CMYK
A2 Thursday, April 23, 2020
Home & Garden
It doesn’t take much time for the positive benefits of being out in nature to kick in. “We’re talking 10 minutes outside in a space
with nature,” said Gen Meredith, lead author of the study conducted at Cornell University.
It’s spring, time to get outdoors
Research finds spending time in nature reduces stress
By Melanie Greaver Cordova
Cornell University News
ITHACA – New research
from an interdisciplinary Cor-
nell team has found that as
little as 10 minutes in a natural
setting can help college stu-
dents feel happier and lessen
the effects of both physical and
mental stress.
The research, published in
Frontiers in Psychology, is
part of a larger examination of
“nature therapy” and aims to
provide an easily-achievable
dosage that physicians can pre-
scribe as a preventive measure
against high levels of stress,
anxiety, depression and other
mental health issues.
“It doesn’t take much time
for the positive benefits to kick
in — we’re talking 10 minutes
outside in a space with nature,”
said lead author Gen Meredith,
associate director of the Master
of Public Health Program and
lecturer at the College of Vet-
erinary Medicine. “We firmly
believe that every student, no
matter what subject or how
high their workload, has that
much discretionary time each
day, or at least a few times per
week.”
Meredith and her co-authors
reviewed studies that examined
the effects of nature on people
of college age (no younger
than 15, no older than 30) to
discover how much time stu-
dents should be spending out-
side and what they should be
doing while they’re there. They
found that 10 to 50 minutes in
natural spaces was the most
effective to improve mood,
‘ This is an opportunity to challenge our thinking
around what nature can be. It is really all around
us: trees, a planter with flowers, a grassy quad
or a wooded area.
GEN MEREDITH
Cornell University
focus and physiological mark-
ers such as blood pressure and
heart rate.
“It’s not that there’s a
decline after 50 minutes, but
rather that the physiological
and self-reported psychological
benefits tend to plateau after
that,” said Donald Rakow,
associate professor in the
School of Integrative Plant
Science, and one of five co-
authors on the study.
To enjoy the positive effects
of being outside, students need
only to be sitting or walking,
the two primary activities the
researchers examined in an
effort to provide accessible rec-
ommendations.
“We wanted to keep this
access to nature as simple and
achievable as possible,” says
Rakow. “While there is a lot
of literature on longer out-
door programs, we wanted to
quantify doses in minutes, not
days.”
For Cornell students, there
are a multitude of options for
escaping into nature. For urban
universities, research suggests
that adding green elements
to a built space can produce
the same results. It is the time
’
spent in nature, not necessarily
nature itself, that’s beneficial.
“This is an opportunity to
challenge our thinking around
what nature can be,” says Mer-
edith. “It is really all around us:
trees, a planter with flowers, a
grassy quad or a wooded area.”
The impetus for this work is
a movement toward prescrib-
ing time in nature as a way to
prevent or improve stress and
anxiety, while also supporting
physical and mental health out-
comes. The researchers wanted
to consider what “dose”
would need to be prescribed to
college-age students to show
an effect. They are hoping that
when it’s applied at universi-
ties, it becomes part of a stu-
Metro Creative
dent’s routine and is consumed
in regular doses, like a pill.
“Prescribing a dose can
legitimize the physician’s rec-
ommendation and give a tangi-
ble goal” says Meredith. “It’s
different than just saying: ‘Go
outside.’ There is something
specific that a student can aim
for.”
Meredith and Rakow’s co-
authors include Erin Eldermire,
head librarian at the Flower-
Sprecher Veterinary Library;
Cecelia Madsen, Steven
Shelley, epidemiologist at the
Maine Center for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention; and Naomi
Sachs, assistant professor at the
University of Maryland.
“To do this research just for
the sake of doing it doesn’t
mean anything, but doing it for
the purpose of being able to
inform programs and policies
on university campuses — that
makes it worth the invest-
ment,” says Meredith. “That’s
how public health improve-
ment happens.”
Melanie Greaver Cordova is
managing editor at the College of
Veterinary Medicine.
Turn your new
house into a home
METRO CREATIVE
Historically low mortgage
interest rates are helping to
drive a new wave of home
sales.
Data from the U.S. Cen-
sus Bureau indicates rough-
ly 14 percent of the popula-
tion, or around 40 million
people, move every year for
various reasons.
While people may be
inclined to move far from
their current residences, the
moving resource Move.org
notes that some U.S. states
are seeing an influx in peo-
ple leaving while others are
absorbing new residents.
Illinois, Alaska, New Jer-
sey, New York, and West
Virginia are the top five
states Americans are leav-
ing, while Idaho, Nevada,
Arizona, Oregon, and Mon-
tana are gaining residents.
People relocate for vari-
ous reasons. After moving
into a new house, it can
take some effort to turn that
house into a true home and
feel comfortable in your
new environs.
These steps can help that
process along:
n Create at least one
complete and serene space.
Focus on setting up the bed-
room so you can retreat at
the end of the day. Invest
in new furniture or get new
bedding to give the room
this comforting feeling.
After moving into a new house, it can take some effort to
turn that house into a true home and feel comfortable in
your new environs.
Livingston County News
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
April 23, 2020
n Create an organi-
zational plan. It can be
tempting to want to throw
everything in closets and
unpack quickly, but give
yourself time to fully ana-
lyze where you want to
store items, where you may
need to paint or reconfig-
ure spaces, as well as any
home improvements you
want to make before tak-
ing out all of your stuff.
When you fully unpack, you
can immediately enjoy your
hard work.
n Hang artwork. Hang a
few select pieces of artwork
or family photos shortly
after moving in. Surround
yourself with things that
make you feel good.
n Bring mementos. Your
first home may bring about
warm feelings. While you
can’t recreate it entirely,
you can use a piece of fur-
niture or a few family heir-
looms to make your new
space feel homey.
n Rely on familiar
scents. Break in the new
space with familiar aromas,
whether it’s preferential air
fresheners, scented candles
or baking your favorite
chocolate chip cookie rec-
ipe.
Moving into a new home
can be exciting. Certain
touches can help make the
new space feel more like
home.
Metro Creative
 CMYK

Livingston County News Thursday, April 23, 2020 A3

STORE WIDE
CLEARANCE!
UP
TO 75% off
All Remaining
Fairy Garden Supplies 60% Off
Pet Supplies 50% Off
Pet Food 40% Off
Muck Boots
Canning Supplies 35% Off
Pool Supplies
Lawn & Garden
Décor, Supplies, Chemicals & Fertilizers
Bird Feeding Supplies
ALL SALES FINAL!
Excluded Departments: Fuel, Hearth Appliances and Accessories,
Grilling, Stihl Equipment & Supplies and Service

5 Maple Street, Dansville, NY

585.335.7670
townandcaountryagway.com
Smaller box, bigger service.
 CMYK

A4 Thursday, April 23, 2020 Livingston County News

Home & Garden

Improve storage at home
METRO CREATIVE
Homes are getting big-
ger, but it seems like peo-
ple are still lamenting a
lack of storage space.
National Public Radio
says the average Ameri-
can home has nearly tri-
pled in size during the last
50 years. Despite that, 10
percent of Americans still
need to rent off-site stor-
age, according to a report
in the New York Times
Magazine. Self-storage
facilities are one of the
fastest-growing commer-
cial real estate segments,
and the Self Storage Asso-
ciation says there are more
than 50,000 storage facili-
ties in the U.S. alone. The
commercial real estate
company CBRE, Ltd.,
says there are roughly
Provided Photograph Provided Photograph 3,000 self-storage facili-
Stihl products are available for purchase at Town and Coun- ties across Canada, and 65
Town and Country Agway in Dansville has specialized in
try Agway in Dansville, where Jason Buckel is a certified hearth and chimney since 1994. That focus will continue as to 85 percent of self-stor-
Stihl mechanic. the store shifts to become Phoenix Hearth & Power. age tenants are residential
users.
home storage solution, and
does not require any build-
ing.
Think vertically
Maximize spaces by
looking up and down for
storage possibilities. Items
that are not used frequent-
ly, such as seasonal deco-
rations or travel suitcases,
can be stored in high spac-
es. Shelving on walls can
go as high as necessary
and be put to use in awk-
ward wall areas, such as in
corners or under eaves.
Invest in storage
benches/ottomans
A stopping area inside
the front door replete
with a storage bench can
house shoes, umbrellas,
hats, backpacks, and other
items, keeping them tidy
and out of sight. In living
rooms, look for chests or
ottomans that are decora-

Buckel brothers to take over Improving storage at tive and functional. Store
home can be a cost-effec- throw blankets or board
tive alternative to renting games inside.
storage space. With these Recess drawers

Town and Country Agway easy tips, homeowners can

BY KORI SCIANDRA
ksciandra@batavianews.com
DANSVILLE – Town and Country
Agway, 5 Maple St., has been serving the
community since 1994.
Owned by Ed and Jeff Gunn, Town and
Country Agway specializes in hearth and
chimney, including brands such as Har-
man, Lopi, and Fireplace Xtrordinair, as
well as, outdoor power equipment includ-
ing Husqvarna, Stihl, Gravely, and Mahin-
dra.
Ed will soon be passing the torch to his
two sons-in-law Jason and Bryan Buck-
el, brothers who married Ed’s daughters
Cassie and Lindsay.
“Ed and Jeff were ready to step down.
Jeff is looking to pursue other opportuni-
ties and Ed wants to semi-retire, though
he’ll still be working for us in a smaller
capacity,” said Jason. “My brother, Bryan,
and I have been planning on purchasing
the store.”
Under the new ownership, the store will
be renamed Phoenix Hearth & Power,
while maintaining focus on the same qual-
ity of customer service that it has always
offered to customers, Jason said.
Usual items are still available for pur-
chase. However, the store will shift its
focus towards what the Buckel brothers
specialize in, which includes stoves, Stihl
power equipment, and grilling.
“We will still focus on stoves, wood
pellet stoves, full sales and service, fuels,
pellets, etc.,” said Jason.
Bryan is National Fireplace Institute and
Chimney Safety Institute of America cer-
tified. He will maintain all certifications
upon gaining ownership. Jason, in turn,
is a certified Stihl mechanic and will be
seeking higher level certifications through
Stihl.
“We’re still trying to service the com-
munity the best we can, considering the
circumstances,” said Jason. “We’re con-
sidered an essential business right now
because we supply heating services;
agricultural supplies, like feed; and Stihl
power equipment.”
“These are tough times for all of us, but
we’re trying,” he said.
The Buckel brothers will continue the
traditional preseason sales from Town and
Country Agway, including annual stove
services. The store is currently featuring
its preseason pellet sale with the lowest
maximize space immedi-
ately.
Utilize track
or shelves
Gain more storage by
recessing a chest of draw-
price of the year available. Once the store ers into what is called
transfers ownership and becomes Phoenix
storage systems the “knee wall” of homes
Hearth & Power, Jason and Bryan hope to Closets may be plenti- that have sloped ceilings
grow the store with demonstrations. ful, but if not efficiently in attics and upstairs bed-
“The demonstrations would take place utilized, space may still rooms. Utilize these short
at the store. For example: If there were seem lacking. Track clos- walls in an efficient man-
a company – such as a fire department – et storage systems often ner by sinking drawers or
interested in Stihl power equipment, we make greater use of closet shelves into them, without
would have a representative from Stihl – space than traditional shelf taking up floor space.
and hanging rod systems.
who specializes in these tools – come to Rafter shelving
the store and do an on-site demonstration Customizing closets using
of the products, while we fire up the grill,” track systems or other While in the attic (or
said Jason. modifications can improve a garage), add hang-
Town and Country Agway is consid- utility of all closets in the ing shelves to rafters or
ered an essential business during the pan- house. exposed beams to create
demic and is willing to accommodate its off-the-floor storage as
customers in any way possible.
Invest in storage beds well.
“We want to thank our customers for Storage beds typically These are just a few of
their continued support and we hope to feature cubbies or draw- the handy ways to improve
keep giving the same great customer ser- ers within a platform-style the interior storage space
vice,” said Jason. “We are the same people bed frame. It’s a practical in a home.
that have been here the whole time.”
Eventually, once the spread of COVID-
19 is contained, the store will follow
through with the name change and host
a grand reopening. They are working on
launching a website. Follow Town and
Country Agway on Facebook, or call
(585) 335-7670.

4 mulching mistakes to avoid

METRO CREATIVE
Landscape features vary sig-
nificantly from house to house.
Some homeowners may pre-
fer water features on their prop-
erties, while others focus on
flowers that would be the envy
of a botanical garden. Regard-
less of those preferences, lawn
and garden enthusiasts who
want to make their properties as
idyllic as possible may eventu-
ally look to mulch to help them
accomplish that goal.
Mulch helps soil retain mois-
ture, which promotes strong,
healthy flowers, plants, trees,
and shrubs.
And because soil beneath
mulch retains more moisture
than soil that’s not protected
by mulch, homeowners won’t
have to spend as much time
watering mulched landscapes.
That saves time and conserves
water, which can be a big ben-
efit in areas prone to drought
and/or especially hot summers.
Mulch also helps to suppress
weed growth, which can ensure
all that hard work needed to
create an eye-catching garden
won’t be compromised by the
Lawn and garden enthusiasts who want to make their prop-
erties as idyllic as possible may eventually look to mulch to
help them accomplish that goal.
presence of unsightly, thirsty
weeds.
Mulching seems like a simple
task, and it can be. But that does
not mean homeowners cannot
make mistakes when mulching.
The following are some
common mulching mistakes to
avoid as lawn and garden sea-
son hits full swing.
n Not enough mulch: Mulch
is ineffective when spread too
Metro Creative
thin. The Virginia Cooperative
Extension at Virginia Tech and
Virginia State University rec-
ommends applying mulch no
less than two inches in depth.
Anything less than that will
prove ineffective at preventing
weed growth and helping the
soil retain moisture, and that
means you will need to water
more often.
n Poorly located mulch:
Mulch should not be placed
too close to plant stems or tree
trunks. When it is, tissue is so
wet that it makes for a perfect
environment for disease and
insect infestation.
n Failing to mulch to the
drip line: The drip line of a
tree refers to the outermost cir-
cumference of the tree’s canopy
from which water drips onto the
ground. The VCE recommends
mulching to the drip line of a
plant or tree, which ensures the
plant or tree will get the most
out of the mulch. Mulching to Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized,
the drip line also minimizes space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage
competition from the grass, systems often make greater use of closet space than
leading to stronger plants and traditional shelf and hanging rod systems.
trees.
n Failing to weed before
mulching: Weeds should be
removed prior to mulching. If
they’re not, the mulch can pro-
vide the same growing envi-
ronment for weeds that you’re
trying to create for your plants
and trees.
Mulching benefits a land-
scape in myriad ways, espe-
cially when homeowners avoid
some common mulching mis-
takes.

84 Avon Geneseo Rd.,

Geneseo, NY 14454
Cell: 585-315-6617
Office: 585-243-2643 ext 101
Fax: 585-243-1838 Patricia Cole
pat@abcolerealestate.com Lic. R.E. Broker & Notary Public
www.abcolerealestate.com 585-315-6617