RE: " I do not see how an empty folder in a Widget that I downloaded and installed could be critical to operation of OS X."
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Well, actually, there are HIDDEN files even though a folder may "appear" to be empty. ONYX has a tool that will reveal any such hidden files.
In ONYX Preferences, go to: Parameters / Finder / Misc Options. Click the box marked "Show Hidden Files and Folders." TaDa. These magically appear throughout the entire system.
There are also other apps which can be toggled to serve a similar function:
Invisible, to name just one.
http://www.northernspysoftware.com/software/invisibleIf there are no hidden folders and files making a nuisance of themselves, then give
SuperEmtpyTrash a try (as mentioned in an earlier post).
http://faqintosh.com/risorse/en/sys/setrash/