438-79807279 Rochester RdLockportOPEN 9AM-1AMOPEN 11AM-8PM15 Locust StreetDowntown Lockport2 LOCATIONS FOR YOUR conveniencE434-6667Order online atsub-delicious.comWe deliver!ALLBREED HIDDEN FENCINGwww.dogobey.com716-434-8959Don’t Complain...Train & ContainHours 7am - 10pm Every Day 9202 Ridge Road • Middleport, NYFOR A VARIETY STORE SHOPPING EXPERIENCEMANY NEWITEMSSoftServIce Creamarriving in 2026WholesaleMerchandiseGroceries - Lotto - BeerPizza - Gas & MoreiBankingCheckingAccountsAutoLoansVisaCreditCardsIRAsSavingsAccountsHomeLoansAndMore!(800) 439-6000Become a member today! osfcu.comProudly serving all of Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming,Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Steuben Counties.APaul PostEvery TuesdayDale Asssociation9:30am - 12:30pm33 Ontario St., LkptEvery fi ursdayYMCA9:30am - 1pm5873 Snyder Dr., LkptTo schedule anIn-Home VisitCall 716-341-7902Lic. Sales AgentStop by one of these locationsFor accomodation of persons with special needs at meetings, call 716-341-7902, TTY 711716-341-7902Get the coverage that you need, when you need itHe will be in 2 or more ads as well as other spots throughout the paper,HAPPY HUNTING!!Playing is FUN and EASY!Just search the ads, articles and puzzles in each weekspaper and look for Toby. Toby comes in ALL sizes... Remember to count them ALL!!Each week we will be giving away a $20 Gift Card from alocal merchant.TOBY TIDBITSWEEKLYCONTEST RULESemail your Toby sightings to: [email protected] TIDBITSWEEKLYCONTESTSTARTSemail your Toby sightings to: [email protected] the February 1st IssueVolume 10, Issue #31$20 Gift Card from alocal merchantWEEKLY DRAWING FORcompletecontest rules at bottom of page 4TIDBITS® SAYS …FAREWELL TO JANUARYby Kathy WolfeThis week, Tidbits bids farewell to the first month of 2026 with these facts about the month of January. • The month of January is named after the ancient Roman god Janus, the god of time, beginnings, transitions, passages, and endings. His image is two-headed, symbolizing his supposed ability to see into the past with one face and into the future with the other. • In the original Roman calendar, there was no January. March was the first month of the year, and the calendar consisted of just 10 months – six 30-day months and four 31-day months. Rome’s second king, Numa Pompilius, gave the calendar an overhaul during the 7th century B.C., adding 50 days and taking a day from each of the 10 months, creating two new winter months, Ianuarius to honor Janus, as a symbol of new beginnings, and Februarius to pay tribute to the Roman purification festival of Februa. • The Gregorian calendar, which we have followed since 1582, was adjusted to 365.2425 days, the time it takes for the Earth to travel around the sun. But not everyone switched to the adjustment, including Eastern Orthodox churches. Because they follow the older Julian calendar, established by Julius Caesar, while much of the world has stowed away their(continued on the next page)STARTSNEXT WEEKFEBRUARY 1VOL 10, ISSUE 31Week of January 25th 2026 Volume 10, Issue #30e-mail: [email protected]: www.tidbitsofniagararegion.comTo Place an AdCall 716.807.7729 or 716.957.0836 Published by Toby Publishing, Inc.Of Niagara RegionThe Neatest Little Paper Ever Read®
Unscrambled on Page 8Solution Puzzle on Page 6BYHENRYBOLTINOFFDifferences on page 7Solution Puzzle on Page 6Solution Puzzle on Page 8For General Public UseServing Niagara CountyHandicapped AccessibleRoute Info: 716-282-8544www.niagaracounty.com/bus86 Telegraph Road • Middleport • 716-735-3200FINANCING ON ALL EQUIPMENT* 0%middleporttractor.comBRR ITS COLD OUTSIDE*handheld pwer tools excluded> Windows> Doors> Sinks> Skirting> Tubs> Heating> Set Up> And More5909 S Transit • Lockport(located in the Big Lots Plaza)(716) [email protected] HOME PARTS & ACCESSORIES STORENOWOPENinLOCKPORTNEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO HOLY FAMILYof Jesus, Mary & Joseph REFRESHMENTSAVAILABLEBRANDNEWGAMESt. Vincent de Paul Parish2748 Military RoaDplayed EVERY Wednesday night atNiagara Falls, NYDoors Open @ 5pmEarly Birds 6:55pm • Regular Bingo 7pm$1,000 PROGRESSIVE • QUEEN OF HEARTS GIVE Don A Call 716-262-6270HiNeigHborsI Buy Mobile Homes!If you live in the Village or Woodlands Mobile HomeCommunities and want out of your Lease, areLooking to Sell, or are Going Into Foreclosure Double WideMobiile HomesPreferred!!FAREWELL TO JANUARY (cont’d):Christmas decorations, the Eastern Orthodox are celebrating Christmas on January 7.• The garnet gemstone is the birthstone of the month of January. The garnet is one of the oldest known gems, with necklaces discovered in the tombs and mummies of the Ancient Egyptians. The stone is symbolic of many things – constancy (due to its enduring nature), courage, strength, and protection. Some medieval kings wore garnets as protection during battle. During the Middle Ages, the clergy esteemed garnets as symbols of Christ’s blood and sacrifice.• The first U.S. President Inauguration Day took place in 1789 to swear in George Washington as the nation’s first president. The ceremony was held on April 30, 1789 on the balcony of the Federal Hall, the capitol building of the United States, in New York City, then the nation’s capital. Inaugurations were held in Philadelphia, which had become named the nation’s capital, in 1793 and 1797, then moved to Washington, D.C., the new capital, in 1801. Beginning in 1793, Inauguration Day was moved to March 4 (or March 5 if the 4th fell on a Sunday), and this date remained in place through the 1933 inauguration, the first of four ceremonies for Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 20th amendment of the U.S. Constitution moved Inauguration Day to January 20 as a measure to reduce the “lame-duck” period between presidents. • Patents for many everyday items were issued during the month of January, including the pop-up toaster in 1929. An envelope-making machine received a patent in January, 1849, and a machine for making ice cream cones received its rights in 1924. A process for the manufacture of gasoline was approved in 1913, and E.G. Otis was issued a patent in 1861 for an “improvement in a hoisting apparatus,” namely, an elevator. The game of Monopoly received its patent in January, 1935.• In the Northern Hemisphere, January is usually the coldest month, but the opposite is true(continued on the next page) Tidbits® Page 2 of Niagara Region For advertising rates call 716.807.7729
Answers on Page 7Answer on page 7Solution puzzle on page 7ANTLERSAXEBEAR RUGCABINCEDARCHIMNEYCHINKINGFIREPLACEHEARTHHOMESTEADLANTERNLODGELOFTLOGSMANTELNOTCHINGPANTRYPORCHRETREATROCKING CHAIRRUSTICTIMBERWOOD PILEWOODSTOVELOG CABIN WORD SEARCHPAW’S CORNERBy Sam Mazzotta1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the festival of lights that’s celebrated in some European countries as the start of the holiday season?2. MOVIES: Which actor played folk singer Pete Seeger in “A Complete Unknown”? 3. SLOGANS: Which company uses the advertising slogan “The Best a Man Can Get”?4. HISTORY: What was the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention about?5. TELEVISION: What is the name of Liz Lemon’s show in the sitcom “30 Rock”? 6. SCIENCE: What kind of substance does Boyles’ law govern?7. FOOD & DRINK: What is the primary ingredient in the Italian dish calamari?8. LITERATURE: Which Shakespeare play introduces the characters Beatrice and Benedick?9. MATH: What kind of number is pi (3.14)?10. MUSIC: What is the name of the house band on “The Tonight Show”?(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.Answers on page 7Introducing dogs and catsDEAR PAW’S CORNER: I have two laid-back cats, my boyfriend has a big sweet dog named “Gabriel,” and we are moving in together in a few weeks. Gabe is very well socialized and he spent his puppyhood in a big house with cats, so I’m not worried about him adapting to a new situation. But I’m not sure how my cats will react. How can I make sure life will be lowstress together? -- Chase T. in AtlantaDEAR CHASE: You have a great advantage in that your boyfriend’s dog is already used to living with cats.Before your move-in date, gradually get the cats familiar with Gabriel by bringing him over for a few hours, several days per week if possible. Before his arrival, create a safe space for the cats where they can retreat, because when a big, goofy dog lumbers in the door, they will most likely run for cover. Once Gabe is settled and calm, have him lie down, with your boyfriend keeping hold of his leash. Bring each cat out, one by one, in your arms, and calmly approach him. When the cat tenses up, hisses or tries to escape, stop and take a few steps back. Stay far enough back that your cat remains calm in your arms but can see the dog. After a few minutes, take your cat back to their safe space and repeat with the other cat. Repeat this process on each visit to minimize stress and trauma for the cats and the dog. Continue after you move in together. It may take weeks or months for them to be comfortable with each other, but a calm, consistent approach will help.Send your tips, comments or questions to:[email protected].(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.Answers on page 61. Between Serbian tennis rivals Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, who won more Grand Slam singles titles?2. The 1951 biographical film “Follow the Sun” starred Glenn Ford as what legendary golfer? 3. What two NFL teams played in a December 10, 2017, game known as the “Snow Bowl” and “Snowvertime,” in which 8-9 inches of snow fell during the contest? 4. Name the American sprinter who won a total of four medals at the 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin Olympics and went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois in the 1970s.5. What is the nickname of Kent State University’s athletic teams?6. He scored two touchdowns in Super Bowl I as a running back for the Green Bay Packers. His son played cornerback for the Buffalo Bills and Packers from 1985 to 1990 before working as a broadcaster. Who are they? 7. What Major League Baseball player turned umpire brawled with members of the Chicago White Sox following a 1932 game in which they took exception to his calls?(c) 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.BRAND NEWHOMES HAVE ARRIVEDstarti ng from the low $80K’s in LockportAll-Age Community6237 S. Transit RdLockport, NY 14094Home details apply to specifi c homes only and are subject to change without notice.Must meet residency requirements. Additional restrictions may apply, ask associate for full details.The dealer is Realty Systems Pennsylvania, Inc. dba The Woodlands Pet Friendly • PlaygroundBasketball CourtClubhouse • Fitness CenterCall today to schedulea private tour!(716) 625-6000myMHcommunity.comABK GROOMING4650 MILLERSPORT HWYEAST AMHERST NY 14051DEBBIE SPARKS716-392-2384Athletic Shoes, Boots, SlippersMedium, Wide, Extra WideTeva Sandals • Merrell • Saucony • SkechersBates Boots • Oldfriend SlippersWigwam Socks - made in the USA!585-798-378410640 Ridge Road • Medina, NY 14103OpenTues - Thurs10am - 4pmFri & Sat10am - 5pmClosedSunday & MondayWe stock medium to extra wide widths formen & womenslip on shoesBrand Name FootwearFAREWELL TO JANUARY (cont’d):in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the second month of the summer and the hemisphere’s warmest month. • When you’ve had an “epiphany,” you’ve had a moment of sudden insight, something has been shown to your mind, in other words, “the light went on.” The word itself means “manifestation.” In terms of the month of January, January 6 is celebrated as Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. It’s a holiday that commemorates the revelation of Jesus as the Christ to the three Magi, wise men who had traveled from the “East,” perhaps Arabia, Persia, or India. According to eighth-century writings, their names were Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. • Twelfth Night refers to Epiphany Eve, January 5, the “last day of Christmastide,” celebrated by many with a Twelfth Night cake, a rich fruit cake soaked in brandy and covered with a layer of hard icing. It’s topped with sugar figures, fancy sculptures, and decorative piping. A large dried bean is baked inside the cake and whoever receives that piece is declared the ruler over the evening’s festivities. A recipe for the cake from an 1865 cookbook calls for 18 eggs! • For those who follow astrology, two zodiac signs are within the month of January, Capricorn the goat and Aquarius the water-bearer. According to the stars, those born between December 22 and January 19 under Capricorn are ambitious, self-disciplined, reliable, trustworthy, stable, and frugal. Aquarians born between January 20 and February 18 are creative individuals who are deep thinkers who spend a lot of time working through challenges. Astrologers call them introverts who are not great communicators.• There are some rather obscure observances(continued on the next page)Tidbits® For advertising rates call 716.807.7729 of Niagara Region Page 3
Prepaid Funeral Plans (continued)Dear Savvy Senior,I have been thinking about planning my funeral in advance so my kids won’t have to later but would like to inquire about prepaying. Is it a good idea to prepay for a funeral that you might not need for a while? — Aging AnnieDear Annie,Planning your funeral in advance is definitely a smart move. Not only does it give you time to make a thoughtful decision on the type of service you want, it also allows you to shop around to find a good funeral provider, and it will spare your adult children the burden of making these decisions at an emotional time. But preplanning a funeral doesn’t mean you have to prepay too. In fact, the Funeral Consumer Alliance, a national nonprofit funeral consumer protection organization, doesn’t recommend it unless you need to spend down your financial resources so you can qualify for Medicaid. Here’s what you should know.Preneed ArrangementsMost funeral homes today offer what is known as “preneed plans” which allow you to prearrange for the type of funeral services you want and prepay with a lump sum or through installments. The funeral home either puts your money in a trust fund with the payout triggered by your death or buys an insurance policy naming itself as the beneficiary. If you’re interested in this route, make sure you’re being guaranteed the services you specify at the contracted price. Some contracts call for additional payments for final expense funding, which means that if the funeral home’s charges increase between the time you sign up and the time you sign off, somebody will have to pay the difference. Here are some additional questions you should ask before committing:• Can you cancel the contract and get a full refund if you change your mind?• Will your money earn interest? If so, how much? Who gets it?• If there is an insurance policy involved, is there a waiting period before it takes effect? How long?• Are the prices locked in or will an additional payment be required at the time of death? • Are you protected if the funeral home goes out of business or if it’s bought out by another company?• What happens if you move? Can the plan be transferred to another funeral home in a different state?• If there’s money left over after your funeral, will your heirs get it, or does the home keep it?If you decide to prepay, be sure to get all the details of the agreement in writing and give copies to your family so they know what’s expected. If they aren’t aware that you’ve made plans, your wishes may not be carried out. And if they don’t know that you’ve prepaid the funeral costs, they could end up paying for the same arrangements.Other Payment OptionWhile prepaying your funeral may seem like a convenient way to go, from a financial point of view, there are better options available.For example, if you have a life insurance policy, many policies will pay a lump sum when you die to your beneficiaries to be used for your funeral expenses. The payment is made soon after you die and doesn’t have to go through probate.What You Should KnowAbout Prepaid Funeral PlansOr you could set up a payable-on-death (or POD)account at your bank or credit union, naming the person you want to handle your arrangements as the beneficiary. POD accounts also are called Totten Trusts. With this type of account, you maintain control of your money, so you can tap the funds in an emergency, collect the interest and change the beneficiary. When you die, your beneficiary collects the balance without the delay of probate.Send your questions or comments to:[email protected], or to: Savvy Senior,P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.(cont’d in next column under Rutland-Corwin ad)by Jim MillerSolution puzzleon page 8THS IS LAST WEEK’SSCRAMBLERPUZZLE WE HAD WRONGANSWER /SOLUTIONIN LASTWEEKS PAPERCORRECTEDANSWER ISON PAGE 8Solution on page 8Family-Owned & Operated Since 1916 Serving the GreaterNewfane-Somerset-Wilson Area2670 Main St • Newfane716-778-7022 [email protected] TIDBITSWEEKLY CONTEST RULESJust search the ads, articles and puzzles in each weeks paper and look for Toby.Then email your sightings (places you spot Toby) to: [email protected] midnight the Friday of that weeks paper and include your name, address,issue # from the front page header (right side) and whether or not you areokay with us publishing your name and community in the following weekspaper as the last week’s winner. Must be 18 years old to enter.Playing is FUN and EASY!Each week we will be giving away a $20 Gift Cardfrom a local merchant.Winner will be chosen from entries submitted with correct # and locations ofToby sightings by noon each Saturday and notified by return email.Gift card will be mailed by the following Monday. No text or phone calls please.Contest email: [email protected] TO JANUARY (cont’d):during January, such as National Pie Day on January 23. It’s been a celebration of delicious pastries since the 1970s when a Boulder, Colorado teacher named Charlie Papazian declared that day, his birthday, as National Pie Day. It’s become more official since it’s sponsored by the American Pie Council. That’s not Papazian’s only accomplishment. He’s more noted as laying the groundwork for today’s brewing of craft beers. In 1979, he founded the Association of Brewers and established the Great American Beer Festival. Papazian has penned seven books about microbrewing, including “The Complete Joy of Home Brewing,” now in its 25th reprinting. • Wouldn’t you think that National Whipped Cream Day would coincide with National Pie Day? Not so. This unusual observance falls on January 5, the birthday of Aaron “Bunny” Lapin, the inventor of Reddi-Wip. During the late 1800s, whipped cream became a popular choice in desserts, primarily due to the invention of a steam-powered mixer that simplified the process of whipping cream. But it was Lapin’s invention in 1948 that transformed the industry. He created sweetened whipped cream that could be propelled through a canister’s nozzle by nitrous oxide, with contents pressurized up to 100 pounds per square inch. • There’s an official term for that feeling of being down or melancholy during the month of January following all the holiday rush. It’s the “January Blues.” So say “Hello, February!” with a happy, upbeat attitude for new beginnings! Page 4 Tidbits® of Niagara Region For advertising rates call 716.807.7729
Answers on page 7In a survey about New Year’sresolutions, 62% of those evaluatedsay they feel pressured to set resolutions.Of those surveyed, 48% say improving physicalfitness is the top priority, with 36% citing improved mental health. Although 80% of respondents felt confident in their ability to keepthe resolutions, just 20% responded that theyhold themselves accountable.Q: What do you call a person who can’t keeptheir January diet resolutions?A: A dessert-erSolution on page 8Solution Puzzle on Page 8Solution puzzle on page 8Solution below puzzleSome painters transform a sun into a yellow spot, otherstransform a yellow spot into the sun. — Pablo Picasso512 Main StreetMedina, New York [email protected] Fuller-ownerTOYS AND GAMES:ETCH-A-SKETCHOne of the world’s favorite toys, the Etch-ASketch, was introduced in America in 1960, but was not invented in the U.S. Follow along as Tidbits explores the origins of this classic. • Andre Cassagnes was an electrician in France in the 1950s. Assigned to a contract in a factory that manufactured an embossed wall covering, he was installing a light fixture in the building. The manufacturing process used an aluminum powder that had spattered onto the light switch plate. Cassagnes made some pencil marks on the cover and discovered that his pencil scraping showed up on the other side of the plate’s protective decal. • Using the principle of electrostatic charge, along with aluminum powder mixed with tiny beads to prevent clumping, and a stylus, Cassagnes devised a drawing toy that didn’t need pencil and paper, one that caused artwork to disappear with an upside-down shake. The original design featured a joystick rather than the two knobs that are familiar, but he later modified it to the knobs that moved a stylus that scraped away the powder. A quick shake of the Etch-A-Sketch redistributes the aluminum powder, leaving a fresh slate. The left knob creates a horizontal line, and the right knob is for the vertical. Using both at once results in diagonal, circular, and other more complicated lines. • Cassagnes called his invention “L’Ecran Magique,” which translates “The Magic Screen.” Several French manufacturers passed up the opportunity, believing that Cassagnes wanted too much money. He sold the rights for the toy to the American firm Ohio Art Company, who ran a contest to name their new asset.• Ohio Art launched the Etch-A-Sketch just in time for the Christmas, 1960 season. It was released with a price tag of $2.99 (about $32 in today’s money). Over 600,000 units were sold the first year. • Although the Etch-A-Sketch debuted with its signature red color, there have been some variations over the years. In 1971, Ohio Art offered “Cool Blue” and “Hot Pink,” and for the toy’s 25th anniversary model, the company unveiled a silver Etch-A-Sketch with jeweled drawing knobs and a hand-carved signature at the top. This limited edition set buyers back $3,750. Other special editions have included Hello Kitty and Marvel themes. There are also mini versions that attach to a keychain.• The popularity of Etch-A-Sketch was revi-(continued on the next page)Tidbits® For advertising rates call 716.807.7729 of Niagara Region Page 5
Sam: So, have you made any New Year’s resolutions for 2026?Phil: Well, not yet. I’m still deciding if hibernation counts as a valid resolution!FREE 1 YEAR IN HOME DELIVERYReceive complimentary year of in-home deliveryto Tidbits, when you or a business you referpurchases and fully pre-pays for 13 or moreconsecutive weeks of advertising.CALL or TEXT 716.807.7729 for further infoQ: What kind of vehicles do Disney characters drive?A: Minnie-vans1. 32. “Peter Pan’s Flight”1. Disneyland Paris2. Frontierland3. The Monorail4. Space Mountain5. FantasylandDavid Hasselhoff 7/17/52Vin Diesel 7/18/67Vikki Carr 7/19/41Carlos Santana 7/20/47Jon Lovitz 7/21/57Selena Gomez 7/22/92Daniel Radcliffe 7/23/89Home of “Mission to Mars,” “SpaceMountain,” and “Finding Nemo Voyage”3rd Quarter 2016Week 30Looking for a natural weed killer foryour garden? White vinegar is aneffective and earth-friendly broadleaf weed killer, as is lemon juice. You canalso apply a strong salt water solutionto those pesky weeds that appear in thecracks of your driveway or sidewalkpavers. July 17 Wrong Way Corrigan DayJuly 18 Chrysanthemum DayJuly 19 Flitch DayJuly 20 National Lollipop DayJuly 21 Get to Know Your Customers DayJuly 22 Spoonerism DayJuly 23 National Day of the Cowboy1.How many hotels are operated on theDisneyland grounds, owned by Disney?2.Name the only Disneyland ride to hangfrom the ceiling?1. Name the most visited theme park in all ofEurope.2. What part of Disneyland contains the “BigThunder Mountain Railroad” and “Tom SawyerIsland”?3.What is the name of the transportation system throughout Disneyland?4. What ride beings in Space Port where guestsboard a rocket?5. Where would a visitor find “Mr. Toad’s WildRide” and “Peter Pan’s Flight”?“What youngster has not dreamed offlying with Peter Pan over moonlitLondon, or tumbling into Alice’s nonsensical Wonderland?” -- Walt DisneyTOMORROWLANDRLOOTDOANWMA second California Disney theme park, California Adventure, opened in 2001 on the site that had functioned as Disneyland’s parkinglot for over 40 years. Did you hear about the family who got stuckon Peter Pan’s Flight for over 3 hours?Apparently, their vehicle would nevernever land.Walt Disney has received more Academy Awards and nominations than any other person in history – 22 Awards and 59 nominationsbetween 1932 and 1969.Solution puzzle on page 8Solution puzzle on page 8Answer on Page 7PUZZLE answersSPORTS QUIZ ANSWERS1. Ivanovic, with one win at the 2008 French Open2. Ben Hogan3. The Buffalo Bills defeatedthe Indianapolis Colts 13-7in overtime4. Ralph Metcalfe5. The Golden Flashes6. Elijah and Ron Pitts7. George MoriartyChris JagieloSales ManagerGET $500 MORE!for your tradeToyota 716-625-8444Volkswagon [email protected] S. Transit RoadLockport, NY 14094www.basiltoyota.comBRING THIS ADIN AND SEE CHRISLAKE WINDS METALWORKING• SHEARING • BENDING• DRILLING • MACHININGNew Steel (All Shapes & Sizes)- cut to size while you wait!Paints-Lubricants-Bolts &FastenersTrailer Hitch Supplies12551 Roosevelt Hwy (Rt 18) • Lyndonville, NYSamuel Martin Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-12ANTHRACITE & BLACKSMITHING COALWOOD &COALSTOVES &BOILERSWELDING& CUTTINGGASESNEW CUSTOM MADEHYDRAULICHOSEST LEO’SPlayed EVERY Saturday NigHt at St. Vincent de Paul Parish Niagara Falls, NY2748 Military RoaDDoors Open @ 4pm • Early Birds 6:55pm • Regular Bingo 7pmFUN FOODFriends$1000PROGRESSIVEQUEEN OFHEARTSTOBACCO PRODUCTS & ACCESSORIESGROCERIES • NATIVE ARTOPEN EVERY DAY 7AM-10PM716-542-7122672 BLOOMINGDALE RD., BASOM, NY 14013MIRIAM RIVERA AGENCY INCAgency OwnerMiriam Rivera Agency Inc1038 LYELL AVEROCHESTER, NY 14606Offi ce 585-360-0094Cell 585-360-8658Fax [email protected] RIVERA AGENCY INCSUNDAYELK’S CLUB #416791 N Canal Rd • LkptDOORSOPEN 5:30pmBINGO @ 7pmGAMES FIRST 4 SUNDAYS OF EVERY MONTHFEBRUARY 1st 2026 IS NEXT GAMEPhone716-602-7452MARTIN BLACKTOPDriveways • Parking LotsGrass CuttingFree Estimates“All work Guaranteed”TIDBITS OF NIAGARA REGION IS ON FACEBOOKhttps://facebook.com/tibitsofniagararegionPLUMBINGNEED WORK DONE?BEST PRICES AROUND!10% DISCOUNTFOR ALLNO JOB TOO SMALL716603-0327em. # 716-448-8967GUN, KNIFE & AMMO SHOWFEBRUARY 1, 2026Alexander Firemans Rec Hall10708 Alexander Rd. Rte 98 Alexander, NYSUNDAY ONLY 8-3 100 Tables to view $6.00 Admission • nfgshows.comETCH-A-SKETCH (continued): talized in popularity when it was featured in a scene in the 1995 Disney Pixar movie “Toy Story,” which provided a substantial boost in sales for the company. But by 1999, sales had declined again to the point that the company was in financial difficulty. Yet they were boosted again when the 1999 sequel “Toy Story 2” featured a scene with Andy’s toy named“Etch,” described by fellow toy Woody as having the “fastest knobs in the West.”• Some professional Etch-A-Sketch artists have made their drawings permanent. California artist Nicole Falzone, known as the “Monet of the Magic Screen,” creates intricate portraits on an Etch-A-Sketch and preserves them by drillings holes in the back of the case, draining out the aluminum powder, and gluing the knobs in place.• In France, the Etch-A-Sketch is still called “L’Ecran Magique,” while in Germany, it’s called “Zaubertafel,” which translates “magic board.”• Sales of the toy have topped 100 million since its introduction.Tidbits® Page 6 of Niagara Region For advertising rates call 716.807.7729
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day2. U.S.S. Nautilus3. Thomas Edison4. Wolf Moon5. 19591. 19672. Harry S. TrumanAccording to the 20th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, every four years the terms of the president andvice-president “shall end at noon on the 20th day of January and the terms of their successors shall begin.TO ADVERTISE CALL716.807.7729AnswerJodie SweetinDifferencesSolution puzzle on page 8AnswersAnswers on page 81. St. Lucia’s Day 2. Edward Norton 3. Gillette4. The first women’s rights convention in the United States5. “TGS with Tracy Jordan” 6. Gas 7. Squid 8. “MuchAdo about Nothing” 9. Irrational 10. The Roots1. Band around hat is wider. 2. Blinds are different.3. Chart is different. 4. Plant is taller.5. Briefcase handle is missing. 6. Thumb is moved.4773 is the odd one out. The sum of the first two digits ofeach number is equal to the sum of the last two digits –with the exception of 4773.Milk & Orange Chocolate Sponge Candy Dutch Delights Della’s Chocolates Pies, Cakes, Breads & MoreS 716.735.7570 chwab Farm Market9035 Rochester Rd. • Gasport, NY 14067(Rt. 31, between Gasport & Middleport)www.schwabsfarm.comJerry’s Loose ThreadsKustom Upholstery, Tops, BoatsJerry ChambersOwner2800 Beebe RoadNewfane, NY [email protected] & Fall Clean ups • Mulch Installation • Lawn MowingShrub Trimming • Landscape Beds • RedefiningSnowplowing • Snowblowing • SaltingCarmelo Cordero716.715.8918 FREE ESTIMATES [email protected] OF THE WEEKTidbits invites you to begin your day with these facts about whatever day it might be! • Our names for the days of the week have influences from the ancient Romans, AngloSaxons, and the old Norse. The Romans chose names of celestial bodies, such as Sunday being the “Day of Sun” and Monday as “Day of the Moon.” The Old English word “Mondaeg” also translates “day of the moon.” The Japanese word for Monday, “getsuyobi,” means exactly the same thing, “day of the moon.”• How about Monday is various languages? The Polish say “Poniedzialk,” which literally means “after Sunday.” The Czechs say Pazartesi, while the folks in Iceland call Monday “Manudagur.” The Hebrew people refer to Monday as “Yom Sheni.”• The Anglo-Saxon god of war, Tiw, was honored with the day we call Tuesday. That culture’s king of the gods was Woden, and the Old English word “Wodnesdaeg” has been modified to our Wednesday. • The Romans named Thursday after Jupiter, their god of sky and thunder, using the Latin “dies Jovis,” or “day of Jupiter, but the Norse people’s god of thunder, lightning, and storms was Thor, leading to our name of Thursday.• The Norse goddess of home, marriage, and fertility, Frigga, gives us our designation for Friday, although the Romans called it Venus’s Day after their ancient goddess of love. • The planet Saturn is the source of Saturday. To the Romans, Saturn was associated with agriculture, wealth, fun, and feasting. To the Hebrews, Saturday is “Shabbat,” the Jewish day of rest and the holiest day of the week, a family day when no labor is conducted.• The days of the week have made their way into some of our favorite music over the decades. Kris Kristofferson had a hit with “Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down” in 1970 and Maroon 5 had success with “Sunday Morning” in 2004. In 1966, The Mamas & The Papas recorded “Monday, Monday,” a song that composer John Phillips says he wrote in 20 minutes, telling the story of a dislike of Mondays because the person he loved left him on that day. The Carpenters released “Rainy Days and Mondays” in 1971, recorded just a few weeks before Karen Carpenter’s 21st birthday. • “Ruby Tuesday” became the Rolling Stones’ fourth U.S. #1 hit in 1967. It’s a song written primarily by Keith Richards, whose girlfriend of two years had recently broken up with him. “Tuesday Afternoon” by the English symphonic rock band The Moody Blues was actually written on a Tuesday afternoon as the composer sat in the middle of a field on a lovely spring day. • Simon & Garfunkel released their debut album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” in 1964.(continued on the next page) Tidbits® For advertising rates call 716.807.7729 of Niagara Region Page 7
TO ADVERTISE CALL 716.807.7729MORE PUZZLE answersBy Lucie Winborne* Belize wins the prize for having the national flag with the most colors -- 12.* A California man discovered that he’d been paying his neighbor’s power bill for an astonishing 15 years because his meter was mapped to the wrong apartment.* Labatt Park in London, Ontario, dating back to 1877, is the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world.* A Japanese man who didn’t speak to his wife for 20 years while they still lived together and raised three children admitted his silence was due to jealousy of the attention she paid to their kids. Fortunately, the couple finally reconciled after said kids sought help from a TV show.* Marie Curie was the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes, one for physics and the other for chemistry, in honor of her work on radioactivity.* Hawaiian pizza was invented by a Greek immigrant inspired by the sweet and savory flavors of Chinese cuisine.more Moments in Time in next column* Atoms are nearly 100% empty space.* Cotard’s Syndrome, aka Walking Corpse Syndrome, causes sufferers to believe they are dead or missing body parts.* Ancient Egyptians pronounced the word “cat” as “mew” or “meow.”* A 2001 study conducted at the University of Leicester showed that when cows listen to slow, soothing songs, they produce 3% more milk.* Those CAPTCHA tests that verify you’re human and not a robot have a dual purpose: Each time you identify a bus or traffic light or what have you, you’re also helping to improve AI algorithms for companies like Google.* There are more than 1.4 billion insects for each human on Earth.***Thought for the Week: “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” -- Franklin D. Roosevelt(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.By Lucie WinborneInnocenceNiagara County’s firstMicrobusiness Dispensary6730 Lake RdAppleton NY 14008(716) 638-4222 innocence.buzzCraft cannabisTop geneticsMon–Sat: 10am–8pm | Sun: 10am–6pmpremium flower, pre-rolls, edibles,vapes and infused productsBy Lucie WinborneTHIS IS SCRAMBLERS ANSWER TOLAST WEEKS SCRAMBLERS PUZZLEPUZZLE ON PAGE 4PLENTY OF WASHERS & DRYERS TO MEET ALL YOUR YOU LAUNDRY NEEDS!24 Washers — Single Load to Mega Load21 Dryers — 2 Reversing to Keep Your Comforters & Blanketsfrom Balling up and not Drying in the MiddleIf you are looking for a clean, well lit & orderly place to do your laundry WE ARE THE ONE FOR YOU!!Laundromat Hrs: 7am-10pm Sun. - Fri. • 7am - 9pm Saturdays • Service Area Hrs: 9am - 5pm Tues. & Thurs. • 8am - Noon Saturdays 24 Washers — Single Load to Mega Load21 Dryers — 2 Reversing to Keep Your Comforters & Blanketsfrom Balling up and not Drying in the MiddleIf you are looking for a clean, well lit & orderly place to do your laundry We off erWash & Fold • Ironing,We Wash ComfortersSHERL’SLAUNDRY SHOP5905B S. TRANSIT RD(IN THE BIG LOTS PLAZA)LOCKPORT, NYOPEN7 DAYSA WEEK439-4133(716)Self Service Laundromat orLet Us Do The Work For You!DAYS OF THE WEEK (continued):A 1977 country song by Johnny Cash, “A Wednesday Car,” wondered about the quality of cars made on different days of the week, with the idea that cars made on Wednesday are better because workers are more focused than on Monday or Friday. • David Bowie wrote “Thursday’s Child” after being inspired by the autobiography of singer Eartha Kitt. Bowie also recorded a song about Friday in 1973, “Friday on My Mind,” while Van Morrison sang about “Friday’s Child” in 1971. • Elton John gave permission for those who felt weary from the week’s pressure to cut loose with 1973’s “Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting,” while the group Chicago had a more peaceful view of the upcoming weekend with “Saturday in the Park,” a hit that mentions “the 4th of July,” that was actually written on the 4th of July.Page 8 Tidbits For advertising rates call 716.807.7729 ® of Niagara Region