Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. invites the public to join County officials, first responders, veterans, community leaders, and fellow residents for the County’s Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony, marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The ceremony will be held at noon on Friday, September 11, 2026, on the front steps of the Chautauqua County Courthouse, 3 N. Erie St., Mayville, NY. The public is invited to attend this solemn observance.

“Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives forever changed on September 11, 2001,” said County Executive Wendel. “We remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives that day, the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror, and those who have since lost their lives to illnesses connected to 9/11. We also remember those who continue to struggle with the physical and mental health consequences of that day and of their service.”

The 25th anniversary provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the profound impact of September 11 and to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who responded, served, and continue to live with the lasting effects of that day.

“May we never forget,” Wendel said. “And may we continue to support one another and those who still carry the visible and invisible wounds of September 11th and the years of service that followed.”

The public is encouraged to join County officials, first responders, veterans, community leaders and fellow residents for this solemn remembrance. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available on Chautauqua County’s YouTube page.

The Martz-Kohl Observatory invites the public to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. This free, educational event will be held live at the observatory (not Zoom streamed) and is suitable for all ages. Joining over 1.3 million observers across 127 countries and all seven continents, visitors will learn more about our nearest celestial neighbor.

Visitors will receive a current Moon map and learn the terminology to describe what they’re seeing when they look up. The presentation will explore why the far side of the Moon looks so different from the near side we always see (and why calling it the “dark side” gets it wrong) — and debunk the cheese theory once and for all. There will be opportunities for questions and answers during the demos and presentations. Door prizes include books about the Moon for both adults and children, as well as an awesome large 3D internally lit Moon globe.

If the weather and skies permit, viewing opportunities through various telescopes will be available. Visitors are advised to dress as if they will be outside, as the observatory domes are not climate controlled and some telescopes may be set up outside.

International Observe the Moon Night is a NASA-sponsored annual worldwide public engagement program celebrating the Moon and its connection to space exploration and human culture. This event brings together Moon enthusiasts from around the world. More info: https://martzobservatory.org

The Martz-Kohl Observatory, located at 176 Robbin Hill Rd., Frewsburg, NY, is operated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted to amateur astronomy. The emphasis of the association is observational astronomy, education outreach, citizen science, and enjoyment of the starry skies.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 12th & Sunday, September 13th at the Warren County Fairgrounds, 371 Barton Run Road, Pittsfield, PA. Held rain or shine, hours are 10 am to 5 pm each day.

For nearly five decades, the Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival has become a cherished tradition held each year the weekend after Labor Day. It continues to draw art lovers, families, and friends from near and far for a memorable celebration of creativity and community.

Visitors are welcomed by the familiar sights, sounds, and aromas of early fall — kettle corn popping, the scent of homemade pies and apple strudel, vibrant mums, crisp apples, and the warm greetings of artists reconnecting with loyal customers.

At its heart, the festival is a celebration of handcrafted artistry. More than 150 skilled artisans will be on hand, offering a wide variety of unique, high-quality creations. Throughout the grounds, live demonstrations highlight traditional and contemporary techniques, from wool spinning to the captivating process of glass blowing.

Beyond the artistry, the event offers a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment. Children and families can enjoy a traveling petting zoo, balloon art, hula hoop fun, and other interactive activities. The Tamarack Wildlife Center returns with its popular birds of prey exhibit, along with educational presentations. Weather permitting, Double C Ranch Carriage Services will offer scenic horse-drawn rides around the fairgrounds.

A special highlight this year is the return of Alexander the Magician, who is sure to enchant audiences with a blend of humor, magic, and many new surprises. For those eager to learn some magic themselves, lesson will be offered throughout the weekend. All ages are welcome to join!

Live chainsaw carving demonstrations will also be featured, with talented artists Lisa Barr of Barrnone Carvings & Creations and Brian Fox of Fox Sawmill and Custom Design transforming raw wood into impressive works of art. Visitors are encouraged to watch these creations come to life!

Rich Selfridge of Selfridge Studios will return with live glass blowing demonstrations and a collection of his handcrafted glass artwork. Known for his beautiful functional and sculptural glass pieces, Rich brings years of experience and artistry to the festival, giving visitors the opportunity to watch the fascinating process of glass blowing while exploring his one-of-a-kind creations.

Festivalgoers can take a break in the shaded picnic area or enjoy a wide variety of food options, including BBQ, gyros, crab cakes, pierogies, hand-cut fries, French artichokes, homemade pie, old fashioned root beer, and more. Live music will provide the perfect backdrop, with the Kokomo Time Band performing on Saturday and Old Dawg Bluegrass taking the stage on Sunday.

The Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Festival welcomes you to join them for a weekend of award-winning artistry and family fun. The admission fees are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and veterans, and free for children 12 and under. As a bonus, those who attend on Saturday can return on Sunday free of charge. This is a special event, one not to be missed! We look forward to seeing you there!

For more detailed information, please visit www.wildwindfestival.com, email info@wildwindfestival.com, or call 802-689-0609.

I’ve gone to quite a few concerts in my life. Live music has been a large part of my life - my parents made sure of it. The concerts I’ve attended over the years run the gamut: rock, pop, country and so on. None of them held a candle to the experience I had on Aug. 28 with my daughter seeing The Australian Pink Floyd Show at Chautauqua Institution.

The experience started as we walked down the famous Brick Walk to the Amphitheater. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as people hurried along, ready to start the fun of the evening and get to their seats. The Amphitheater awaited, an iconic open-air venue that seats 4,400 people and offers a unique experience that allows the music to wash over the crowd in ways that cannot be explained. We entered through the gates, found our seats and took in the stage setup.

I didn’t know what to expect from the Australian Pink Floyd Show, but I could tell when we sat down and gazed up at the stage, it was going to be quite the performance. There was a large, circular screen at center stage, surrounded by lights. My eldest daughter had never been to a rock concert before, and was giddy with excitement.

“They have a fog machine,” she whispered, awestruck.

The lights went down, the fog thickened, and the band members took the stage for what turned out to be a thrilling almost three hour concert. Dear readers, I use the term concert lightly, as the term does not completely explain the experience of such a show. It was as if the Australian Pink Floyd Show took us on a journey through laser lights, visuals, vocals and music that completely captured our senses.

In a time when society’s collective attention span measures as long as a Tik Tok video, this experience was a godsend. My daughter and I joined the massive crowd of hundreds in being told a story of not only Pink Floyd’s greatest hits, but something deeper: passion for the beauty in the world, a warning of the dangers of control, the pain that life can sometimes bring and the incredible balm that a collective experience of music can provide.

Chris Barnes, band member and singer, gave haunting renditions of Pink Floyd’s songs in such a way you would’ve guessed he wrote them himself. Paired with the incredible vocals and expert bass playing of Ricky Howard, the soul-clenching guitar solos of lead guitarist David Domminney Fowler and Luc Ledy-Lepine, the keyboard master Matt Riddle, the talented rhythm and groove of drummer Paul Bonney and the incredible gusto of saxophone playing by Alex Francois, the night was made instantaneously into magic through the sound and performance.

The band’s performance of hits such as “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Time,” and “Money” enveloped the entire amphitheater in energy, awe and excitement. Every time the opening riffs would sing out, the crowd responded with calls of joy and applause. A personal favorite, though it’s hard to pick just one, was the opening “call and response” to the song, “Wish You Were Here.” A well-known opening to fans across the globe, Fowler and Ledy-Lepine successfully performed the haunting cords in a musical conversation that froze time and quieted the crowd.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the breathtaking performances of backup singers Lorelei McBroom, Emily Lynn and Kelly Lamont. These three incredible performers offered show-stopping vocals and vibrant energy to the stage in a way that is hard to put into to words. From the choreography to their inspiring singing talent and the beautiful way they weaved their performance into the entirety of the show, it was an absolute testament to their passion.

While the Australian Pink Floyd Show is known as a tribute band, those who attend the show leave knowing that these musical artists can proudly stand on their own two feet. They very capably walk the line between honoring the artists who created the music they perform and adding their own verve and sense of identity to their performances. What I loved the most were the odes to Australia tucked into the show: the snippets of Australian television interspersed into the video clips, the kangaroo themes throughout the show and the appearance of the largest inflatable Kangaroo I’ve ever seen.

The best moment, albeit a personal one, was as we were leaving the venue after the concert. Overcome with emotion and euphoria, my daughter ran up to me and wrapped me in a hug, whispering, “That was epic.”

I know one thing: if The Australian Pink Floyd Show returns to Chautauqua County, I will be the first in line to get tickets. I have never been to a concert or experience quite like that before, and I can only hope to experience it just one more time. I hope, dear readers, you will take this to heart and find yourself in that line when the time comes. I’d hate to have to say, “Wish you were here.”

For more information on The Australian Pink Floyd Show, visit www.aussiefloyd.com or find them on Spotify to hear their music.

Photo Credit: Lilianna Fuller

When was the last time you walked into a room and knew you belonged? Maybe someone knew your name. Maybe you recognized something of yourself in the people around you. Maybe you simply knew your presence mattered. That question — what does it mean to truly belong? — is at the heart of this year’s Welcoming Week, September 11–19, organized locally by the New Neighbors Coalition (NNC).

“We all know the difference between being allowed into a space and actually feeling that we belong there,” said Momina Di Blasio of the New Neighbors Coalition. “Welcoming Week asks how we can create that sense of belonging for one another, especially for neighbors building a life in a new country and community.”

The week begins in partnership with Sukanya Burman Dance and the Jamestown Dance Festival. On Friday, September 11 at 7pm at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, immigrant-founded Sun Kim Dance Theatre and Music From the Sole will perform. Sun Kim’s Alien of Extraordinary explores the experience of navigating the U.S. immigration system while pursuing a life as an artist. Tickets can be purchased through the Reg Lenna box office.

You can get to know the performers more deeply by attending the Talent Has No Borders: Immigrant Artists Panel on Saturday, September 12 at 10am in the St. Luke’s Undercroft. This will be an intimate conversation on the impact of the immigration system on the creation and performance of art in the United States. Hear directly from the artists, how their journey and experiences have shaped their work.

NNC will then host a Welcoming and Belonging Through Everyday Advocacy Workshop in the St. Luke’s Undercroft on Monday, September 14 at 5pm. Explore how to practice immigrant advocacy from a place of bridging and connection, considering ways to have difficult conversations with curiosity and compassion.

The week’s central community conversation takes place Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm, when NNC, the Jamestown Justice Coalition, and the Robert H. Jackson Center host Community Conversation: Welcoming & Belonging. Moderated by Kristen McMahon, President of the Robert H. Jackson Center, the conversation will feature Daniel DeMarte, President of Jamestown Community College, Michael Edwards, Director of Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Patricia Graves, Director of Chadakoin Valley Project, Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation at Everwild Land Trust.

Together, they will explore how schools, neighborhoods, public spaces, history, and community institutions can help create a Jamestown where people don’t simply feel welcomed but know they belong. The September 12 panel, the September 14 workshop, and the September 16 community conversation are all free and open to the public.

What does welcoming mean to you? When we stay curious and open to one another, we find the stories that remind us we’re not navigating this moment alone. Welcoming Week is where these stories become action – where what communities say about themselves starts to shape what they do. Working through our own vulnerability to welcome others, to be seen, and to make our communities stronger; that is a courageous act.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection. When we are open to sharing the experiences that have shaped our perspectives, values, and ideas, we can build a deeper level of understanding that helps us find what connects us.

Be a part of the local welcoming story. NNC will be conducting short interviews before and after Welcoming Week events with community members to share their own experience with welcoming and belonging. Interviewees are welcome to share a personal story, some family history, or a moment of welcoming and belonging they witnessed of someone else. There will be various ways participants can share their stories including, via video recording, audio recording, and written interviews. There are no requirements or expectations for community members who participate in these brief interviews; the goal is simply to listen and preserve local stories.

New Neighbors Coalition is a community-based immigration support effort housed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. For general inquiry, to volunteer and to stay connected, follow www.facebook.com/NewNeighborsCoalition, email Momina Di Blasio at momina@stlukesjamestown.org or call the St. Luke’s office at (716) 483–6405.

The monthly coffee meetups, hosted by the CHQ Professionals Group, gives professionals from across Chautauqua County an opportunity to network and connect in a casual and friendly environment. The next meetup is scheduled for September 10 at Full Strength Coffee Co. in Westfield.

Reg Lenna Center for The Arts continues Memory Café program with support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Legacy Fund for Caregivers. The funding is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Memory Cafés are accepting and welcoming environments to engage people living with any stage of dementia (diagnosed or not) in enjoyable, non-clinical interventions designed to enhance the quality of life for them and their care partners.

Offered on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m., The Reg’s Memory Cafés feature musicians, visual and other performing artists, and crafts people engaging participants through their art. Additionally, The Reg offers a light lunch for all who attend. Memory Café is offered free of charge.

Reg Lenna Center for The Arts’ participation in the program began in 2024. Upcoming Memory Cafés include upcycled fall crafting with Heather Felton – Oct. 13, art with Sarah Brown-Millspaw – Nov. 10, and holiday music with Karen Suber – Dec. 8.

Patrons are asked to register for the Reg Lenna Memory Café ahead of time by emailing rsvp@reglenna.com or calling The Reg Box Office at (716) 484-7070 with the names and number of attendees. A suggested (but not required) donation of your choosing would support the Reg Lenna Memory Café, payable by cash, check and credit card. Enter the building through the Reg Lenna awning entrance (108 E. 3rd St.) next to Art Cloth+Craft. The Media Arts Studio is elevator-accessible.

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is excited to welcome Jennifer Coe as their new Program Director. Jennifer is joining the Infinity Team as they begin their 28th year of providing arts education and creative opportunities for children and teens throughout the region.

Coe brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, education, and nonprofit work to the position. A graduate of Frewsburg Central School, Jamestown Community College, and the University at Buffalo, her professional background includes work with several nonprofit organizations, serving as a student support coordinator, and teaching Anthropology and Sociology courses as an adjunct instructor at SUNY JCC.

As Program Director, Coe will work closely with Infinity’s students, families, instructors, and community partners to coordinate classes, workshops, and other programming across the organization. She will also help support Infinity’s ongoing efforts to connect young people with meaningful opportunities to explore the arts, develop new skills, and grow through creative experiences.

Coe has a strong personal interest in both the outdoors and the arts and especially enjoys helping beginning artists discover success and enjoyment while learning new skills. In her new role at Infinity, she looks forward to advocating for the importance of the arts and helping students and families find opportunities to participate, learn, and create.

Jennifer shares, “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Program Director at Infinity. Having seen firsthand the transformative role that arts and creativity play in the role of youth, my goal is to actively support the mission of Infinity’s incredible presence in the community. It is ever important to expand opportunities for area youth to explore their passions for music, art, dance and theater, while continuing to foster a safe and inspiring environment where every student feels empowered to find their voice.”

Coe lives in Gerry with her dogs, Max, Panda, and Mosquito Fluff.

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that provides music, art, dance, theater, and other arts instruction and experiences for children and teens throughout the Chautauqua County region. Through private lessons, group classes, performances, workshops, community partnerships, and other programming, Infinity creates opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and lead through active participation in the arts.

For more information about Infinity and their programs, or to learn more about the Infinity Team, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org.

The Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation recently welcomed Nancy Scriven to its Board of Directors.

A lifelong resident of Westfield, Scriven brings extensive professional, community, and fundraising experience to the hospital Foundation. She spent 28 years as a secretary at Welch Foods and served on the board of the Welch Foods Employee Association.

Scriven has remained active in the Westfield community through a variety of roles. She served as manager of the Westfield Farmers Market for two years, helping enhance its presence within the community. She also managed the wine store at Merritt Winery at Crossroads.

In addition to her professional experience, Scriven brings valuable fundraising experience through her involvement with Toys for Tots, WACS Cheerleaders and Stepping Out Dance Academy.

“I feel that my skills and experience align well with the mission of the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute,” Scriven said.

Her connection to Westfield Memorial Hospital is also deeply personal. Her brother, Jon Belcher, is a former emergency department (ED) technician – a role now held by his son, and Nancy’s nephew, Joshua, while Jon’s wife, Deborah Belcher, is a former hospital employee who served many years as a registered nurse.

Even more meaningful, four generations of Scriven’s family have personal ties to Westfield Memorial Hospital. Nancy Scriven, her husband, James, their daughter, Lisa Spencer and Nancy’s mother, Isabelle Belcher were all born at the community hospital.

With her longstanding commitment to the Westfield community, professional experience, and personal connection to the hospital, Scriven looks forward to supporting the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen and sustain one of Westfield’s greatest treasures – its community hospital for many years to come.

The Robert H. Jackson Center will host its signature end-of-summer fundraiser, Jackson After Dark, on Saturday, September 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring performances by rising star Lucas West, who placed third on Season 29 of NBC’s “The Voice.”

West, a Fairport, N.Y., native and recent SUNY Fredonia graduate, captured national attention with a knockout-round cover of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” that Joel himself shared, a moment West called a “dream come true.” Since his run on “The Voice,” West has released his debut single, “But I’m Alone,” now available on all streaming platforms.

“Jackson After Dark will not just be an event, but an experience. A celebration of the five senses,” says David Niles, RHJC’s Director of Development. “Guests will be free to wander the elegant, candlelit rooms of the historic Kent Mansion as the evening unfolds around them.”

The senses will be engaged at every turn: company members of Sukanya Burman Dance will weave improvisational performances throughout the Center, finding guests wherever they roam. Cellist Mandy Majtan will perform from the front porch, while guitarist Norm Karin plays inside the mansion.

Studio D Catering will offer hors d’oeuvres from a live Chef Action Station in the Grant Room, sponsored by M&T Bank. The Jackson Bar will serve specialty cocktails featuring spirits from Evans Wines & Liquors and wines from Johnson Estate Winery. The evening will also debut a new craft beer by Wicked Warren’s, “The Justice,” brewed in honor of Robert H. Jackson.

Tickets are $85 per person, and all proceeds support programming and operations at the Center. Tickets may be purchased through September 7 at RobertHJackson.org/events or by calling (716) 483-6646.

The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) reported its first lab-confirmed measles case in a Chautauqua County resident in more than thirty years last week. As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect the health of Chautauqua County residents, CCHD is taking proactive steps to respond to this case, reduce the risk of further spread, and ensure residents have access to the information, assistance, and support they need.

CCHD is working with the individual and appropriate health care partners to identify people who may have been exposed and provide guidance to those who may be at risk. CCHD will continue working with the community to provide access to vaccination, education, and treatment recommendations when necessary, while helping ensure individuals and families can access assistance and support as needed. More information will be shared if contact tracing identifies any known public exposures. Public health staff are also coordinating with local health care providers and New York State health officials to support a coordinated response.

Residents are reminded that measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air. Individuals who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and contact their health care provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department for guidance.

If you develop symptoms that may be consistent with measles, call your health care provider before going to a medical office, urgent care or emergency department. Calling ahead allows health care staff to take appropriate precautions to protect other patients and staff.

The Health Department strongly encourages residents to make sure they are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Free MMR vaccination is widely available throughout the county and at the CCHD. Residents who are unsure of their vaccination status, do not have insurance, or are having difficulty accessing vaccination can contact CCHD at (716) 753-4491. A list of clinic sites can be found on their website at HealthyCHQ.com.

Individuals who cannot be vaccinated or who are not yet fully protected — including infants too young to be routinely vaccinated, pregnant persons, and certain individuals with medical conditions — are at greater risk if exposed to measles. These individuals and their caregivers should consider avoiding crowded public settings where they may be more likely to encounter someone who is infected, particularly while measles activity is present in the region.

Residents should continue to monitor HealthyCHQ.com for updates such as additional measles cases, information and public health guidance.

General information regarding measles can be found at: www.HealthyCHQ.com, www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/, and www.cdc.gov/measles

September is Healthy Aging Month, a great reminder that while we cannot stop the clock, there is plenty we can do to support our health and independence as we get older. Healthy aging is not about chasing youth. It is about maintaining strength, energy, mobility, and quality of life for as long as possible.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and using certain nutrients, which means paying attention to what is on our plate becomes even more important. Three nutrients that deserve special attention are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

Calcium plays an important role in maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources, but calcium can also be found in foods like fortified plant milks, canned salmon with bones, tofu made with calcium sulfate, and some leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin D works closely with calcium to support bone health, but it also plays a role in immune function and muscle strength. Unfortunately, vitamin D can be difficult to get from food alone, and our ability to produce it from sunlight decreases with age. Fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and fortified cereals can help, but many older adults benefit from having their vitamin D levels checked and discussing supplementation with their healthcare provider if needed.

Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves, red blood cell production, and brain function. As we get older, our stomach produces less acid, making it harder to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Good food sources include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Some older adults may need fortified foods or supplements to meet their needs.

Nutrition is only one piece of the healthy aging puzzle. Preventative care and regular health check-ups are just as important. Routine visits with your healthcare provider can help identify concerns early, often before symptoms appear. Screenings, vaccinations, vision and hearing exams, dental care, and medication reviews all play a role in helping older adults stay healthy and independent.

Healthy aging does not happen overnight, and it certainly does not require perfection. Small, consistent habits like eating nutrient-rich foods, staying active, keeping up with preventative care, and staying socially connected can make a big difference over time.

After all, adding years to life is great, but adding life to those years is even better!

Check out our website at https://chqgov.com/office-aging to see all the programs and services offered. Additionally, by signing up for our communication system, if you are not already registered, will provide you with information at your fingertips. We send messages about the current programs you may be interested in through your preferred communication method: text, email, or an automated call. If you are not already signed up to receive these messages, just call us at our NY Connects line 716-753-4582.

By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, you will be well on your way towards achieving total wellness. We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services offers Nutrition & Wellness programs to support you in your journey toward total wellness. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for more details and information about any of the Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.

SNAP-Ed materials are funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Some of these materials have been funded in whole or in part by grants from the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and/or the Administration on Aging (AOA) and/or Administration for Community Living (ACL). Nothing herein is intended, nor should be construed, as an endorsement by the State of New York.

The Chautauqua County Health Department, in partnership with the Town of Ripley, Chautauqua County Humane Society, The Pet Pantry, and Lakeshore Humane Society, will host four free rabies vaccination clinics to help protect dogs, cats, and ferrets, as well as the community, from this fatal disease.

Clinic Dates and Locations:

Sat., Sept. 12th | 10 AM – 12 PM — The Salvation Army, 83 South Main Street, Jamestown

Thurs., Sept. 17th | 5 PM – 7 PM — Town of Ripley: Highway Barn, 50 Ross Street, Ripley

Sat., Sept. 19th | 9 AM – 11 AM — Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut Street, Dunkirk

Sat., Oct. 3rd | 10 AM – 12 PM — The Salvation Army, 83 South Main Street, Jamestown

How to Participate:

Eligibility: Dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age and older are eligible for a vaccination.

Pre-registration required: Visit HealthyCHQ.com/rabies to schedule an appointment. If unable to attend, please cancel via your confirmation email to open your spot to others.

Bring prior vaccination records: These are needed to determine if your pet is eligible for a three-year booster.

Secure your pet: All dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals to the veterinarian for vaccination.

Under New York State Public Health Law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. These clinics offer a safe, convenient opportunity for pet owners to comply and keep their animals protected.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is most commonly spread by raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, and is transmitted through saliva — often via bites or scratches.

For more information about each clinic, contact the hosting facility or municipality. For general rabies information, visit HealthyCHQ.com/Rabies or contact the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.