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Boosters seek return of in-person music instruction

FORESTVILLE — The state of the music program at Forestville Central School was discussed during a recent meeting of the school board. While Forestville Music Booster co-president Karen Kaminski noted that the organization is pleased with the energy that has been put into school safety for both staff and students this year, there are also regulations put in place that have changed during the course of the year. “At the beginning of the year, there were certain rules put in place,” Kaminski said, “and I admire that, but obviously things have changed in regards to things like ...

Vaccinations key to losing pandemic restrictions

The answer to possibly the most asked question during the last year – “How much longer do I have to wear mask in public” — will depend on herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune. Herd immunity is usually achieved through vaccination, but it can also occur through natural infection. Dr. Elizabeth Kidder, The Chautauqua Center medical provider, said once 70% to 75% of county residents are vaccinated then herd immunity ...

The Chautauqua Center awarded federal funds

The Chautauqua Center in Dunkirk has received $1,893,750 in federal funding. The funding is part of $396,801,375 in emergency federal funding for 63 community health centers across New York state as part of the American Rescue Plan to help expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for underserved populations. “New York’s Community Health Centers are a cornerstone of the state’s healthcare system and have been our frontline armor in the battle against COVID-19, especially in underserved and disadvantaged communities where COVID hit the hardest,” said Sen. Charles ...

Schumer details American Rescue Plan in Jamestown visit

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday announced "help is on the way" for Chautauqua County citizens as he detailed specifics from the American Rescue Plan he just led to passage in the U.S. Senate. Using the National Comedy Center as a backdrop, Schumer explained that Rescue ...

Some churches expecting bigger crowds this year

A variety of church services will be available this year for Easter. Some churches will employ a ticket system to control attendees. Others are not expecting significant turnout and will open doors with welcome arms. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic will once again shape the way many ...

Vaccinations are crucial for a healthy population and economy

New York state continues to open up COVID-19 vaccination eligibility, and at the same time the vaccine supply has increased with additional clinics and pharmacies being added to calendars frequently now. This is all important work as our local businesses continue to move forward and as we continue to work towards a summer tourism season that is critically important to or our local economy. Data from the state Health Department shows that 29.9% of Chautauqua County residents have received at least one vaccine dose. 15.7% have been fully vaccinated so far. That’s a good first step, ...