Allegany County Source 07-31-2026

Angelica Heritage Days celebrated this coming weekend

Jones Memorial Hospital plans new $4M medical clinic in Cuba

BY JIM ECKSTROM

Jones Memorial announced Friday it plans to build a more than $4 million medical clinic at 19 Center St. in Cuba to expand access to outpatient primary and preventative care for residents in Allegany County.

The clinic will be part of Jones Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester Medicine system. JMH officials said patients will have access to shared medical records, MyChart and a streamlined referral process to specialists in the area and through URochester.

JMH officials said the

project is out to bid with a goal to break ground in September and the clinic opening to the public in summer 2027.

Carrie Walker, JMH’s vice president of practice management and professional services, said in a press release the new office is in response

to

“access gaps and the identified healthcare desert that exists in this area — characterized by demographic and socioeconomic challenges, an aging population and significant transportation barriers.

“We hope that by expanding access and

complementing existing services provided by Cuba Memorial Hospital and other providers in the area, we can help to close the gaps and enrich the lives of our patient populations,” she added.

The proposed project involves the construction of 4,400-square-foot outpatient facility consisting of seven exam rooms, including specialty care. Once completed, the clinic will house a fulltime medical doctor and one advanced practice provider, focusing on primary care family medicine and obstetrics.

Jim Helms, president and CEO at Jones, said the project is a significant investment for the

hospital, including site development, new building construction, furnishings and equipment, information technology integration and start-up and implementation costs.

“Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you

live,” he said in the press release. “By opening this new clinic, we’re addressing a critical need in a community that has long been underserved.” Helms said the investment reflects an effort by JMH and UR Medicine to improve healthcare services in the region.

“We know that when primary care is available locally, patients are more likely to receive preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and seek care before small health concerns become emergencies,” he said.

“This practice is more than a new location —

ANGELICA — Alle-

gany County made New York state history by becoming the state’s first public transit system to transition its fleet to propane autogas, as ACCESS Allegany celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Allegany County Fair.

The county expects the conversion to reduce fuel costs by more than 40% compared with gasoline, potentially resulting in more than $80,000 annual savings, which the county says will go back into keeping

buses on the road. “As county leaders, we have a responsibility to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility,” W. Brooke Harris, chairman of the Board of Legislators, said. “Propane autogas allows us to upgrade our transit fleet with cleaner, more efficient vehicles while significantly reducing fuel costs. ... This transition demonstrates that modernization and affordability can go hand in hand.”

The event July 23 featured opening remarks by Gwendolyn Cooper,

mobility manager at Ardent Solutions, alongside key addresses from distinguished guests, including Harris, state Sen. Tom O’Mara and state Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski. Representatives from the office of U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, the New York State Department of Transportation and ROUSH CleanTech also delivered remarks.

Coach & Equipment of Penn Yan, a Finger

Angelica Heritage Days celebrated this coming weekend

BY KATHRYN ROSS

ANGELICA — This year’s Angelica Heritage Days, Aug. 1-2, marks an ending and a beginning.

This is the 57th year of this annual event, which celebrates life in “The Town Where History Lives.” The slogan is part of why the Catherine Schuyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution chose the community to celebrate the semi-quincentennial of these United States, or America’s 250th anniversary.

While Heritage Days has been going on since 1969, with the DAR’s installation of a monument to the patriots of 1776, it starts a new era in the life of this first settlement in Allegany County. Angelica was founded by Philip Church in 1802 and named for his mother, Angelica Schuyler Church. She was the daughter of Revolutionary War Gen. Philip Schuyler, one of the four original major generals of the Continental Army under George Washington. She was the sister of Catherine Schuyler for whom the local DAR chapter is named.

The base for the monument was poured

in July. The monument, created by Crandall’s Memorials, will be in place this weekend for the public dedication at 11:15 a.m. Saturday.

The memorial recognizes the patriots of the Revolutionary War who settled in this area after the end of the War for Independence.

The dedication ceremony will start with a colonial processional from the Veteran’s Memorial at the west end of Park Circle and proceed to the east end of Park Circle where the monument will be unveiled. The dedication is expected to take 45 minutes and will include remarks from members of the DAR and officials.

As part of Saturday’s historical events, town historian Jonathan Makeley will give a talk at 12:30 p.m. in the library. He will highlight the controversial 1884 presidential election, which pitted Maine

Republican James B. Blaine against New York Gov. Grover Cleveland, a Democrat.

The weekend also marks the end of the annual alumni banquet for those who attended Angelica Central School. More than 30 years ago, the Angelica school district merged with the Belmont school district, resulting in Genesee Valley Central School District. The last graduation ceremony took place 30 years ago in 1996.

David Haggstrom, a spokesman for the Angelica Boosters, which organizes Heritage Days, said, “The last graduates are aging out. They’re in their late 40s now. Last year the turnout was low for the banquet so the Alumni Association decided this year will be the last. They have around 250 reservations for this year’s banquet.”

The banquet will take place at 5 p.m. behind the old school. It follows the first day of Heritage Days, which kicks off with a musical performance at 10 a.m. with the Fountain Arts Brass Ensemble in the park gazebo. The musical group Generations will perform at noon, followed

by Buckwheat Infamous at 3 p.m.

The weekend features wagon rides, a treasure hunt, theme basket auction, antique machinery displays, flea market and artisans and makers market, along with a display of alumni memorabilia in the Grange building. There will also be a digital driving/walking tour throughout the weekend. The tour highlights six buildings in the village which were used as schools, including the Wilsonian Academy. The self-guided tour will be active through the end of August.

Saturday also features the start of the croquet semifinal play. Croquet, or quoits, has been a tradition in Angelica since the late 1800s.

The festivities will continue Sunday with music by the Ukaladies at noon and Dave Mason at 2 p.m.

Food and drink will be available throughout the weekend from the Sons of the American Legion, the Angelica Hotel and others. On Sunday the Methodist Church is sponsoring a chicken barbecue at noon.

A special t-shirt, highlighting the former

schools in Angelica, will also be for sale throughout the weekend. The Colonial Rooms at the Angelica Free Library will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 11a.m. to

3 p.m. See memorabilia from the town’s colonial history.

Heritage Days will close at 4 p.m. Sunday with the announcement of the winners of the basket auction.

Cuba Library hosting screenings of Netflix’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’

CUBA — The Cuba Circulating Library is hosting free screenings of Netflix’s new adaptation of “Little House on the Prairie.”

The screenings, which started earlier in July, hold special local significance: Charles “Pa” Ingalls, the real-life patriarch immortalized in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House books, was born in Cuba, before his family’s journey west became the basis for one of America’s most enduring literary sagas.

“This is a rare chance for our community to celebrate a piece of history that started right here in Cuba,” said Tina Dalton, library director.

“We’re thrilled to bring our community together to see this new adaptation and reflect on the town’s connection to an

American classic.”

Episodes 3 and 4 will be screened Tuesday, Aug. 4; episodes 5 and 6 on Tuesday, Aug. 11; and episodes 7 and 8 on Thursday, Aug. 20. Each screening starts at 6 p.m. All screenings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Described as part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale and part origin story of the American West, the new series offers a fresh, kaleidoscopic take on Wilder’s semi-autobiographical novels, chronicling the struggles and triumphs of the families who shaped the

American frontier. Since its original publication in the 1930s, the Little House series has remained a fixture of the global literary landscape, selling more than 73 million copies in over 100 countries and being translated into at least 27 languages.

The new adaptation is helmed by showrunner and executive producer Rebecca Sonnenshine (“The Boys,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Archive 81”), alongside executive producers Joy Gorman Wettels of Joy Coalition, Trip Friendly of Friendly Family Productions and Dana Fox.

The series was directed by Sarah Adina Smith, Julie Anne Robinson, Kat Candler, Erica Tremblay and Sydney Freeland, and produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content.

dining & Entertainment

ANGELICA — Youth exhibitors showed off their beef projects at the Allegany County Fair.

In the Senior Showmanship division, Mason Findlay of Fillmore, with a firstplace finish, received a blue ribbon along with a photo frame sponsored by Mark and Lorraine Stone, followed by Sarah Wilson of Dansville, Conner Armison of Farmersville Station, Shane Ploetz of Cuba and Wyatt Tyler of Cuba, all receiving blue ribbon awards.

In Junior Showmanship, Garret Ploetz of Cuba topped the class followed by Beverley Ploetz and Caidence Armison. All three received blue ribbons. Garret received a photo frame sponsored by the Cattaraugus County Trappers; Beverly

received a manure fork sponsored by the Pierce family. The top from each division competed for Grand Champion Showman. This year’s winner, Mason Findlay, received a photo frame sponsored Stony Brook Farm. Reserve Grand Champion Showman

went to Sarah Wilson, who received a photo frame sponsored by Burch Family Dental. Following showmanship, the market classes were held starting with the Lightweight Division. First blue ribbon was awarded to a steer shown by Garrett Ploetz, followed by second blue

Blue-ribbon and champion beef exhibited at Allegany County Fair

exhibited by Beverly Ploetz.

In the Medium Weight Division, receiving blue ribbons are Mason Findley, first, followed by Shane Ploetz and Caidence Armison. The Heavyweight Division had four blue ribbon winners exhibited by Mason Findlay, Wyatt Tyler, Conner Armison and Shane Ploetz.

Grand Champion Market Beef was awarded to the heavyweight steer exhibited by Mason Findlay. He received a banner sponsored by Nicholson Pharmacy. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef was exhibited by Wyatt Tyler, who received an award banner sponsored in memory of Sarah Beiler. In the Dairy Beef Steer division, Shane Ploetz received a banner sponsored by Nicholson Pharmacy. In the Breeding Beef Division, a group of blue-ribbon stock was exhibited by Caidence Armison, Conner Armison, Mason Findlay, Shane Ploetz, Wyatt Tyler and Sarah Wilson. Grand Champion Female was awarded to a Simmental Cow/ Calf exhibited by Mason Findlay, sponsored by Burch Family Dental. Reserve Grand Champion Female, sponsored ALCO Federal Credit Union, was awarded to Sarah Wilson.

This year’s judge for the show was McGuire Insley.

Dairy Show results announced at Allegany County Fair

ANGELICA — The Allegany County Fair hosted the Youth Dairy Show, which opened with a meet-and-greet with the judge, Keith Demun of Troupsburg.

Beginning the show with the Senior Showmanship division, first place blue was awarded to Morgan Holcomb from Friendship, followed by Natalie Burrows from Cuba. First red went to Abigail Morton, Caneadea; second red to Shaelynn Eddy, Cuba; and third to Taylor Wahl.

In the Junior Showmanship division, Bentley Foster of Friendship received a blue ribbon, followed by first red to Tinsley Foster, Friendship, and second red to Cooper Hunt from Bolivar. For the Novice division, receiving blue ribbons were Garrett Ploetz and Beverly Ploetz, both from Cuba.

Winners in senior and junior showmanship divisions received a halter sponsored by Zane Covert and a novice halter sponsored by Will-Cara Farm. The top two from each division competed for Master Showmanship.

This year’s winner, Morgan Holcomb, received a director’s chair sponsored by The York Agency, represented by Lester York. Reserve Master Showman Natilie Burrows received a bucket of grooming supplies sponsored by the Allegany County Grange. One exhibitor in the Cloverbud

division, which is open to youth 5-7-year-olds, Carter Fusiara of Cuba received a bucket of goodies sponsored by Wild Geese Farm. Following the showmanship, breed classes were held. Highlights for these classes include

the following listed by award, sponsor and recipient.

Ayrshire Junior Champion, Country Crossroads Feed & Seed, Morgan Holcomb.

Ayrshire Reserve Junior Champion, Allegany County Grange, Shaylynn Eddy.

Holstein Junior Champion, Will-Cara Farm, Garrett Ploetz. Holstein Reserve Junior Champion, Hillcrest Homestead, LLC, Bentley Foster.

Jersey Junior Champion, Allegany County Grange, Natalie Burrows.

Aug

•

Eddy.

Ayrshire Senior Champion, Country Crossroads Feed & Seed, Morgan Holcomb.

Ayrshire Reserve Senior Champion, Allegany County Farm Bureau, Shaelynn Eddy.

Youth Goat Show results from Allegany County Fair

ANGELICA — Youth

exhibitors showed off their goat projects at the Allegany County Fair, a culmination of a yearplus of hard work caring for and training their animals.

In the Senior Showmanship division, Addison Middaugh, Belmont, took a firstplace finish and received a blue ribbon along with a photo frame sponsored by Bugman & Sons Inc., Emmet Roulo, Wellsville, and Kaden Huffer, Belmont, also received blue ribbon awards.

For the Junior Showmanship division, Haylie Salmonson, Wellsville, topped the class, followed by Lillian Gessel, Arkport; Ivan Jordan, Wellsville; Jackson Gessel, Arkport; and Sophie Freeman-Brauen, Wellsville. All five received blue ribbons. Haylie received a photo frame sponsored by Skyview Farm.

In the Novice division, which are first-year showmen, Savannah Middaugh, Belmont, earned first place, receiving a show harness sponsored by the Ermer family. Second place was awarded to Sarah Dorrett, Friendship; third

it’s a commitment to ensuring our neighbors have access to the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve.”

Cuba Memorial offers an Urgent Care Center — open 24 hours a day, seven days a week — as well as rehabilitation care, in-patient acute care (21 beds), palliative care and long-term care (61 beds) as well as out-

went to Garrett Ploetz and fourth to Beverley Ploetz, both from Cuba. All four received blue ribbons.

The top from each division competed for Master Goat Showman. This year’s winner is Addison Middaugh, who received a photo frame sponsored by Nicholson Pharmacy. Reserve Master Showman was awarded to Haylie Salmonson.

The single participant in the Cloverbud division — a class for 5–7 year-olds, future 4-Hers — was Finley Freeman-Brauen. The single entry in the Market Goat division was exhibited

patient testing services, including x-ray and ultrasound. CMH, in a partnership with hospitals Olean General Hospital and Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk — the Twin Tier Affiliation — as part of Kaleida Health of Buffalo, does not offer emergency or surgical care or an intensive care unit.

Universal Primary

by Addison Middaugh. She received a blue ribbon and photo frame sponsored by the Ermer Family.

In the breeding beef division, an excellent group of blue-ribbon stock was exhibited by the 4-Hers. The Junior Champion Doe was awarded to Emmet Roulo, with the Reserve Junior Champion presented to Sophie Freeman-Brauen. Emmet received a photo frame sponsored by the Kopper Keg Restaurant.

Senior & Grand Champion Doe was exhibited by Emmet Roulo, and Reserve Senior/ Grand Champion was

Care (UPC), headquartered in Olean, which offers comprehensive medical services to patients of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, also has a clinic in Cuba at 140 W. Main St. Suite 1.

an entry from Sophie Freeman-Brauen. Emmet received a photo frame sponsored In Memory of Sarah Beiler for Senior Champion and a second from Hometown Fitness for Grand.

For the Boer division, the Grand Champion Boer doe was exhibited by Garrett Ploetz and the Reserve by Beverly Ploetz. Both received a photo frame, grand sponsored by Hometown Fitness and reserve by Country Crossroads Feed & Seed.

The Champion Cart Goat was exhibited by Haylie Salmonson, and the Champion Pack Goat was exhibited by Kaden

Heiffer. Both received awards sponsored by Country Crossroads Feed & Seed. The Champion Wether was shown by Ivan Joran, who was awarded a photo frame sponsored by Hometown Fitness.

This year’s judge for the show was Sarah

Hinz from Fillmore. With 27 years of showing dairy goats, Hinz and her husband operated a commercial goat dairy for over 10 years. She loves showing sheep and goats, acknowledging it’s about the skills you develop and the people you meet.

➡Dairy Show

Jersey Senior Champion, Center Vu Farm, Morgan Holcomb.

Jersey Reserve Senior Champion, Hillcrest Homestead, LLC, Natalie Burrows.

Brown Swiss Senior Champion, Country Crossroads Feed & Seed, Abigail Morton. Brown Swiss Res. Senior Champion, Allegany County Farm Bureau, Abigail Morton. Ayrshire Grand Champion, Allegany County Farm Bureau, Morgan Holcomb. Ayrshire Reserve Grand Champion, Country Crossroads Feed & Seed,

“The hospital looks forward to partnering with the community and is thankful for the continued support,” he said.

The UR Medicine system includes flagship Strong Memorial Hospital as well as Highland Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital, all in Rochester; F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua; Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville; St. James Hospital in Hornell; and Geneva General Hospital & Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital with locations in Geneva and Penn Yan.

Regarding the Jones/ UR project, Helms expressed gratitude to the community for its support, including the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department for its partnership in securing the property for the site; the village’s Planning and Zoning Board, which recently gave approval for the project; and village and town officials for their support.

➡Allegany County Bus

continued from PAGE 1

Lakes manufacturer, built the buses, which are equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems. Ferrellgas is supplying the propane autogas.

Harris said, in a rural county spanning roughly 1,000 square miles and six service areas, the upgrade in its bus fleet ensures ACCESS Allegany remains reliable, affordable and sustainable for the long term, providing more than 50,000 rides annually for local residents traveling to doctors’ appointments, work and other essential destinations.

“Being the first public transit system in New York state to adopt propane autogas reflects Allegany County’s willingness to embrace

innovative solutions that make sense for our community,” he said.

Propane autogas also significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, contributing to cleaner air.

“Today’s celebration is proving that propane autogas is a practical, infrastructure-ready energy source that can help agencies provide affordable, reliable service,” said Joel Stutheit, the Propane Education and Research Council’s senior manager of autogas business development. “Hopefully this project shows transit leaders across New York and beyond that propane autogas is the key to steering their fleets into a more sustainable future.”

Outdoors

New bakery finds a warm welcome in Cuba

CUBA — The moment you walk through the doors of Scoops & Crumbs, you’re greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh-baked treats, colorful displays of homemade desserts and an atmosphere that feels as comforting as home.

But for owners Annie and Michael Byerley, the bakery is about much more than cookies, cupcakes and homemade ice cream. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, shared dreams and a belief that food has the power to bring people together.

Since opening in downtown Cuba in May, Scoops & Crumbs has quickly become a desti-

nation for residents and visitors alike. Families stop in for towering cookie cups, children eagerly choose between colorful desserts and neighbors linger just long enough to catch up over a scoop of ice cream. It’s exactly the kind of place the Byerleys envisioned. “We wanted to create a place where people could gather, enjoy something fresh and feel at home,” Annie said. “Cuba is such a supportive community, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Opening the bakery wasn’t about starting over — it was about building on a lifetime of culinary experience while embracing a new chapter.

Both Annie and Michael come from culinary backgrounds. Michael spent years working as a chef, while Annie built a loyal following through her bakery in Ellicottville, Cupcaked/Curated Chaos, where the couple combined their talents to create gourmet desserts and specialty offerings.

From the beginning of their relationship, they shared a common dream.

“As soon as we met, we wanted the same lifestyle,” Annie said. “We knew owning our own business would allow us to build something to-

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 PM Schedule subject to change DOC MAGIC SHOW every afternoon and evening all week at the DOC MAGIC SHOW stage. Entertainment for the young and young at heart. Come, sit and enjoy! NO PETS ALLOWED Certified Service Animals only. All certified service animals are requested to please register your animal at the office upon your arrival to the fairgrounds. Remember valid rabies vaccination identifications are required.

home improvement

Why ventilation may be the most important feature in your home

(BPT) — When you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, there’s no shortage of choices you have to make. Most homeowners focus on visible features like kitchens, flooring and smart technology. But there’s one system that matters just as much, and it’s hidden behind your walls. That system is your home’s ventilation. Why does ventilation matter?

Think of your home’s ventilation system as its lungs. It brings in fresh outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. Good ventilation means fresher air throughout your home, better moisture control, and fewer odors and indoor pollutants. Every home needs proper ventilation. Whether you live in a cold northern region, a hot and humid southern state or anywhere in between, proper ventilation keeps your home comfortable, healthy and structurally sound.

Here’s where traditional ventilation systems often fall short

Modern homes are designed to be super energy-efficient, which means they’re sealed more carefully than ever before. The downside?

That same seal that saves on your electric bill also traps stale air, humidity and cooking odors inside. Traditional ventilation systems work with a one-way approach. Some pull air out of your home and hope fresh air seeps in through cracks and gaps. Others push air in and hope stale air escapes the same way. Neither approach works well in today’s airtight homes.

The result? Uneven comfort, excess moisture, condensation on windows, lingering cooking odors, and a buildup of indoor pollutants from everyday activities like showering and cleaning. It gets worse. Exhaust-only systems can create negative pressure, allowing moisture and contaminants to seep into your walls. Supply-only systems trap moisture inside, increasing the risk of mold and longterm damage to your roof, walls, foundation and insulation.

Why balanced ventilation with an ERV is the solution Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

continuously bring fresh outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air. And it does something traditional systems can’t. It transfers heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. As energy codes continue to evolve and builders construct tighter, more efficient homes, balanced ventilation is becoming an increasingly important part of residential design. So, how can you ensure your new home provides the ventilation you need for good indoor air quality, longterm home performance and year-round comfort in any climate? The key is balanced ventilation powered by an energy recovery ventilation (ERV).

One example of a balanced ventilation solution is the Panasonic BalancedHome® Elite+ 210, an energy recovery ventilator designed for modern single-family homes. The system delivers what modern single-family homes need by:

• Helping maintain

➡New Bakery in Cuba

kind of life we wanted for our future family.”

That dream eventually led them to Cuba.

Looking for a slower pace of life, the couple found themselves drawn to the village after purchasing Michael’s childhood home. Their successful porch pickup bakery sales showed there was a demand for their creations beyond Ellicottville, and the more time they spent in Cuba, the more convinced they became that they had found where they belonged.

“Everything just felt meant to be,” Annie said. “After seeing how successful our porch pickups were, we realized there was a need for a bakery like ours in the area.”

LIKE MANY entrepreneurs, the journey wasn’t without challenges.

Launching a new business meant long days, late nights and countless decisions — from finding the right staff to determining what products to offer and learning the rhythm of a new community.

The bakery’s team

works collaboratively, contributing ideas for themed menus, seasonal specials and creative desserts inspired by travel, nostalgic childhood flavors and new culinary trends. Together, they’ve created a menu that balances gourmet execution with familiar comfort.

Their signature cookie cups have quickly become customer favorites, with flavors like blueberry cobbler and peanut butter cup drawing regulars back week after week. Homemade brownies, dessert bars, handcrafted macarons and small-batch ice cream have also become staples, while rotating seasonal offerings keep customers excited to see what’s new.

But ask the Byerleys what makes Scoops & Crumbs unique, and they’ll tell you it isn’t just the desserts.

“We want people to feel happiness when they walk through the doors,” Michael said. “We want it to be nostalgic, family-friendly and welcoming. Whether someone is stopping in for a quick treat or

celebrating something special, we want them to leave smiling and already looking forward to coming back.”

That philosophy extends beyond what customers see in the display cases.

The Byerleys have intentionally built a business centered on kindness, inclusion and community. Drawing from their own experiences, they’ve created a positive environment where both staff and customers feel accepted and valued.

“We really value having a healthy environment that’s built on love, understanding and personal experience,” Annie said. “We want everyone to know they’re welcome here.”

THE SAME spirit has shaped how Scoops & Crumbs has become part of the Cuba community.

The bakery sources ingredients locally whenever possible, supports Amish families through its baking operations and regularly collaborates with neighboring businesses. It has also begun hosting

events like children’s cookie decorating activities, coloring contests and live local music — bringing people together in ways that extend beyond dessert.

For the Byerleys, those moments matter just as much as the treats.

One of Annie’s favorite memories came during a free cookie decorating event for local children.

“Watching their faces light up while they created something of their own - that’s why we do this,” she said.

The response from the community has exceeded every expectation.

From a packed grand opening to steady streams of returning customers, the support has left the couple deeply grateful.

“We truly cry happy tears almost every day,” Annie said. “The amount of kindness and generosity we’ve experienced has been overwhelming. Seeing people come back and bring their friends and family means everything to us.”

home improvement

indoor comfort while reducing energy loss

• Filtering incoming air to support healthier indoor environments

• Allowing homeowners to monitor system performance

• Offering installation flexibility for differ-

Michael added that coming back to his hometown and seeing the community embrace the shop’s vision has been incredibly special.

That connection has only strengthened their belief in the role small businesses play in creating vibrant communities.

Whether they’re helping celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or simply offering someone a sweet treat after a difficult day, they believe local businesses have the opportunity to create meaningful moments that bring people together.

LOOKING AHEAD, the Byerleys have no shortage of dreams.

They hope Scoops & Crumbs continues to grow alongside the village they now call home, expanding community events, supporting local organizations and becoming a place where memories are made for generations.

Ultimately, they hope people remember more than just the desserts.

“We want people to remember how much

ent home designs

• Operating quietly in living spaces

A modern home deserves modern ventilation

we loved everyone,” Annie said. “We hope our bakery brought happiness to people’s lives.”

As small businesses continue to shape the identity of downtown Cuba, Scoops & Crumbs adds to a growing sense of momentum - one built on locally owned shops, personal service and the kind of everyday destinations that give a community its character.

In many ways, the bakery reflects a broader story playing out on Main Street: that revitalization isn’t just about new storefronts opening, but about spaces where people can stop in for something fresh, connect briefly and carry on with their day feeling a little more rooted in the community.

Scoops & Crumbs is located at 4 W. Main St., Cuba, N.Y., and is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. More information, including menu updates and special offerings, can be found on the bakery’s social media pages.

As homes become more energy-efficient and airtight, ventilation is no longer optional. It is essential for your family’s comfort and long-term home performance. Homeowners who prioritize balanced ventilation can enjoy

fresher indoor air, improved comfort and greater confidence that their home is performing as intended. To learn more about the benefits of balanced ventilation, ERVs and why a new home isn’t complete without it, visit BalancedHome® ERV - Elite Plus Models - 210 | Panasonic North America - United States. *BalancedHome® 210 performance may vary based on installation, operating conditions and climate.