Identity theft is still a major problem in the United States. Over 15 million U.S. consumers lost $16 billion in 2016, compared with $15.3 billion and 13.1 million victims a year earlier. In the past six years, ID thieves have stolen over $107 billion.

To help combat ID theft and educate the public on best practices to secure personal information, Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York, in partnership with Tops Friendly Markets, Shred-It, AT&T, Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce, and West Seneca Chamber of Commerce will host Secure Your ID Day on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – noon across Upstate New York (Western New York, Rochester, and Central New York). 

The free community shredding events in Western New York will be held at Tops Friendly Markets at 355 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca and 3865 Union Road (corner of George Urban Blvd.), Cheektowaga in the parking lots.

Jamestown, NY – The Audubon Nature Center has adopted a section of Route 62 to pick up litter along the side of the road.

You are invited to join other volunteers on Saturday, October 7, to enjoy some fresh air and good company and be part of this twice-yearly endeavor to make our community a little cleaner.

Rain or shine, at 9 a.m. volunteers will meet at the Nature Center at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Pennsylvania. After dividing into teams and gearing up with gloves and orange safety vests, you will ride in the van to Audubon’s section of highway.

Matching orange trash bags will be filled with roadside refuse, then workers will return to the Nature Center at noon.

Snacks will be provided in the kitchen for breaks and afterward.

Volunteers ages 12-18 are welcome as long as accompanied by an adult.

The Western New York Land Conservancy and residents of Grand Island hope to create a new 140-acre forested nature preserve along the Niagara River. That dream came closer to reality this month when funding was committed by the Niagara River Greenway Ecological Standing Committee and the Gallogly Family Foundation totaling more than $700,000. This funding will be just enough for the Land Conservancy to purchase the property and open it to the public. The Land Conservancy is hoping to raise at least another $600,000 to create an even better walking trail system, restore wildlife habitat and help maintain the preserve in the long run.