The Skin Cancer Foundation reports one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, and more than 90 percent of melanoma cases are attributable to UV exposure. The National Cancer Institute says more than 33,000 sunburns require emergency room visits, and these affect people from all racial and ethnic groups. Sun exposure damages skin and also can prematurely age outdoor fabrics and furniture. Spending time in direct sunlight also can make outdoor activities hot and uncomfortable for guests. Each of these variables make some sort of shelter an asset to a backyard living design. Shelters come in different types, and these are some of the more popular.
Screened-in porches
Turning a deck or a patio into a protected room may be accomplished by converting the space into a screened-in porch. By installing vertical screens and a roof or overhang, everyone is protected from the sun and insects. Retailers also sell
freestanding screened-in structures that can be left up for the season and then dismantled and stored for the winter.
Pergola
A pergola has vertical columns upon which sits a slatted roof. A pergola can be designed to cover an entire deck or small enough to create a slightly sheltered spot in a nook of the yard. While a pergola doesn’t keep out rain, the slatted roof is enough to filter out sunlight to make the area underneath more comfortable.
Arbor
While they seem similar, an arbor is not the same thing as a pergola. An arbor is designed with sides formed from lattice and
SALAMANCA — Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is offering guests the chance to meet gambling enthusiast and social media superstar Vegas Matt and some of his colorful, entertaining friends.
Enjoying a sensational Easter Brunch with Vegas Matt at noon Sunday, April 5 in the Seneca Allegany Event Center. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are on sale now for $40. Vegas Matt is a lifelong gambling enthusiast turned viral sensation.
After moving to Las Vegas in semi-retirement, he hit a Royal Flush while gambling with his son, EJ, and some friends, sparking an over-the-top celebration for which Vegas Matt has become famous. His son captured the moment on video, created a TikTok account under the name “Vegas Matt” and a legend was born. Today, Vegas Matt’s channel is the most
viewed gambling channel globally. Matt and his team, including EJ, WBG, Vegas Mom, W2Jesus, Coach Z, Lucky Rob and other colorful friends and guests, take viewers along the ride for the highs and lows of casino life.
During brunch, Vegas Matt will share stories and insider tips for turning spins into wins when he takes the stage at approximately 12:15 p.m.
To put an extra hop in their Easter brunch, attendees can enjoy bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for an extra $20. As an added bonus, attendees can also redeem their ticket at the Social Club and receive $20 in free slot play. This is a 21-and-over event. For more information on all Seneca Allegany events, including tickets to Easter Brunch with Vegas Matt & Friends, visit senecaalleganycasino.com.
often has an arched top, says Penn Dutch Structures. Arbors add shade and a decorative element typically to designate the entry point into a backyard or garden.
Gazebo
A gazebo is a roofed, freestanding structure that is typically round, hexagonal or octagonal in shape. It is used for shade, relaxation, and often serves as a decorative element in an outdoor space. Gazebos often become the centerpiece in a yard.
Pavillion
A pavillion is like a gazebo, only it doesn’t have enclosed walls, nor a built-in floor. Pavillions commonly are attached to decks, paver patios and concrete bases. Most
pavillions are styled as long and rectangular, serving mainly to provide a covered area for a patio or seating area.
Pagoda
A pagoda is like a pavillion with a dedicated roof and open sides. However, the pagoda will feature a tiered, upwardcurved roof to make it even more regal and decorative. Homeowners have many different options to dress up their outdoor living spaces and create spots that are shaded and protected from the elements, including the sun.
High Point FCU presents financial ed program to Randolph students
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East Randolph Methodist Church to celebrate bicentennial this year
BY DEB EVERTS
EAST RANDOLPH
— The East Randolph Methodist Church will celebrate its 200th anniversary this year, marking two centuries of faith, service and community presence in the East Randolph area. Throughout the year, the church will host a series of special events. Members invite the community to join in commemorating this historic milestone with special services reflecting on the church’s long tradition of worship and fellowship.
Bicentennial celebrations began during Holy Week, March 29 through April 5. The next events include Good Friday Service, April 3 at 7 p.m.; Holy Saturday Prayer Walk — Walking with Jesus, April 4 from 9 a.m. to noon; and Easter Sunday Sunrise Service in the pavilion, April 5 at 6:45 a.m., with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Christian Education at 9 a.m. and Resurrection
Celebration at 10:15 a.m.
The church will host its annual Spring Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 17 and from 9 a.m. to noon on April 18. Donations may be dropped off beginning April 6.
As part of the anniversary events, the church will host a Ladies & Girls Tea at 3 p.m. April 26 in the church fellowship hall. Ladies of all ages from throughout the community are warmly invited to attend this afternoon gathering featuring tea, refreshments and fellowship. Those wishing to attend the Ladies Tea are asked to RSVP by contacting Louise Freeman at (716) 485-3536 or Heidi Boser at (814) 5963045.
Additional anniversary activities will be held throughout the year, including a men’s community gathering with guest speaker Carl Davis, Old-Tyme Ice Cream Social, special worship services, a Church Birthday Dinner, craft bazaar and historical
reflections celebrating the church’s 200-year legacy. Watch for a schedule in local newspapers and the church’s Facebook page.
Pastor Tim Middleton said they’ve been planning their bicentennial celebration activities for a year already, and it all begins with Holy Week.
“I’ve never been the pastor of a 200-year-old church before, and it has been an exciting journey to see what God has done in the past 200 years,” he said. “We cannot wait to see what the next 200 are going to look like.”
FOUNDED IN THE early 19th century, the East Randolph Methodist Church has served generations of families in the region, providing a place for worship, service and community connection. The 200th anniversary offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the church’s rich history but also to celebrate the future of the congregation and the broader community it
serves.
Church historian Conney Smith said there is a discrepancy in the founding date of the church. The church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1979. She said former church historian, the late Betty Woodmancy, wrote a wonderful history of the church’s first 150 years.
Smith said current church members chose 2026 as the 200th anniversary because Job Wilson, who was a circuit rider (itinerant minister), started a Methodist class on Elm Creek Road in 1826.
“The foundation of the East Randolph Methodist Church came from that class,” she said. “There were revivals and other classes spread out from that.”
According to an article published in The Randolph Register, the first church meetings were held in a schoolhouse on the fire hall
site. The first sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1852. In 1887, the old parsonage was moved over on Cemetery Street. At that time, a new parsonage was built and the church remodeled. In 1927, the church burned. Because the church was financially unable to rebuild, the parsonage was remodeled into a sanctuary. Additions were made in 1958, and a new sanctuary was built in 1970. The same bell installed in the church in 1852, one of the oldest in Cattaraugus County, continues to ring every Sunday morning. The East Randolph church joined the Randolph Methodist and Congregational churches when they became the Federated Church in 1925. This continued until 1965 when the Federated Church became a Presbyterian church. The East Randolph church
continued until 1968 with temporary pastors. During this time, the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches merged to form the United Methodist Church.
Smith said the church disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and incorporated as East Randolph Methodist in 2023. It is now affiliated with the Global Methodist Church.
Located in the town of Randolph, the East Randolph Methodist Church is celebrating its bicentennial along with the town, which was officially recognized for its 200th anniversary earlier this month. The church will be helping with the town’s main weekend celebration in August.
The church is located at 122 Church St. in East Randolph. All members of the community are welcome to participate in the anniversary events.
Ellicottville skier wins U18+ State Championship Giant Slalom
BY DEB EVERTS
ELLICOTTVILLE
—
Western New York has a star performer in skiing this year as Coleman Carls has been crowned the New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA) U18+ State Champion Giant Slalom.
The Ellicottville resident’s huge milestone took place Feb. 28 at Bristol Mountain in the Finger Lakes region, and he’s the second athlete selected to the U18+ Eastern Finals Team. The team competed March 27-29 at Gore Mountain, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains.
“Coleman is in his second year of U18+, so this was his second in states,” said Devynn Martin, his coach at HoliMont. “This is his first time bringing home gold from the state championships.”
Caitlin Croft, ECS Alpine head coach and NYSSRA executive director, said the NYSSRA State Championship Giant Slalom victory marks a defining achievement in Carls’ U18+ career, showcasing the consistency, composure and competitive edge that
have set him apart all season.
“This is the kind of athlete every program hopes to develop,” she said. “To win a state championship in Giant Slalom at the U18+ level speaks to his discipline and resilience. This achievement is a testament to the work Carls has put in for years. I’ve watched him grow not only as a skier but as a leader. He competes with confidence and composure, and he elevates the athletes around him.”
Croft said Carls was also named to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Eastern Championships Team, solidifying his place among the top high school alpine racers in the state.
Martin said Carls, who qualified for both the NYSPHSAA and NYSSRA Eastern Finals, races on the NYSSRA circuit hosted at HoliMont.
“Since I’ve coached him, he’s shown amazing perseverance and determination to improve his skills. He has truly worked hard to be a wellrounded and proficient skier by skiing in all terrain and conditions, which has allowed him to excel in his state competitions,” she said. “It’s hard to not find him on the slopes. It’s incredible to see all his hard work pay off, especially at U18+ states.”
Carls normally trains four times a week at HoliMont Ski Area and alongside his teammates on weekends. Now that the season is drawing to a close, he has cut back to twice a week. During the warmer months, he keeps his strength by working out three times a week.
“At HoliMont, where he trains on weekends, his development has been equally impressive. He has put in the time when no one is watching,” Martin said. “His giant slalom skiing this season has been powerful and precise. Being named to the U18+ Eastern Finals Team is absolutely earned.
He has taken ownership of his goals, and this is the result.”
With the state Giant Slalom Championship title secured and two prestigious Eastern selections ahead, Carls now prepares to represent NYSSRA at the highest level of the United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) regional competition. Carls is the son of Dina DiPasquale and Jim Carls of Ellicottville. He has two older sisters and is currently in his junior year at Ellicottville Central School.
His skiing career began at age 2 when he started skiing with his mother. By age 6, Carls was participating in free ski races once a year, but he truly started competing at age 10. He said competing in the giant slalom is a scary thing, in general.
“I was put into it when I was young, and I grew to love it,” he said. “I like slalom, giant slalom and super G — I love all of them.”
Carls plans to keep competing in the state ski racing events this next season.
For more information, visit NYSSRA.org.
Photo provided
Carls of Ellicottville is this year’s New York State Ski Racing
photo taken Jan.
Photo provided
An undated vintage photo shows the East Randolph Methodist Church in the 19th century.
Photo provided
Members of the East Randolph Methodist Church will celebrate their church’s 200th anniversary this year with several special events open to the public. Pastor Tim Middleton (far right) is shown with his congregation at the church in 2023.
RANDOLPH — High Point Federal Credit Union delivered its Bite of Reality financial education program to Randolph High School recently, with nearly 50 juniors and seniors taking part in the interactive experience.
Bite of Reality is a modern, app-based simulation designed to give students practical, hands-on exposure to managing personal finances in real-world situations.
High Point FCU first introduced financial simulation programming in 2013 with the Mad City Money program, hosting sessions at Olean and Allegany high schools. Since then, the Credit Union has transitioned to Bite of Reality, an updated, technologydriven version that enhances the original concept through a userfriendly mobile app. The program continues to offer students a realistic perspective on adult financial responsibilities while increasing engagement through digital tools.
High Point FCU presents financial ed program to Randolph students
During the simulation, students are assigned a unique “identity” that includes details such as a career, income, family situation, student loan and credit card debt, and insurance costs. Using the app, participants navigate financial decisions involving housing, transportation, food, childcare, and other everyday expenses, all while staying within their designated budget. Throughout the experience, students gain insight into managing monthly expenses, making credit card payments, and responding to unexpected financial events. They also see firsthand how personal choices can impact longterm financial stability.
While some participants successfully build savings, others must adjust their spending habits, reflecting the reallife tradeoffs many adults face.
Students reported leaving the program with a stronger appreciation for their parents’ financial decisions, a better understanding of the true cost of living, and increased awareness of the importance of managing debt.
By engaging in these scenarios in a structured, interactive setting, participants develop practical financial skills that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
Schools in Allegany, Cattaraugus, McKean and Potter counties interested in hosting the program can contact the credit union at Marketing@ highpointfcu.com or by calling (716) 372-6607.
