshmen are going to come in and challenge for everyday starting positions. We had three freshmen (Aidan Clark, Austin Hamilton and Justin Dunn) start off and on throughout the season.”

Being a young player in an important role was nothing new to Greville. After all, he had been a captain for Kane since he was a sophomore. This past year as a

senior, Greville earned his third straight All-Star nod alongside his MVP award.

“He’s really just kinda been one of those players who has led the team since he’s been (on it),” said Kane head coach Rene Saquin.

“Right at the halfway point (Greville) was in a car accident, a pretty bad one, he got pretty lucky. We didn’t think he would come back for the year. You could kinda see at that point his impact, cause we were doing really well going into that midpoint and then mentally and emotionally the team really struggled without him on the field. Or just not even being able to come to practice.”

Greville played in just 11 games, but he still managed to score 14 goals and had six assists for the Wolves. His first game back from injury was in the District 9 playoffs, as Kane faced Redbank Valley. Greville proceeded to score four goals as the Wolves won 6-2 in full time.

Greville wasn’t the only All-Star for Kane, as senior twins Jon Mishic and Justin Mishic were both named All-Stars. The brothers were the leaders of the Kane offense, combining for 33 goals on the season. This was Jon Mishic’s second All-Star team as he led the team in goals and assists, with 18 and 14 respectively, while Justin Mishic had 10 assists to go along with his 15 goals.

“Since freshmen, they’ve both been able to get decent playing time based on their skill and soccer knowledge,” said Saquin. “Jon (Mishic) and Justin (Mishic) have been captains for the past couple years. Jon’s just kinda been our guy, he’s a strong finisher.”

“I think he’s ending with about 37 career goals which is pretty good considering we haven’t had a whole lot of goals in the past four years. He’s a leader by his actions more, while Justin, the more aggressive player, he’s a leader by his words.”

It’s been a quick turnaround for Kane under Saquin. The team went 1-9 in league play the year before he arrived. In his first year as head coach, the same year that the Mishic twins, Greville and the other seniors on the team were freshmen. The Wolves went 5-3 in league play and 8-8 overall.

“We hadn’t been to the playoffs (in) I don’t know how many years,” Saquin said. “It’d been like eight

The Upper Allegheny Valley Soccer League boys’ team, Front row from left: Nash Delp (Coudersport), Jacob Hooftallen (Coudy), Christian Furman (Coudy), River Cramer (Port United), Ty Guilds (Port). Second Row: Gary Bliss (Northern Potter), Matthew Palmer (St. Marys), Liam Brem (St. Marys), Tanner Fox (St. Marys), Collin Kline (St. Marys), Justin Mishic (Kane), Jon Mishic (Kane), Josh Greville (Kane, MVP).

or nine years since Kane had close to a winning season. Every year they (Kane) have gone to the semifinals.

Each year with this group of seniors they topped the previous year.”

“Whether it was some streak or some record they were breaking. And we’re able to get a co-league championship for the first time in 15 years. The seniors especially, they were right there when I started, they’ll always hold a special place with me.”

Coudersport had three players recognized as AllStars. Nash Delp, Jacob Hooftallen and Christian Furman helped Coudy to the playoffs as the No. 6

seed. Behind Hooftallen’s penalty kick, the Falcons beat No. 3 Port United 1-0 to advance to the semifinals.

On the season, Delp had eight goals and seven assists, Furman had 13 goals and six assists and Hooftallen earned seven goals and 15 assists for the Falcons. Coudy will miss Furman who is set to graduate. But Hooftallen and Delp are juniors and the young team should have ample opportunity to build off this season.

St. Marys led all teams with four All-Star players in Matthew Palmer, Liam Brem, Tanner Fox and

Collin Kline. The Flying Dutchmen went 10-7-1 overall including a win over Punxsutawney in the D9 2A semifinal. St. Marys only lost to No. 1 seed Karns City who went on to

states.

Northern Potter had a tough year in UAVSL play, falling to 0-8 on the season.

But senior Gary Bliss still earned All-Star honors for the Panthers.

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NOVEMBER 23, 2021

Low -fly Proposal continued from 1 have already signed on to the letter requesting public meetings, including boroughs, townships, county commissioners, Heritage Areas, economic development organizations, conservation and wildlife organizations, watershed groups, visitor bureaus, small businesses and others.

To read or sign the letter requesting public meetings, visit the online form

by Friday at https://bit.ly/ pa-wilds-low-moa-letter.

The ANG’s Draft EA can be viewed at www.175wg. ang.af.mil/Duke-MOALow/ or at public libraries in Bradford, Coudersport and Galeton.

Linda Devlin with the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau said last

month that her organization — the tourism office for the area — wasn’t included in the planning, either.

Devlin said, “The Allegheny National Forest is not being given any consideration as to what the low MOA flights will do to the abundant wildlife, or to the human recreational activities occuring in our region. Visitors come to our region to experience nature’s beauty, the sound of birds chirping, the flight of an eagle overhead, and the crunch of leaves underfoot as they hike along a trail. They come here to escape from the noise of civilization.”

Calling the number of flights in the plan excessive, she said, “If this was a high income residential area, this flight schedule would never be proposed.

It is being proposed with no input or outreach to the people who reside here or to the over 3 million visitors per year who come here to recreate.”

4-H members assist with Veterans Dinner

McKean County 4-H volunteer Jeff Gould, member Landan Pierotti, and member Jake Vicic help serve food during a Veterans dinner held Nov

6 as a collaboration between McKean County 4-H and the Smethport Fire Department. There were a total of 27 4-H members and volunteers who helped out,

along with the Smethport help provide a free meal Firehall. Veterans and their to veterans at the McKean spouses received a free County Fair in 2022. meal, while the proceeds from any other dinner attendees is being saved to

Smethport National Honor Society COVID Update continued from 1 there have been 197 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death. There have been 676 new cases over the past month and 12 additional deaths. As for vaccinations, Elk County’s rate is 53.8% fully covered.

Potter County had a one-day increase of 9 cases for a total of 2,144 cases and 53 deaths, an increase of one death from the day before. In a week’s time, there have been 97 more cases and two additional deaths.

In a month’s time there

have been 331 new cases and 13 additional deaths.

As for vaccinations, Potter County’s rate is 33.4% fully covered.

Cameron County’s case count rose by 8 cases as of Thursday for a total of 566 cases and 13 deaths. There are 23 more cases and 2 additional deaths than there were a week ago, and 90 more cases than a month ago. As for vaccinations, Cameron County’s rate is 52.9% fully covered.

According to data from the Mayo Clinic, in Pennsylvania, 48.8% of the state’s population of 12 to 17 year olds have been fully vaccinated; 66.9% of the population of 18-64 year olds; and 96.7% of people 65 and older.

Photo by Barb Davis Smethport National Honor Society inducted 14 new members Tuesday. First row, from left: Julianna Cole, Charity Lapp, Alyn Thomas, Joanie Waldeck, Macy Holmberg, Emily Higley and Jaidyn Goodman. Second row, from left: Smethport High School Principal Doug Dickerson, Caleigh Wolosewicz, Isabella Learn, Owen Holmberg, Alexander Cole, Hope Peterson, Brianna Digel and National Honor Society Advisor Karen Moses. Not shown: Katelyn Dunn.

Patience leads to nabbing buck with bow

BY WADE ROBERTSON Way back when, deer season didn’t seem to be such a long, drawn out affair.

There were tons of deer, not many hunted archery, the camps were full and the great majority of hunters looked forward to the first day of shotgun with great anticipation.

In those days of yore you just threw on your hunting clothes, whatever they may be, grabbed the smoke-pole and hunted.

You didn’t wear camouflage, but Woolrich, greased your leather boots so they wouldn’t leak or pulled on your rubber insulated Northerns, which weighed a ton each, and stomped out. Most were successful and happy. Hunting flourished.

Could it really have been that easy?

I really liked things back in those simpler days.

Today hunting is complicated, technical and not fun in so many ways if you happen to be getting lazier, which I am. But, I love deer hunting and have unwillingly been forced to adapt to today’s conditions just as I have been forced to adapt to cell phones and computers. It seems today’s world drags you along, and to keep up with so many things, change is necessary, almost mandated.

Hunting has become big, big business.

Let’s see. This year I bought scent-killing sprays, twice already, deer estrous, gloves, a couple hats, face masks, hand warmers, a knife sharpener, scent-free body wash

and shampoo, scent-free dryer sheets, scent-killing detergent, new arrows and broadheads, two non-slip slings and a new pack.

I don’t dare total it all up, I might have a nervous breakdown being Scotch and basically cheap. Just ask my friends. Can you believe they make fun of me for washing out and reusing Ziploc bags if they’re in good shape?

LAST YEAR was eventful and successful for the first 30 days of archery. By that I mean I saw deer every day; only missed seeing a buck once or twice, didn’t fall out of the treestand and only lost one glove.

However, every buck I saw was only a spike, 3-point, 4-point or 6-point. Not a single shooter. Everyone else saw shooters at least, though they didn’t get shots.

You keep telling yourself that it’s bound to happen sooner or later, you simply have to believe that and keep hunting. Of course, if you’re smart you wait for the rut and don’t put in so many hours early in the season. But, if you’re retired, well, you go to camp, meet with the guys and keep hunting.

Then October was past, the hours and hours in stands only a memory and suddenly the familiar, leaf-covered deer trails were being torn up, scraps appearing, buck rubs shining white on the dark-barked saplings and your trail cameras recording a remarkable upsurge in buck activity. Finally, things were heating up.

When I awoke a

Monday morning it seemed strangely light outside. Was it the moon? No, it had snowed. The thermometer hovered in the 20s and you couldn’t help but wonder if the snow would fire things up or shut down activity.

Generally, the colder the better, but it’s not a hard and fast rule.

I grabbed a piece of peanut butter toast, made a sandwich, made sure I had extra clothes in the pack and set off. Walking around the upper side of the old home where I was staying with a friend I didn’t see the six-inch step and fell hard. Ouch. My right knee was hurting, my hand aching, but other than that everything seemed still functioning. Get up and keep walking, it takes your mind off the pain.

THERE WERE deer tracks in the yard and down the trail, going the wrong way of course, but the deer were or had been moving.

The scraps I passed were untended. I stopped once or twice to keep from overheating, but it was still dark when I climbed up into the 20-foot treestand. I like to be early; you have to mess around getting ready when you first climb into the stand, and I like to be silent and motionless when daylight arrives.

I could see well at 6 a.m., but nothing appeared.

I waited until 7, then 8, 9, and almost at 10 exactly I turned and there stood a doe only 30 yards away.

How in the world did she just appear out of nowhere like that?

I’d been keeping a sharp eye all around, with a pure

white snow background to silhouette them, but deer do that all the time — just appear as if beamed down from outer space.

The doe kept looking behind her, but nothing appeared and she vanished uphill. Now I was really paranoid and constantly looking all around. Then a flash of motion, a big buck 150 yards away. But recent timbering had changed the trails and he moved below me ignoring grunts, doe bleats and only glancing up if I rattled. He left.

I quickly climbed down and moving to his trail saw many other tracks. I left a scent trail back to the stand and sprayed estrous near my stand.

Despite my vigilance, I looked around only five minutes later and there was an 8-point 15 yards away.

What? How? What in the world? I raised the bow, bleated, he stopped facing almost directly away.

I fired, hitting him at the base of the neck. He ran and I sat down shaking like a leaf. Things happen so fast.

The buck ran into the thickest tangle he could and I tracked him for an hour, finally jumping him in a goldenrod field. He only went a few feet; he was finished.

I was so thankful to have found him and though he was not a wall hanger, he was a plump deer, and to be honest, I was tired of sitting in stands all day.

In fact, I was thrilled to have him. As good friend Max Douthit used to say, “You can’t eat the horns.”

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NOVEMBER 23, 2021

How to make the most of Small Business Saturday Gifts and gatherings take center stage come the holiday season. The holiday season begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. During that time, families gather to exchange gifts, break bread, celebrate their faith, and toast the year to come.

The good times and gatherings that are such a big part of the holiday season were absent from many celebrations in 2020.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the successful rollout of various vaccines should make the coming holiday season feel more normal. That means gift exchanges and gatherings are back in play.

Savvy celebrants recognize the benefits of shopping early, and Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.

• Plan ahead. Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity.

American Express estimates that 110 million people participated in Small Business Saturday in 2019, which underscores how shoppers can benefit from planning ahead.

Research sales and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you’re ready to go come Saturday

morning.

Doing your homework can make it easier to navigate the crowds.

• Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. A great meal with friends and family can be an ideal way to cap off a day of shopping, and it’s a great way to support a local restaurant. It’s worth noting that a National Today survey of 1,000 shoppers that focused on Small Business Saturday shopping habits found that food and groceries were the most popular things to buy local. Saturday is traditionally a popular night to dine out, and that popularity is even greater on Small Business Saturday.

Shoppers can ensure they aren’t waiting for a table by booking a reservation in advance.

• Check your social media feeds. Many small businesses have recognized the value of communicating directly with consumers through their social media feeds. Throughout the day, shoppers can keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about special sales or events. In addition, shoppers can share their shopping experiences via their own feeds.

Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth from existing customers, so this can be another way to show your support for the establishments that call your community home.

Small Business Saturday is a great way to begin the holiday shopping season on the right foot.

7 Tips for Selecting a Remodeler (Family Features) When planning a potential home remodeling project, the list of decisions to make may feel nearly endless.

Ultimately, you may find the most important decision is choosing a trustworthy team of professionals to complete the job.

For example, an organization like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides homeowners with helpful ways to find qualified, professional remodelers and contractors. These seven tips can help guide you through the selection process and assist you in making an informed decision that best suits your needs.

1. Look Local Local remodelers have a vested interest to perform quality work that satisfies their customers in order for their business to survive.

That’s why word-of-mouth referrals can be especially helpful in finding options near you. Ask relatives, friends, neighbors and business colleagues who live nearby about projects they’ve completed and the professionals they’ve used. Other resources may include people you know in the local home industry, such as lenders, real estate agents and material

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

suppliers.

2.

Follow Building Codes Another advantage to hiring a local professional is he or she typically knows and understands the local building codes and permit requirements for your town or city. Building codes can vary considerably from each jurisdiction and are known to change from year to year. Most structural work or footprint expansions require permits.

3. Check for Licenses and Insurance

Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured.

Contact your state or local licensing

agencies to ensure the contractor you’re considering meets all requirements.

Most states require a contractor to carry worker’s

compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. Ask for copies of their licenses and insurance to make sure it is current.

4. Check for Violations and Complaints Check with your Consumer Affairs Office and your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints on record for the contractors you’re considering. You can also search for reviews online and verify they are members of reputable trade organizations that promote professional excellence, such as NARI. 5. Compare Apples with Apples If you solicit estimates from more than one contractor, be sure they are working off the same scope and quality of work.

Discuss variations in prices and beware of any estimate

that is substantially lower than the othters.

6. Be Informed A good remodeling professional educates clients on green remodeling, universal design, lead safety, new products, building techniques and trends.

Make sure you’re hiring someone who has knowledge and expertise relevant to the remodeling industry, as well as the appropriate certifications and experience to complete the job.

7. Check References Don’t rely on a contractor’s personality or demeanor. If a professional does not offer references, ask for them and follow up with a site visit or phone call.

Find a qualified and reputable remodeler in your area at RemodelingDoneRight. com.