Your Annual Springtime Guide to Wayne County

SPRING GUIDE

2014

Welcome Spring!
MESSENGER POST MEDIA

Advertising supplement for the week of April 20, 2014 Lyons-Clyde-Savannah Shopping Guide Newark Pennysaver Sodus-Williamson Pennysaver Timesaver Wayne Post

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NEW TRAIL COMPLETES CAnAL WALKWAY

across Wayne County

BY TaMMY WHItacRE twHItacRE@MEssEngERpOstMEDIa.cOM

NEWARK/ARCADIA Its been more than five years since town officials applied for a grant to complete the Erie Canalway trail through Newark and Arcadia and in October 2014 the town cut the ribbon to officially open the trail to residents.
It all started at the corner of East Avenue and Van Buren Street in the village of Newark where highway crews cleared a path for the new trail that connects Palmyra, Newark and Lyons along the historic waterway. Highway Superintendent Dave Harder recalled it took two years to get the permits approved, severely cutting into the time allowed under the grant to complete the trail. The trail through Wayne County begins in Macedon and was started back in 1988 when Mark DeCracker presented a proposal to Sen. Patrick Moynihan. Cleanups started along the canal to clear away excessive brush and garbage. By the late 1990s, trails began to be built in different sections across the state. Locally, the trail was first installed from Fairport to Palmyra, then Palmyra to Newark but they ended there at the East Avenue bridge. Maps along the canal trail show the trail continues, but the project was never completed. In 2008, Supervisor Dick Colacino said they were notified the grant money was available again. The hold up came in applying for the permits, until Colacino went to the then new director of the state Canal Corporation Brian Stratton asking for his help to complete the process and jump start the project. Costs for the project were shared between the county, town and village and Colacino said without their support, the trail may not have ever been completed. The pathway was mapped out by canal officials and town engineer Bob Hutteman from Lu Engineers and required a roadside trail detour to avoid the CSX railroad tracks running parallel to the canal. Work began

in May 2011, crews working in what Harder and Deputy Superintendent Dan Pullen called the wilderness section of the trail. A wall of heavy brush and large trees stood before highway crew members, who were unaccustomed to building canal trails. Were highway guys, Harder said. But we can do anything. It was brutal down there. Im talking big trees and brush. We had trees five feet around...and tree work is slow. Besides problems of the leafy variety, crews were also fighting mosquitoes and horse flies. That first part was the worst, Pullen said. Pullen rallied the men, splitting them into three groups one group cleared brush and trees, behind them was the second group who began preparing the 6-foot pathway and then the third was right on their heels laying the trail down with crush and run stone and topping it with stone dust. Only what was necessary was cleared from the path, Harder said, and crews were careful not to disturb anything they didnt need to in order to preserve the wilderness aspect of the section of trail. The work wasnt exactly foreign to Harders good ol country boys who have cut up a few trees for firewood throughout the years. But he also boasts a very talented crew builders, masons and electric experts he hired for the talents they have. I think thats why were such a successful crew, Harder said of his town highway department. Ive surrounded myself with talented people. The project became one of teamwork with help crossing town lines to get the job done. CONTINUED on PAGE 4...

wayne county spring guide 2014 PAGE 4 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 20, 2014 CONTINUED from PAGE 3... Dan Crane, from the Canal Corporation at the Lyons Dry Docks, brought a large barge with a crane down to where the men were working to help remove the trees and brush. Harder and Pullen both agreed Cranes help saved the town time and money. As it was it took about six weeks to cut through all the brush. As the crews worked, canal workers began putting rocks down along the shore of the canal to help prevent erosion. The roadwork, although easier, wore on the crew mentally, Harder said, but they went above and beyond. Crews milled the path along the road for the roadside portion of the trail and highway crews from throughout the county were ready to help. They came from Macedon, Walworth, Palmyra, Sodus, Lyons and Newark to assist Arcadia crews and for an entire week, Harder said, they had a menagerie of trucks lining the road helping to get the trail done. The willingness of highway departments from neighboring communities to help when needed is something Harder said he is proud of. We have an intermunicipal agreement with all the towns of Wayne County, the village of Newark and Wayne County Highway so we can ask for help when we need it, he said. Its a gentlemans agreement. Were not talking dollars and cents. Its about getting the job done. While working on the roadside trail, Harder said they also repaved the approaches to the bridge on Van Buren Street and put asphalt down to middle of each lane due to wheel ruts along Old Lyons Road something that wouldve had to be done in the coming months. This final week before the ribbon cutting has been about final touches on the trail. On Monday, the road was fog sealed which will give the entire road the appearance it was paved so it matches with the trail. Then on Tuesday, crews painted the lines marking the road and the trail. The work as a whole makes the route a smooth ride for bicyclists on the trail and motorists traveling beside it. Im proud of this, Harder said while traveling along the finished trail. I have a very dedicated crew who works well together. Dan (Pullen) was instrumental. He ran the show and coordinated the work crews. He also praised Colacino and Mayor Peter Blandino for their support that helped get the project done. Now complete, Harder believes the trail is something many people will enjoy. It includes open spots to stop and fish along the canal, benches to sit a spell and kiosks with trail maps. The town will be responsible for maintenance along the trail, although little is expected beyond mowing and trimming to keep the brush back. Harder said the trail is not intended for horses because their hooves tear up the trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but owners are expected to clean up after their pet. Motorized vehicles are also not allowed on the trail. I am so thankful too all those who make this trail possible, Colacino said. Its beautiful. Im so glad to see finally finished. Crews did a great job and they did it in the time restraints given.

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THE BUZZ ABOUT Mr.

BY TaMMY WHItacRE

Bee Man

twHItacRE@MEssEngERpOstMEDIa.cOM

FAIRPORT/MACEDON When Rosalie Gabbert met her

husband, Benson, she didnt know a thing about bees, so she never would have expected that 56 years later she would publish a childrens book about the Father of American Beekeeping. Once upon a time, in 1957 a young schoolteacher named Rosalie met a handsome military man who wanted to become a beekeeper. I had fallen in love, Rosalie said of meeting her late husband. The couple built their home in Macedon on part of the old Bullis farm and Benson started working for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market inspecting honey bees in five counties, including Wayne. Benson had become a master beekeeper and soon started an apiary of his own in their backyard.

The 40-page softcover book, Mr. Bee Man: The Story of Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth, is fast becoming a popular book for this first-time author. Rosalie said she has sold over 250 books to farm markets, outdoor groups, honey bee organizations and grandparents who want it for their grandchildren across the country. The book is even making rounds overseas with books shipped to England and Germany. SUNY Brockport is using the book as a literacy tool, Rosalie said. Perfect for early elementary readers, the book includes activities, authors and illustrators notes and a full list of Rosalies research sources. She also received two endorsements from Langstroth Historian Matt Redman and Professor Emerita School of Education for State University of New York Frances Moroney Whited, of which Rosalie is very proud. I didnt write it for the money, Rosalie said. I wanted to do something no one else has done and this it, a childrens book about the Father of American Beekeeping.

The book is available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble. com for about $17 or by email to Rosalie at rimower@ aol.com.

I was very naive, Rosalie recalled. I couldnt tell a hornet from a yellow jacket.
Benson began building hives for his bees in the basement and Rosalie couldnt help but notice how everything was so perfect rows and rows of honeycomb all evenly spaced. That was when Rosalie learned about Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth. Known as the Father of American Beekeeping, Langstroth is noted for discovering that bees need exactly 5/16 of an inch of space for their pathways to move about in the hive. With this discovery, in 1852, he designed a new kind of beehive that beekeepers use to this day. What surprised Rosalie the most was the fact that no one had ever written about Langstroth and his incredible discovery. It wasnt until she retired that Rosalie, now living in Fairport, began working on changing that. With hours upon hours of research and after taking a class on writing a book, Rosalie spent five years writing her childrens picture book biography about Langstroth. Completed in 2007, Rosalie submitted her non-fiction book 45 times to various publishers, each telling her loved the story, but it simply wasnt marketable. It became a challenge, the 87-year-old said about writing her book and the research it required. Its a very lonesome track. Theres a lot of people who write books off the seat of their pants. Then Rosalie met illustrator Sheila Jarkins who eagerly created the colorful images in the book. She submitted it to publishers six more times without success before she decided she would publish the book herself.

MESSENGER POST MEDIA

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All content is coordinated or written by Deborah Blackwell. She can be contacted at dblackwell@messengerpostmedia.com

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Does that really work?

Odd home remedies for everyday maladies
BY ANNa DicKENs | Spry Living
he human body is a strange thing. Anybody who has experienced an annoying case of the hiccups or an excruciating cramp can attest to that. n Weve compiled do-it-yourself ways to hack your most unpleasant bodily ailments, from nosebleeds to hiccups to brain freezes. n Some of the cures are based on time-honored home remedies, while others are just downright bizarre. Bacon for nosebleeds, anybody? 1. Rub your ears to boost energy: Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, give your ears a gentle self-massage. According to Chinese medicine, stimulating the pressure points in the ears increases blood circulation to all parts of the body, giving you an instant energy boost. 2. Cure hiccups with peanut butter. Chewing and swallowing the sticky spread will interrupt your breathing pattern and force your diaphragm to relax. 3. Use honey to soothe a sore throat. A natural antibacterial and antifungal agent, honey can help coat and soothe sore throats and alleviate minor coughs. 4. Blow-dry waterlogged ears. Put a hair dryer on the gentlest setting and hold it a few inches away from your ear. The increased airflow will help to evaporate the water in your ear. 5. Make warts disappear with garlic. Garlic which has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties is thought to be an effective home remedy for warts. Apply a freshly cut garlic clove to the wart, place a bandage over it, and leave the bandage on overnight. Repeat every night until the wart disappears. 6. Blow on your thumb to calm jangled nerves. The thumb has its own pulse, and blowing on the thumb will cool down the thumb and thus calm the heart rate, as cold air can slow down your pulse. This trick might also help simply because the act of blowing forces you to deepen your breathing, which calms the heart. 7. Sniff peppermint to quell a craving. Chew mint gum, sip peppermint tea or take a whiff of peppermint oil. Studies suggest that the scent of peppermint stimulates the brain to release appetite-suppressing hormones and promotes a feeling of fullness. 8. Curl your toes to fall asleep faster. The next time you find yourself tossing and turning, try a progressive muscle relaxation technique. Begin by slowly curling and uncurling your toes. Then, work your way up the entire body, from your toes to your neck, tightening a certain muscle group before releasing it. 9. Smile to make yourself happier. Scientists have found that the simple act of smiling can lower blood pressure and release stress, giving you an instant mood boost (yes, even forced smiles count!). 10. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to beat brain freeze. Also referred to as ice cream headaches, brain freezes are caused by a rapid increase in blood flow to the brain. After you down a frozen treat, try thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth this will

warm up the palate and ease the flow of blood to the brain. 11. Rub Vicks Vaporub on feet for congestion. To temporarily relieve a cough, try applying the mentholated topical cream on the soles of your feet and immediately covering with a pair of socks. There is no scientific explanation for why this old wives trick works, but many stuffy nose-sufferers (and even nurses and doctors) swear by it. 12. Use ginger to prevent motion sickness. Twenty minutes before travel, take two capsules of powdered ginger to ease an upset stomach caused by motion sickness. 13. Shake your head to wake up sleepy feet. It happens to all of us youre sitting in an awkward position

when all of a sudden your foot, hand or other body part falls asleep. To quickly eliminate that uncomfortable tingling sensation, move your head side to side. The movement helps relieve nerve tension. 14. Alleviate nausea by massaging wrist. Relieve nausea by lightly massaging the pressure point on the inside of your wrist, about three finger widths below the base of your palm. 15. Squeeze lemon to erase pimples. Banish breakouts by dabbing a little lemon juice on problem areas its antibacterial properties will help kill excess bacteria and reduce acne. 16. Dab on clove oil to alleviate toothache pain. Apply a very small amount of clove oil to a cotton swab and gently dab onto the affected tooth area. The essential oil has been shown in studies to have analgesic and antibacterial properties, making it a useful tool in treating bacteria-caused toothaches. 17. Inhale onion vapors for sinus relief. Chop up an onion, put it in a bowl and inhale the onion fumes. The vapors help open sinus passageways, providing relief from sinus pressure. 18. Stop mouth bleeds with tea bags. To stop mouth bleeds after oral surgery or injuries, apply a moistened tea bag to the affected area; the tannins in tea help the blood coagulate faster. 19. Steam to relieve nasal congestion. Steam helps to loosen mucus and clear out the sinus cavities, providing relief from nasal congestion. A hot bath works, too. 20. Sleep on your left side to prevent acid reflux. Researchers have determined that left-side sleeping helps with digestion and eases heartburn pain.
MorgueFile photo

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grassroots effort
WhERE TO START WITh SPRInG LAWn CARE
BY MElIssa ERIcKsOn | MORE CONTENT NOW

Theres plenty to do to get your lawn to go from dormant to green as quickly as possible. Spring lawn care is very important for a number of reasons, said David Beaulieu, the landscaping expert for About.com. First of all, by taking care of the necessary tasks in a correct and timely fashion, youre setting the tone for landscape maintenance for the next several months. Falling behind would mean having to play catch-up later, which injects unnecessary stress into your life.

Your turf care program should start with an evaluation to see what underlying issues may be keeping your lawn from reaching its potential, said Jonathan Lee, maintenance manager for Pouls Landscaping & Nursery in the suburbs of Chicago. Soil conditions are the key factor in how your lawn performs so rather than looking at the grass, take a look at sample of your soil, he said. CONTINUED on PAGE 10...

stOcK.XcHng pHOtO

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NEW IN THE garden

BY MElIssa ERIcKsOn | MORE CONTENT NOW

New varieties
Here are a few fresh-for-2014 varieties the National Garden Bureau is promoting:

Tomato Fantastico
Bred for small gardens, hanging baskets or containers, Fantastico is an early-maturing, high-yield grape tomato with built-in late blight resistance. If you let them go a few days past peak, these little beauties resist cracking better than others, and theyre easy to harvest with long clusters of sweet, tasty fruits held toward the outside of the plant.

Spring is a time of renewal, and nowhere is that represented more clearly than in the garden. After a long and cold winter, its time to get back to the land, and 2014 offers a blooming bounty of new varieties of vegetables that require less water, stand up to heat better and are often able to be thrive in smaller spaces, making them ideal for more green thumbs. While many people love their heirloom plants and vegetables, others get excited by something new, said Diane Blazek, executive director of the National Garden Bureau. Some people like the novelty. They want something unique. Sometimes its about bragging rights and growing something that nobody else has, Blazek said. When horticulturists created the worlds first black petunia plant it was exceptionally striking and sought after. Year after year the breeding companies strive for newer, better plants. Just like anything we do, we follow trends and fashion in colors, texture, fragrance and savor, said South Carolina gardener Jenks Farmer, who is releasing Deep-Rooted Wisdom, a collection of practical lessons, oral histories and do-it-yourself pointers. We love novelty and learning new things. New varieties are usually improved varieties, Blazek said. Overall, new varieties are easy to care for, more heat/drought tolerant, disease-resistant and, oftentimes, more compact. Many times, breeders are taking heirlooms and are improving them for productivity, disease resistance and a more controlled growth habit, she said.

Green bean Mascotte

These stringless beans are long, fine, almost French in appearance and grow strongly in all regions of the United States. With a smaller root ball, theyre more compact and optimal for window boxes, container and small-space gardens. Its disease resistance makes for reliable growing.

Eggplant Patio Baby

Beautifully glossy and an early and abundant producer throughout the season, Patio Babys egg-shaped fruits should be harvested at baby size, 2 to 3 inches, and are delicious roasted or in dips and salads. Its also childfriendly, with thornless leaves.

Cucumber Pick A Bushel

A compact bush-type cucumber spreading only about 24 inches, Pick a Bushel offers a sweeter-tasting light-green cucumber with a firm texture, perfect for pickling when harvested early. Great for containers.

Microgreens Peas for Shoots

Adventurous cooks cant always find what they need at the grocery store, and now they can grow their own. These Asian-style pea shoots are exceptionally tender and impart the sweet taste of fresh peas to salads and cooked dishes. Easy to grow in the garden or indoors in a shallow tray.

Pea Blue Podded

A tri-use pea that can be used young as an edible podded pea, shell peas during midseason and dry pods later for soup peas. Purple/blue shells house green peas on 5- to 6-inch-tall plants that are so beautiful you could grow for an ornamental.

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What to look for

When inspecting your lawn, keep in mind where the low areas are or areas where drainage is poor, because those spaces where water can collect will harbor myriad turf diseases, Lee said. Drainage is a very difficult issue. Other things that can be done in the spring include core aeration, top dressing, power raking, overseeding and additional fertility treatments.

If grass is matted down, that could be a sign of snow mold. Rake the area lightly and monitor it to make sure that the grass fills in there as it normally would as spring progresses, Beaulieu said. Like a really bad haircut, certain spots in the yard may require special attention. Springtime is the best time to address patchy or thin areas since we are able to capture the benefit of Mother Nature on our side by providing us with timely rains and great temperatures for growing cool-season grasses like your typical Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass or fescue grasses, Lee said. The one critical thing to keep in mind is that grass seed requires soil temperatures above 55 degrees and given that each spring is different, you should monitor soil temperature with a simple probe thermometer that can penetrate the soil about 3-4 inches.

Care tips
While raking seems like a fall activity, Beaulieu advises people to rake in spring as well. Instead of leaf removal, the object of the chore is thatch removal. Thatch (old grass tissue) wont kill your grass right away, but its a long-term issue that you must keep an eye on, Beaulieu said.

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MAKE A SPLASh - hOW YOu CAn ATTRACT

new birds to your yard this summer

(ARA) When summer really heats up, there is nothing more refreshing than drinking a tall glass of ice water, taking a quick dip in the pool, or running through the backyard sprinkler with the kids. But what many people do not realize is clean, fresh water is as important to birds and other wildlife as it is for humans. Not only that, but birds actually enjoy splashing around and frolicking in the water just like we do.
With this in mind, create an inviting habitat for feathered friends right in your backyard or on your patio or balcony. It is easier than it seems, and there is no need for a big backyard to do it. Just providing the basic elements birds enjoy will establish your setting as a wildlife habitat. Water is one of the important resources birds need, along with food, shelter and a place to nest or raise young. For a quick and easy birdfriendly habitat, simply put out a bird feeder, hang a bird house, provide some nesting materials, and set up a watering place to drink and splash. Water is one of the most frequently overlooked resources we can add to our backyard to attract more birds and other wildlife, says John Robinson, chief ornithologist at Scotts. Every year, I am astonished by the new species that appear in backyards when owners are willing to share this simple yet critical resource with their feathered friends. Providing a source of water need not be a big endeavor. Water can be provided using a mister, slow drip, saucer, bird bath or pond. Below are some simple ways to incorporate water into your backyard.

a garden hose to a specially designed drip tube you can purchase at local hardware stores or garden centers.

Misters:

Bird baths and saucers:

Water in a saucer or bird bath will quickly and easily give area birds the water they need, even when placed on a balcony or patio. Stones with depressions that collect water will also help attract small birds and butterflies. Keep in mind you may need to change the water and clean the bird bath every few days to keep it fresh. In hot weather, it may even be necessary to refill the container every day.

Another water feature gardeners often employ is a mister. A mister hooks to a garden hose and sprays a gentle mist over a garden or bird bath. Humans enjoy being cooled off by misters at amusement parks, and plants enjoy the refreshing spray of moisture, too. Birds enjoy frequenting misters to cool down and pollinators, like butterflies and bees, enjoy areas being misted because of the tiny water droplets the mist leaves on flowers. Misters can generally be found at local hardware store and garden centers.

Ponds:

Drippers:

A great way to attract birds and other creatures to the backyard is to add a water drip feature to the bird bath. Because of birds heightened senses of hearing and sight, drippers are inviting. Create a drip feature by hanging a bucket or plastic milk jug with a tiny hole over the bird bath so water drips down into the bath slowly throughout the day. Or, hook up

Whether large and elaborate or small and quaint, a backyard pond is guaranteed to attract birds and other wildlife. Most ponds found in urban or rural backyards are on the small side, most no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Ponds with a fountain are best because the sight and sound of splashing water will attract visitors, and moving water is less likely to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes or other insects. The addition of logs, rocks and other in-water structures provide a drinking and basking habitat for songbirds, as well as other wildlife such as turtles and butterflies. Aquatic snails or tadpoles are fun and natural ways to limit the growth of algae in the pond, and add an interesting element for kids to watch and enjoy. This summer, when planning the water fun for the kids, dont forget the birds. Water is very effective in drawing birds and wildlife to your backyard and is also a relaxing, scenic addition that can provide interest and enjoyment for the whole family. With the addition of a simple water source, you never know who may stop by your backyard habitat for a quick swim or a refreshing drink.

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SPRuCE uP YOuR hOME FOR SPRInG

in just a weekend
(BPT) As the weather gets warmer, everything outside becomes
fresh and new - so why not make your home as nice inside as the weather is outside? In just a weekend, you can complete a few quick, easy projects that will make a big difference in your space. Get inspired to give your home a spring spruce-up with these handy tips.

Wash away winter grime

The first step to making your house feel like new is to clean. Use a weekend to focus on three main areas: the kitchen, bathroom and living room. In the kitchen, toss expired items from your refrigerator and wipe down the inside with soap and water - dont forget to sweep underneath and give the coils a good dusting, too. To get the bathroom in shape, replace dingy shower curtain liners, pitch old toothbrushes and other unwanted items and purchase a new toilet brush. In the living room, thoroughly dust light fixtures and blinds, and remove and launder slipcovers on couches or chairs. While youre at it, dont forget to replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Time to de-clutter
Still havent eaten that candy from Christmas? Its time to pitch it. Spend a few hours cleaning out kitchen cabinets, cluttered closets and the junk drawer - youll feel more relaxed and organized as a result. Once youve gotten rid of items you no longer need, refresh shelves, drawers and pantries throughout the house by installing shelf liner. Its an easy and inexpensive task that can give any space, whether its the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, a new look in a jiffy. Non-adhesive shelf liners, such as those from Duck brand (duckbrand.com), are easy to cut and install. The companys Smooth Top Easy Liner has a grip bottom, meaning the liner stays in place, with a smooth top, making it easy to clean and wipe off debris. Available in a variety of colors and prints, its also a great way to add an unexpected pop of color and personality to your shelves and drawers, providing the perfect mix of fashion and function.

Add some accessories

Its amazing what a few accessories can do. To revive a room without spending a fortune, attach some new trim to your existing drapes or add new shades to your favorite lamps. Wall decals or stencils are another way to add a personal touch to a room. Highlight your favorite inspirational quote or try an interesting illustration, such as a floral design or a sophisticated chandelier. Stencils and decals are available at local craft stores in numerous shapes and sizes - some are even offered in wall-size shapes, making the project super simple. You can also bring the season inside with spring flowers in a brightly colored vase or buy a new piece of art to hang as a focal point in your room.

Pull out your paintbrush

If you want to go for a more dramatic redo - but one thats still doable in a weekend - pick up some paint. The warmer weather means you can keep your windows wide open, making it the ideal time to add a fresh coat of paint to your room. For the simplest touch, paint an accent wall instead of redoing the entire room. Pick a vibrant color for some spring cheer or try tackling a decorative painting technique - such as stripes, zig zag chevron or a geometric print - to really make your room feel modern and stylish. To make painting a breeze, use a premium painters tape like FrogTape brand painters tape (frogtape.com). Its PaintBlock Technology prevents paint bleed, helping to ensure clean, sharp lines. On fresh paint 24 hours old, select the FrogTape Delicate Surface grade for best results. To really get in the spring spirit, make painting an excuse to have some fun with friends and family. Take turns helping friends with their painting projects and reward the effort with pizza, ice cream or other treats provided by the host. Whether youre going for a dramatic makeover or simply giving your home a good scrubbing, find inspiration in these tips to help you make the most of your weekend and get your home in superb shape this spring.

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ouch!
PROTECT AGAInST MOSQuITO bITES, WEST nILE
BY ERIKa EnIgK | GatEHOUsE NEws SERVIcE

A rainy spring means a mosquito-filled summer, and many areas of the country are already seeing the little pests everywhere. Michelle Sweet-Albores, a family doctor with Adventist Midwest Health in Hinsdale, Ill., shared these tips for preventing infestation and infection.

Eliminate standing water

Put the bird bath away for another year. Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Swimming pools are fine, however, as the chemicals in the water should fend off the mosquitoes, Sweet-Albores said.

Stay away from dead birds

Mosquitoes may get the bad press, but birds are just as culpable in the spreading of West Nile, Sweet-Albores said. Mosquitoes actually get the virus from the birds and spread it to humans and other animals. If you see a dead bird in your yard, dont touch it; call the authorities to pick it up. CONTINUED on PAGE 15...

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Use insect repellent

Sweet-Albores recommends using one with DEET, which simply keeps the mosquitoes away; it doesnt kill them. Be sure to read the label to find out how high a concentration of DEET you should use according to your age and how long you plan to be outdoors.

Cover up, and go inside

Sitting on the porch on a warm summer evening is appealing, but once the sun goes down, the mosquitoes come out. Going indoors might be the best option. If you must stay out, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and spray them with insect repellent, Sweet-Albores said. And for good measure, light a citronella candle.

Should I visit my doctor?

Eighty percent of people with West Nile virus never experience symptoms. Of the remaining 20 percent, most experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. There is no cure for West Nile virus; it must run its course. People with minor symptoms cant be helped much by visiting a doctor, Dr. Michelle Sweet-Albores said. Less than 1 percent of infected people end up with a serious infection, according to mayoclinic.com. More serious symptoms include severe headache, confusion and lack of coordination, the website said. A rash may also be a sign of a more serious case, Sweet-Albores said. The symptoms should be taken seriously, as they may be signs of something else, Sweet-Albores said. While people shouldnt panic, they also shouldnt hesitate to seek medical attention if they feel they should, she said.

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