Allegany County Source 01-23-2026

allegany county community

‘Always Faithful and Always Strong’

Captain, crew of the USS Jason Dunham visit Scio over the weekend

BY KATHRYN ROSS

SCIO — Some of the sailors from the USS Jason Dunham were stunned when their plane landed in Rochester Friday — a few of the Florida-based crew weren’t exactly dressed for a Western New York winter day, said Mike Middaugh, director of Allegany County Veterans Services.

Middaugh introduced the 15 sailors from the USS Jason Dunham, who visited the county over the weekend, to the 50 or so

WELLSVILLE —

Good music, good food and good people celebrated the 14th year of Hart Comfort House of Allegany County on Saturday night.

The hoots and hollers, cheering and groans coming from the bar where a large group of people were watching the Buffalo Bills game didn’t deter the Hart Comfort House volunteers and band as they feasted and danced.

The food was elegantly served and cooked by juniors and seniors in the Culinary Arts Department at BOCES.

Nora Burdick, former Immaculate Conception

people in the Scio Central School auditorium Saturday morning. The Navy contingent was led by Commander Aaron Jefferson III, captain of the ship, and included officers and enlisted personnel — including chief petty officers and master chiefs, whom Jefferson called “the best of the best.”

The USS Jason Dunham DDG 109 was recently returning home after an eight-month deployment in the Red Sea when it was diverted to the Caribbean, where the missile destroyer

was part of efforts to combat drug trafficking. They had been at sea for the last 18 months and the ship is moored at their home port of Mayport, near Jacksonville, Fla., for an overhaul. Those in the crowd included Dan and Deb Dunham, parents of the late U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham — the Medal of Honor recipient who grew up in Scio — Allegany County Legislature Chairman Brooke Harris, members

School principal, who is on the Hart House Board of Directors, commented that it was good to see the young people doing so well. Most of the Hart House

contingent agreed that the students did a masterful job along with their instructor, CJ Wright, who has headed up the department for five years.

“It’s good to get the students some real experience. It helps them to decide what they want to do,” he said, adding that some of his students are already

headed for the Alfred State College Culinary Department while others are on their way to the Niagara Culinary Institute.

He said that while his students experience serving lunches and dinners at the school, they seldom get the opportunity of serving a formal dinner for 80.

There weren’t quite 80 in the American Legion hall, but a few more did show up after the Bills’ wrenching playoff loss in overtime to the Denver Broncos.

Dave and Janice Porter, who founded Hart Comfort House, said the dinner was just a way of showing appreciation

to the volunteers and no awards were presented. However, accolades did come from an unlikely source when the bass player in the MH3 band, Jim Smith, expressed how thankful he was for the care his father received while a resident at Hart Comfort House a few years ago.

“You people brought him back again and extended his life. I’m thankful for that. You do a great job,” he said. Janice Porter recalled that Smith raised a great deal of money for Hart Comfort House when he joined Rob Warboys on

State awards $29K grant to help Allegany County trails group

ALBANY — A grant

will help fund a local trails group’s first employee, state officials announced Friday.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced $2.25 million in grants to 27 not-forprofit organizations to support the stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands under the Park and Trail Partnership Grants program. One of the grant recipients is IMPACT: Friends

Improving Allegany

County Trails, which will receive $28,800 to hire an administrative coordinator. That person’s job will include logistical support, allowing the organization to grow beyond what is possible for the current all-volunteer group.

“This innovative grant program helps enhance the incredible work done at the grassroots level by the partner organizations that help look after our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands,” New York State

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said. “I am grateful to Governor Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative that supports this vital partnership with Parks & Trails New York and our many statewide partners, friends’ groups, and volunteers. This collective effort helps ensure the continued success of our parks and historic sites. I look forward to seeing how this investment expands access and strengthens

connections to New York State’s extraordinary natural and historic resources.”

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and 2026 marks its 10th anniversary. Grants are administered in partnership with the not-for-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York. Recipients must raise outside funding for a match of at least 10 percent of the grant amount received.

State awards $3 million for Allegany County emergency communications upgrades

BY BOB CLARK

ALBANY — Allegany County will receive $3 million to upgrade emergency communications equipment, the state reported.

readiness is a matter of life and death — I remain committed to prioritizing public safety throughout our state.”

gency communications systems and promoting further interoperability between our counties and their partners,” said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “Thank you, Governor Hochul, for making public safety a priority and fostering efforts to strengthen

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced more than $38 million in state funding to 17 counties and New York City for emergency communications for first responders.

our emergency communications systems in every way possible.” All counties were eligible to apply for the grant, with awards announced Thursday ranging from $183,000 for Yates County to upgrade a backup generator at a radio site to $3 million for Clinton County to build two new radio sites.

The funds are administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The goal of the SICG-Targeted program is to close gaps in interoperability infrastructure, regional communications deficiencies, improve redundancy and resiliency of existing systems and support the implementation of National Interoperability Channels.

“These awards play a critical role in supporting our local responders by modernizing existing emer-

Among the recipients of the Statewide Interoperable Communications Grant awards was Allegany County, which received the maximum award of $3 million. According to Hochul’s office, Allegany County will use the funds to upgrade connectivity, including core consoles and system components.

“Saving a life can come down to one call, and our first responders need to have the most reliable emergency communications systems to help their fellow New Yorkers during their most critical moments,” Hochul said. “Investing in emergency response to enhance first responder

BELMONT — A new development nonprofit will directly help local businesses in Allegany County.

The Allegany County Industrial Development Agency announced the creation of the Allegany County Local Development Corporation, a nonprofit which will provide loans to local businesses.

The LDC is expected to provide loans of $30,000 to $100,000 at low interest rates,

working as a secondary source of funding to complement traditional lender efforts. The work will provide an important “piece of the puzzle” to filling funding gaps and allowing projects to move forward. The goal is to allow companies access to funding for capital investments to promote growth, and workforce expansion and retention, officials said.

“The ability to support and work with the Allegany County formed ACLDC represents a significant step forward

Allegany County IDA announces Local Development Corporation activated

BY BOB CLARK BY

in our commitment to fostering a thriving business environment in Allegany County,” said Judith Hopkins, board chairman, on behalf of the ACIDA Board. “By offering flexible, low-interest financing, the ACLDC is providing the necessary tools for our local entrepreneurs and established businesses to grow, create jobs, and invest in our community’s future.”

Under state law, IDAs are not generally allowed to offer loans or direct financial assistance to businesses. Most

projects assisted by IDAs focus on leaseback agreements — the IDA takes title to a property, making it tax exempt, and then leases it back to the developer in exchange for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with payments to affected taxing authorities. Sales tax and mortgage recording tax abatements are also common.

Allegany County is the last county in the state to form a local development corporation, and many operate on county or local levels. While some LDCs

operated around the state date back to the mid-20th century, dozens were established after state law changed the ability of IDAs to provide financial assistance in the 2000s.

The LDC operates under the state’s Not-forProfit Corporation Law and the Public Authorities Accountability Act of 2005, with oversight from the state Authorities Budget Office and from the Office of the State Comptroller. According to the LDC’s website, all projects the board approves must be

in compliance with local zoning laws, meet the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and adhere to all state and federal health and labor laws. The ACLDC is headquartered at the Crossroads Commerce & Conference Center in Belvidere. For more information, contact Melissa Pingitore at melissa. pingitore@acida.org, call the ACIDA office at (585) 268-7445, or visit 6087 State Route 19 N –Suite 100, Belmont, N.Y., 14813.

State aids local projects to improve water quality

ALBANY — Local projects to improve water quality in streams received a major boost from the state.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced that The Allegany County Soil and Water Conservation District received $1.38 million for five projects, while the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District received $1.22 million for three projects.

The awards were among 29 across the DEC’s Region 9, which included more than $37 million in funding. The programs include the Water Quality Improvement Project, Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping Grants, and Resilient Watersheds Grants. Funding comes from multiple grant

programs administered by DEC and the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, as well as and investments from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, Environmental Protection Fund, and other sources.

The Allegany County projects include:

$1.2 million through three $400,000 WQIP awards to work with the towns of Birdsall, Granger, and New Hudson to construct salt storage facilities in each of the three towns. The new structures will protect water quality in Black Creek, Rush Creek, and groundwater.

$50,000 through NPG for a project to evaluate a segment of Rush Creek with significant streambank erosion. The study will focus on a site survey followed by identifying areas to reinforce bank stability.

$50,000 through NPG to address sections of unstable and

eroding streambanks along Caneadea Creek, surveying six areas of severe erosion and provide recommendations to reinforce the stability of the streambanks to withstand future flooding events.

$50,000 through NPG to create a design report to address unmitigated stormwater runoff that causes shoreline erosion and direct sediment discharge in the Angelica Creek watershed. The assessment will identify intervention designs to stabilize the streambank.

$75,000 through NPG to perform a comprehensive stream corridor assessment in the Cuba Lake watershed. The assessment will identify areas for streambank stabilization and riparian buffer restoration to ultimately reduce sediment loading into Cuba Lake.

The Cattaraugus County projects include:

$805,600 through WQIP for a culvert re-

placement project in the Town of Hinsdale. The project will eliminate a barrier to aquatic organism passage, connecting approximately one mile of trout habitat.

$240,000 through WQIP for a salt storage facility construction project in the Town of Humphrey to protect the water quality of Wrights Creek and groundwater.

$171,768 through WQIP to purchase live edge plow blades for plow trucks for the Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works and the Town of Carrollton Highway Department. The new equipment will reduce road salt application protecting groundwater and drinking water supplies.

“Since taking office, and most recently in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul continues to provide unprecedented resources to invest in climate resiliency and water infrastruc-

ture to support communities across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “With more than $265 million from multiple programs, including $185 million supporting improvements in environmental justice communities, the awarded projects will help our municipal partners achieve meaningful reductions in flood risk, protect drinking water, improve aquatic habitat, and safeguard residents from increasingly severe weather events.”

“Governor Hochul is investing billions in water infrastructure every year to help local governments affordably advance crucial water quality and resiliency projects,” said EFC President and CEO Maureen Coleman. “By pairing Environmental Bond Act funding with other State program funding to support new and signature programs, every dollar goes further and brings New York closer to a safer, more sustainable future. The new Resilient Watersheds Grant program will jumpstart flood-mitigation projects in some of the most atrisk communities while creating good-paying jobs that drive local economies.”

of the Hometown Heroes organization, other adults and half a dozen teenagers from the school’s history club.

Jefferson invited the audience to ask questions, leading off with the affirmation, “Serving aboard the USS Jason Dunham is an absolute pleasure.”

An audience member asked what it means to serve aboard the Dunham. Among the responders, 20-year-old Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Isabella Zeltaya Martinez said, “Serving on the USS Jason Dunham is a constant reminder. It makes me want to do my very best every day to honor his memory and his sacrifice. You can feel Jason with us.”

Jason Dunham, 23, posthumously received the Medal of Honor after giving his life to save two of his comrades — he used his body to smother a grenade dropped by an insurgent in Iraq in April 2004. The grenade exploded and squad leader Dunham was grievously wounded; he died eight days later at the naval hospital in Bethesda, Md.

President George W. Bush presented Dunham’s Medal of Honor to his parents during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 11, 2007.

Memorabilia from

Dunham’s high school career as well as his Marine Corps dress uniform are displayed in the ship’s cafeteria, called Jason’s Dugout. Pieces of his Kevlar helmet, which he used to cover the grenade before it exploded, are embedded in the ship’s mast. Questions about the food, recreational opportunities on board and the camaraderie among the 315-member crew were also asked. Several area residents at the meet-and-greet in Scio recalled their own military adventures, including one who participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. With just two wom-

en sitting on the stage among the USS Dunham personnel, a woman in the audience asked how many members of the crew are female.

Jefferson replied that among the 315-member crew, there are 45

a cross-country Harley-Davidson motorcycle trip a few years ago. The duo made a point to stop at Harley-Davidson franchises where they received donations.

“Hart Comfort House is the best part of Wellsville,” Smith said.

Near the end of the night, Dave Porter, who is the chairman of the board for Hart Comfort House, hobbled to the microphone. He’s suffering from a severe knee injury after falling on the ice a few weeks ago. He said, “This is an evening to thank all the volunteers at Hart House. It is because of you that Heart House is successful.”

The MH3 band featuring popular music

women. Approximately 20% of the crew at any given time is female, he added.

One officer with 18 years of experience serving aboard larger ships with crews numbering in the thousands, said,

“On the Jason Dunham, the crew takes care of one another.”

Jefferson told those gathered that his daily message to the crew ends with the words, “Earn the gift,” referring to Dunham’s sacrifice and encouraging the crew to do their best every day.

“That’s how I view our service. ... As our commitment to Jason’s legacy,” he said, concluding with the statement that everyone on the stage was selected for the trip based on their high performance and dedication.

The ship’s motto is, “Always Faithful and Always Strong.”

Deb Dunham, a former teacher at Scio Central, said to the audience, “We’ve taken several high school senior class trips to visit the ship. Every time we do, these guys have

eagerly opened up their doors. They all make themselves available to us every time we’ve ever gone there.

“They’ve been welcoming and it’s like going home,” she added. “It’s like Jason gave us another family.”

The crew visit is the first of many other visits to be undertaken by crews of ships named after individuals and other locations and is the Navy’s attempt to build communication and camaraderie between the Navy and the public, Jefferson said.

The weekend continued with a dinner in Cuba Saturday evening and breakfast at the Wellsville Legion for veterans. Other private events were also included in the visit.

The crew was scheduled to leave Monday morning to return to Mayport.

from the 60s, 70s and older with two guitars, a saxophone, violin, bass and vocalists finished the evening with volunteers dancing to

the songs of their

was

of Dave and Janice Porter. It was founded in 2009 and opened its doors in January 2012 after a large donation from the Hart family of Wellsville. It provides free end-of-life care to those in the last three months of their lives, two residents at a time. It serves residents of Allegany County and others on a selective basis.

More than 340 residents have been served. There are over 40 current volunteers, but hundreds have volunteered over the years. Saturday’s dinner was their first celebration of its kind for them.

county Community Source home improvement

more relaxing room. Ambient lighting can be utilized to create a soft and welcoming atmosphere in the room. Dimmable lights also allow residents to adjust the amount of light depending on the time of day. Lights can be bright when getting dressed in the morning, and then turned down when residents are going to bed and want to unwind before closing their eyes.

• Clear out clutter. A cluttered bedroom is more than an eyesore. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners notes that clutter can contribute to anxiety and adversely affect individuals’ ability to sleep and focus. Examine bedrooms to see if there is any unnecessary or overly bulky furnishings that make the spaces feel cramped and

cluttered. Remove those items when possible, or consider working with a contractor to expand the room if budget and space allows.

Bedrooms can be respites within the larger sanctuary that homes are meant to be. That’s especially so when residents implement strategies to transform bedrooms into more relaxing spaces.

health & Wellness

The right workout routine can make a world of difference in a person’s life. When people like their fitness regimens, they’re more likely to commit to routine exercise, which can help reduce their risk for chronic diseases, make them less vulnerable to injury and improve their mental health.

No two people are the same, so a workout regimen that’s enjoyable and effective for one person will not necessarily appeal to another individual. Some people have no qualms about exercising in a gym, where strength-training machines and cardiovascular equipment facilitate full-body workouts

that promote healthy minds and bodies. But others find gyms intimidating or can’t fit daily gym excursions into their schedules. Others may find working out in the same facility each day a little boring. That’s why it can be beneficial to find alternative means to exercising on those days when a trip to the gym isn’t feasible or appealing.

• Take to the trails. The great outdoors can be a gym unto itself. Various outdoor activities can build strength and promote cardiovascular health. Hiking is one such activity. According to Harvard Medical School, the

uneven terrain hikers encounter on trails requires more energy to traverse, which in turn burns more calories than walking on level surfaces.

• Commit to interval training. Interval training has long been recommended to busy adults with hectic schedules. Interval training is exercise that involves periodic short bursts of intense physical activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity activity. Interval training sessions tend to be shorter than moderate-intensity continuous training

Great workouts on days when a trip to the gym isn’t feasible

(MICT), but the periodic bursts of intense physical activity make interval training sessions highly effective workouts. In fact, a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that interval training provides similar health and performance benefits as MICT. Challenging hikes can mimic the effects of interval training, as can additional activities such as jumping rope, cycling and swimming that do not necessarily need to be performed at a gym.

• Embrace your inner yogi. Yoga is another physical activity tailor-made for busy adults who don’t have time to get to the gym each day. The characterization of yoga as a niche activity is no longer applicable, as participation among males in the United States alone grew from four million in 2012 to 14 million in 2022, according to Yogkulam.org. Though global participation figures are hard to determine, market projections estimating the valuation of the yoga industry at $215 billion in 2025 are a testament to

the popularity of this activity, which Johns Hopkins Medicine credits with improving strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga also has become increasingly accessible since the pandemic, as Yogkulam.org notes 40 percent of yoga practitioners prefer virtual classes available through platforms such as YouTube that can be streamed from the comforts of home. There’s no shortage of ways to fit exercise into your daily schedule, even on days when a trip to the gym is not in the cards.

Unique elements to include at your wedding reception

Couples who are currently planning their wedding undoubtedly hope the day will one they remember forever. Weddings will be memorialized in people’s minds and on film and video, and setting an occasion apart from other weddings and big events may come down to some creative touches that truly make it unique. Here are some interesting elements that merit consideration, many of which involve interactive entertainment.

Photo booth

There is a reason why photo booths complete with entertaining props and various backdrops are so popular. A photo booth is a great way for guests to capture the day and take home a memento. Couples can review the photo booth images and enjoy snippets of unscripted and unposed moments from the party.

Live painter

Hiring an artist to

capture the festivities can be a truly unique feature. While photography packages and wedding albums come with some turn-around time, a painting will be done at the end of the reception and can give couples a glimpse of the evening right away.

Interesting sweets display

Couples can elevate their wedding receptions by offering guests something that’s a cut above a piece of wedding cake. A “Viennese Hour,” also known as a “Venetian Hour,” is a popular wedding tradition, particularly in the tri-state area on the east coast of the United States. This hour features a lavish dessert buffet presented after the cake cutting. Couples need not have a traditional Venetian Hour, however. They can offer a table filled with various candies, cordials, doughnuts, cupcakes, or whatever special sweet they want

7 ways to

The central component of a wedding is two people vowing to share their lives together. But weddings often are family affairs that feature more than the happy couple. In fact, a wedding merges two families who will then share in celebrations that come forth from the marriage union, including the arrival of children, work successes and much more. It is fitting, then, that a wedding should celebrate this future family unit. One way to do so is to incorporate various family members into the festivities in notable ways.

showcase. Serve with monogrammed napkins.

Entertaining performance

Performers can run the gamut from cultural dancers celebrating a couple’s heritage to magicians to even a specialized singer. In addition to a band or DJ, this performer can engage the audience and provide them with a bona fide show.

Signature cocktails

Whether a couple chooses an entire open bar or has select alcoholic offerings for guests, a signature cocktail can make the reception even more special. Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history. For example, if the couple sipped Moscow Mules on their first date, serve a First Date Mule at the wedding reception. Couples can embrace various extra special touches to make their wedding receptions more memorable.

include family in your wedding

1. Processional Couples can let more than just parents and the wedding party strut their stuff down the aisle. Allow other family members to shine, such as grandparents or someone who has been a very close and supportive person in the couple’s life.

2. Readings/ Speeches

sand-combining ceremonies that signal the blending of lives.

3. Play music

anything that is unique to the family.

5. Wear special clothing

A couple wear clothing that is meaningful to a loved one, like a grandmother’s wedding gown or a tie that was passed down through the generations. If a family member is a tailor or seamstress, that person might also help tailor a wardrobe for the wedding.

6. Coordinate dances

case special people in their lives with a brief description of why these people are so meaningful to them. This also is a place to honor any deceased relatives who

are in couples’ hearts. Including additional family members in a wedding can shine a spotlight on a few extra key players in a couple’s life.

Musical family members can play an instrument during the ceremony or reception, or even sing if they have the vocal chops. Another idea is to include songs during the wedding that are meaningful to a particular relative.

4. Family traditions

Family members can give readings during religious ceremonies, lead prayers or make certain speeches. It’s also possible to ask a family member to officiate the wedding entirely or lead certain unity rituals like candle-lighting or

The bride, groom, mother, and father typically enjoy the spotlight dances during a wedding reception, but couples can expand special dances to honor and include additional family members. A large group dance that invites several family members onto the dance floor is a great way to get everyone involved.

7. Photo display

Incorporate family traditions into the reception, including cultural dances, special foods, traditional songs, or

A couple can set aside a table to show-

3 tips to create a reasonable wedding budget

Weddings are momentous occasions in the lives of couples. Recently engaged couples likely know that weddings can be expensive. The experts at the online wedding resource Zola estimated that couples would spend around $36,000 on their weddings in 2025. If that figure produces some sticker shock, couples can rest easy in the knowledge that such estimates reflect a host of variables, not all of which are applicable to each wedding. It also can calm couples’ nerves

to develop a budget as the first step in wedding planning. Once a budget is worked out, couples can then use that to guide their decisions. The need to budget for a wedding may seem obvious, but couples, particularly those tying the knot for the first time, might not know where to begin. Couples facing such a situation can consider these three budget-building tips for their wedding.

1. Identify where funds are coming from. Parents of the bride were once the traditional

sources of wedding funds, but that’s less common than it used to be. According The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average age of marriage in 2024 was 32 years. That means many couples are now on relatively firm financial footing by the time they get married, prompting some to pay for the entire affair themselves. Couples looking to establish a wedding budget can first identify who’s helping to fund it. If couples are going it alone, then this is a simple step in the process.

If parents and other relatives offer to pitch in, couples can count such offers toward the total amount of money they have to fund the big day.

2. Consider working with a financial planner. Another strategy to building a budget is to work with a professional to determine how much you can afford. Many couples now live together prior to getting engaged, and Zola notes that more than half (53 percent) even shop for rings together. Advanced wedding planning can be a wise

move, particularly for couples footing the bill on their own or with minimal assistance from family members. A financial planner can help couples determine what they can afford and offer tips to grow their existing wealth with an eye on paying for their wedding.

3. Identify your priorities. The Knot reports that venue and rentals accounted for slightly more than one-quarter (27 percent) of couples’ wedding budgets in 2025. While venues and rentals are typically the

biggest expense when planning a wedding, couples building a budget should identify their biggest priority. Some might want a stunning venue, while others might feel a backyard ceremony is perfect for them. Identifying your biggest priorities and then devoting enough funds to those areas can guide the budget-building process. Weddings can be expensive. Budgeting can help couples get the wedding they want without breaking the bank.

Creative ideas for wedding welcome bags

Who doesn’t love a goodie bag? Goodie bags are staples of kids’ parties, and “swag bags” have become the norm at everything

from trade shows to town events. Known as “welcome bags” at weddings, these tokens of appreciation help set the tone for the wedding

experience and are an extra touch that couples may want to consider.

Welcome bags may be crafted for out-oftown guests or guests who are attending destination weddings. They can be filled with necessities or just a fun mix of items. Either way, they’re great ways for couples to show friends and family they are excited for those who are sharing in the celebration. Here are some ideas for filling welcome bags.

Essential items

Oftentimes welcome bags are filled with essentials that can

help guests in a pinch. Pain relievers, breath mints, sewing kits, stain removers, and similar items are necessities that will come in handy.

Eats and treats

Food can appeal to a wide range of people. By filling up welcome bags with some bites from local vendors, couples can offer their guests a gift and support local small businesses.

Pampering products Welcome bags also can include luxury toiletries, creams, bath bombs, or any other product designed to pamper.

Products for pets

If the vast majority of guests are pet lovers, then treats and trinkets for their four-legged friends may be appreciated.

Mixologist must-haves

Packaging the ingredients to make a signature drink, perhaps one that will be served at the wedding, is another clever way to fill welcome bags. Utilize miniatures/airplane bottles of liquor and pair with small amounts of mixer and garnish.

Overnight items

A welcome bag also

can be outfitted with needs for travelers. Earplugs, sleep masks, cozy socks, and travel toothbrush are some essentials that many out-of-towners will appreciate when they check into their hotel later on.

Personalized bags Sometimes the welcome bag alone can be the gift. A decorative or monogrammed canvas bag works as a tote for the beach or a reusable bag for the supermarket. Welcome bags are an added touch that can set weddings apart.