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Elkdale Country Club ready for season after wet, cold spring

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY SALAMANCA

— Nestled in the scenic hills north of Salamanca, Elkdale Country Club is looking forward to its 100th year as a golfing destination for Western New York and the Southern Tier.

After a wetter and colder spring than hoped for, both the club’s staff and its members are ready for the season to begin. Behind the scenes, employees have been working hard to prepare the course and clubhouse as they look forward to a fantastic season filled with great events, friendly competition and plenty of memorable moments with friends and family. Golf Professional Alex Fisher said preparations for this season have gone well.

They’d hoped to open on April 15, but had to push it back a few days due to rain.

“The course is looking great, a lot of our event information is getting out there and we should have a great season,” he said.

Clubhouse Manager Denise Lord said the clubhouse is geared up and ready as well. The kitchen opened for lunches on April 15 and will begin serving Friday Fish Fry dinners on May 1 and Sunday morning breakfasts on May 3, along with daily lunch hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elkdale has long embraced a semi-private philosophy, welcoming both members and the public. This dual identity allows the club to serve as a recreational hub for the broader community while maintaining an exclusive, memberoriented environment.

“What I like about it is it’s a country club, but it’s a club in the country,” Lord said. “It’s just so down-to-earth, the people are very nice and the staff in all areas get along. We’re a great

team.”

The course itself came through the winter in great shape, and the grounds crew has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. The 2026 Spring Clean Up Day was held on March 28.

“We just need a little less rain, but the course recovered phenomenally,” Fisher said. “Should be good once Mother Nature decides to let off on us.”

The club again has a full slate of golf events over the next few months, as well as the weekly leagues.

New this year is the inaugural Women’s Play for P.I.N.K Golf Tournament on Aug. 31. This exciting day benefits breast cancer research and promises fun for all participants, from competitive challenges like Beat the Pro to mystery pink envelopes and even pink speciality drinks.

“We have a lot going on for it,” Fisher said. “It supports Play for P.I.N.K., which is breast

cancer research, so hopefully we get a big crowd for it, and it goes as well as we hope it does.”

A native to the area and an Ellicottville Central School graduate, this is Fisher’s second year as Elkdale’s head pro. After attending SUNY Delhi and working as a golf pro at the Paramount Country Club just north of New York City, he is excited to bring his knowledge back home.

“I grew up playing Holiday Valley, but if I wasn’t there, I was here,” he said of Elkdale. “I was a part of (former club pro) Jack Widger’s junior program, and he’s a big reason I ended up being in the golf industry.

“I’m happy to be back and happy to bring some new events and some fresh stuff over here that you may have seen at other facilities,” Fisher added.

One of those new features Fisher brought to Elkdale in 2025 was fitting days, promotional events where golfers test new equipment under the supervision of manufacturer reps or certified fitters. After hosting five days last year, he said he has seven scheduled for this year.

“It’s a great opportunity to talk about stuff and to get better,” he said, noting the male members’ average handicap dropped from about 18 to 14. “There’s more chatter in the club talking about golf than there had been when I first came in.”

For more information about the club and golf course, rates and fees or to book a tee time, visit elkdalecc.com or call (716) 945-5553.

Photo by Kellen M. Quigley

View of the Hole 1 green looking back toward the clubhouse at Elkdale Country Club.

Randolph announces Top 10 for Class of 2026

See page 4

Poole to receive Pitt-Bradford’s 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction

BY DEB EVERTS

SALAMANCA — Local

fitness guru Bradley Poole will receive the 2026 Alumni Award of Distinction from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pa.) on May 1 during commencement week activities.

Poole has been selected to receive the award in honor of his amazing accomplishments as he leads the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF). The Salamanca resident was born with CF, which is an inherited, life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. The 38-year-old warrior who battles the disease every day of his life said he began to focus on his fitness to improve his physical and mental wellness at around 23 years old.

“That’s when I changed my mindset to get into a routine of taking care of myself with breathing treatments and to start exercising,” he said.

Later on, Poole started teaching other people to take care of themselves. He said fitness was a lifesaver for him — not just physically but also mentally — and he saw the impact he might have on others as a fitness instructor.

His motto is, “Stay the course, embrace the struggle, own the hard.”

He instills those words in

anyone who is struggling with mental health or physical issues.

“Fitness gave me purpose, discipline gave me direction and helping others became my mission,” he said.

Today, Poole utilizes his love of exercise to drive a thriving fitness center business while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment to fight the incurable, chronic illness.

Mark Kelley, assistant professor of exercise science and director of the exercise science program at PittBradford, nominated Poole for the award.

“Brad is the embodiment of resilience and inspiration,” Kelley said. “He turned a lifelong challenge into a source of strength, purpose and impact. Through every mile he runs and every life he touches, he proves that limitations do not define us — our courage to rise beyond them does.”

Through his periodic fundraisers, Poole has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cystic fibrosis research and treatment, gaining him national attention for his endurance challenges.

In 2020, he ran through every town in Cattaraugus County, completing 266 miles in seven days and raising $65,000 in the

miles from Miami to New York City with a goal of raising $1 million for cystic fibrosis.

“I have found that the crazier the challenge, the more attention I get and money I can raise,” he said. “Fitness truly helped save my life, and I am committed to using these challenges to help save the lives of others who also suffer from this disease.”

The trek will be an amazing feat for Poole, who, through treatment, mental health support and fitness, has learned how to turn struggle into strength.

“This run is about resilience and owning the hard things in life,” he said.

“It’s about funding research that turns cystic fibrosis from a fatal disease into a manageable condition — and one day, a cure.”

The first leg of Poole’s run is officially mapped out.

On March 29, he gave his followers a training update on his Facebook page, where he also posted a video of the first part of his run from Miami and up the coast to Jacksonville.

on Instagram and watch for his run, scheduled for March 1, 2027, on social media.

Poole resides in Salamanca with his wife, Stephanie, and two children, Finley and Sadie. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from Pitt-Bradford in sport and recreation management and exercise sciences, as well as a master’s in sports administration from Canisius University. He is a certified strength and conditioning coach who combines his professional background with personal experience to help others build strength through fitness and mindset.

process. Since then, he has continued to increase the distances and complexity of the challenges, while also raising the financial goals.

With continued support and determination, Poole has been preparing for the run of his lifetime. In March 2027, he will run over 1,300

“I’ve never really been along the Atlantic side, so it’ll be amazing to see new places and take in the sights while pushing my limits,” he said.

To join Poole in his efforts to support his mission, follow his journey

Before opening Warrior Fitness & Wellness in Ellicottville in 2020, Poole worked for several years as a personal trainer. He now has a second location in Little Valley, and the business continues to grow. Poole has been given the opportunity to share his story as a writer for the Cystic Fibrosis Community Blog. In his blog, “What CF and Mental Health Taught Me About Strength,” posted earlier this month, he tells of the lessons he has learned and hopes to impact others who are fighting their own battles.

To read his blog and to learn more about cystic fibrosis, visit online at cff. org. Follow Poole on social media.

Leon Historical Society announces summer season events

BY DEB EVERTS

LEON — Members of the Leon Historical Society invite the public to enjoy the special events they have planned for the 2026 summer season. Their season will kick off May 25 with a Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m. and a tribute at the Treat Cemetery. This will be followed by the reading of the Honor Roll at the gazebo in front of the historic 1836 Church.

“While you are riding along Route 62 to get to any of our events, please look at our Hometown Hero Banners that hang proudly to recognize those from Leon who served to keep our freedoms,” said Town Historian Pat Bromley.

May 30 starts their “Spring Along the Amish Trail” program that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone who stops by the Leon Historical Society on Saturdays can register for a drawing for a free car tour for four people through the Amish countryside. The tour will stop at Amish-run stores and participants can learn about the local history in the area. This $60-value will be valid this summer from June 1 through Aug. 30.

During the month of June, members will be honoring the Women’s Relief Corp that was

organized in Leon in 1890. The church will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment by calling (716) 296-5709. On July 8 at 4 p.m., the historical society will host Carol Crossed from Rochester, who will present an exciting program with little-known information about Susan B. Anthony. Light refreshments will be served. Donations are always

appreciated. Members will host their “Christmas in July” program, 1 p.m. on July 25, at the church. Attendees will enjoy a traditional Christian program along with “Zoo 62,” a licensed facility offering information about animals and rides on a pony or a camel. A nominal fee applies. Light refreshments will be served. The Leon Historical

Society will be at the Chautauqua County Expo, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Chautauqua Community Building, in the former high school, located at 2 Academy St. in Mayville. Come learn about the historical society’s storied past and present.

A day of great food and fun activities will take place Aug. 15 when the annual

Leon Town Picnic kicks off at noon. The picnic will be held at the activity building on the firemen’s grounds located at 12194 Leon-New Albion Road. Bring a dish to pass. The local Amish community has been a part of Leon’s history since 1949. Upon request, the historical society offers personalized car tours through the Amish community where visitors

can discover their unique culture and purchase a variety of Amish-made goods. Tours are available by reservation only. Suggested donation is $60 per vehicle for a three-hour tour. To schedule a tour, call Pat Bromley at (716) 680-1161 or Klayton Peterson at (716) 574-9883.

Monthly meetings and most events are held at the historic 1836 Church, owned by the historical society and located at the four corners in Leon along Route 62. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the last Monday of each month, March through November.

Beginning May 2, the church will be open to visitors for the season, admission free, every Saturday, May through October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed for repairs this year, but the Pennyroyal Racetrack exhibit is currently on display at the church.

“Stop in at the Little Church on the hill at the four corners and see what we have accomplished,” Bromley said. For more details, visit online at leonhistoricalsociety.weebly. com. Learn more about the Amish Trail at amishtrail. com.

Photo by Deb Everts

Randolph announces Top 10 for Class of 2026

The

—

RANDOLPH

Randolph Central School District has announced Jenna Anderson as valedictorian and Cooper Freeman as salutatorian for the Class of 2026, along with the rest of the Top 10 seniors from the class.

Valedictorian

Jenna Anderson is the daughter of Patrick and Kristy Anderson. Her extracurricular activities at Randolph Junior/Senior High School include varsity soccer, varsity bowling, Spanish Club, FFA and National Honor Society. Outside of school, Anderson enjoys snowboarding, dancing, baking and playing the guitar.

After graduation, Anderson plans to attend the University of Maryland and study pre-professional animal science as she works toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Salutatorian Cooper Freeman is the son of Matthew and Sarla Freeman. His

extracurricular activities at Randolph Junior/Senior High School include soccer, basketball, track, golf, National Honor Society, Community Cupboard, Make a Difference Day, Wellness Night, Dot Day and Junior Olympics. Outside of school, Freeman enjoys soccer, hanging out with friends, camping, four-wheeler riding, golfing and skiing. After graduation, Freeman plans to attend Ohio Northern University with a major in finance/law as well as to play soccer at the collegiate level. In addition to Anderson and Freeman, Randolph’s Top 10 is rounded out with Nicholas Ashdown, Ryanne

Rhys

Leah

Piper

Eleven

Hayden Rosing and Aryana

District officials extend their congratulations to all these students on their accomplishments at Randolph Central Schools.

Photo provided

Randolph Central School has announced its Top 10 students for the Class of 2026. Pictured (front row, from left): Leah Olejniczak, Jenna Anderson, Aryana Sears, Piper Chase-Hale, (back row) Nicholas Ashdown, Cooper Freeman, Rhys Kelly, Ryanne Bushey, Eleven Marsh and Hayden Rosing.

Bushey,

Chase-Hale,

Kelly,

Marsh,

Olejniczak,

Sears.

National Bike Month events coming up at Allegany State Park

RED HOUSE —

Allegany State Park is celebrating National Bike Month with several events throughout May.

Promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month has been celebrated in May across the United States since 1956. It encourages people to ride bicycles and enjoy the outdoors on two wheels. Bike Month celebrates and promotes biking as a means of sustainable transportation, building community, exercise, health and for fun.

On May 1, the Full Moon Fun Ride will be held 7:30-9 p.m. Meet at Camp Allegany. Participants will join

Allegany State Park educators for a fun ride of 5-7 miles around the Red House area bike path. All ages and bikes are welcome. No scooter bikes or training wheels. Helmets are required for all. Bring a bike light, water and a sense of adventure for a ride under the first full moon of May. Then on May 21, Bike Night on the Pat McGee Trail will be held

6-8 p.m. Park at the Ellicottville Brewery in Little Valley. Check out this multiuse trail with Allegany State Park educators. Bikes with wider tires, such as mountain bikes or gravel bikes, are recommended as this trail is not paved. Helmets are required. Bring water, a snack and repair tools for this 6- to 8-mile ride.

Wrapping up the month May 27, join Allegany State Parks’ own certified mountain bike instructors for a free Mountain Bike Clinic. Meet at Camp Allegany at 6 p.m. Bikes and helmets are provided. Riders must be at least 5 feet tall to participate. Registration is required as supplies are limited. Call or text