Cattaraugus County recognizes 38 at Youth Citizenship Awards Banquet
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
ELLICOTTVILLE — Many of Cattaraugus County’s future leaders were recognized May 4 at the 22nd annual Youth Citizenship Awards banquet, presented by the Department of Aging and Youth Services. Held in the Yodeler Lodge at Holiday Valley, the banquet honored high school students recognized with a Youth Citizenship Award during the 2025-26 school year. The county presents the award weekly to a student in a county high school and is featured in editions of the Salamanca Press and Olean Times Herald.
Before they graduate this June, the seniors in attendance received some words of wisdom from current leaders in their hometowns, the county and across the region.
Keynote speaker Jim Mahar, a professor at St. Bonaventure University and founder of BonaResponds, encouraged the students to bring a sense of community to wherever they go and whatever they do next, saying nobody can do everything alone and everyone needs help at one time or another.
“We have all been encouraged, corrected, forgiven, supported, taught, fed, lifted by someone else. There is no purely self-made person,” he said. “That is why community matters so much. It’s not only the place where we live, but a network of people who make our lives possible.” Through his work with BonaResponds, a volunteer group that has been on over 160 disaster-response-related trips since it started in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Mahar said he has learned that people who are suffering are not
encouraged them to look for the positivity in the world, and if they can’t find it, to create it.
“I challenge you to remember who you are, whose you are and where you came from, and I promise that light will be what guides you,” Andreano said.
“Each and every one of you, just know we are here cheering you on.” Deputy Administrator Michael Brisky called the students “the cream of the crop of Cattaraugus County.” He said he knows many of the students can’t wait to go explore the world and encouraged them to see what it has to offer, but reminded them that their hometowns will always be here and looking for leaders like them.
“We are born and raised in a great place. It’s a great place to start a family, to build a business, to take over a family business, to get a great job. We have a lot of opportunity here,” he said. “Best wishes, do your best, kick some butt and come back and see us.”
Honored Youth Citizenship Awards recipients include: Jenna Anderson, Colin Barnes, Anna Bates, Brett Bergstrom,
“them” — “they are us.” “It is only human beings helping human beings, and that matters because it reminds us that needs are universal,” he said. “We are all much more similar than we want to believe.” Mahar told the students what he said he tells everyone who volunteers with him — that they are role models, not only to their peers and children younger than them but to everyone in the community. He said it’s amazing
to see all they’ve accomplished in their school careers and asked them to keep it up in the years ahead.
“Whatever you do, there will be roles out there for you to help make the world better,” he said. “It can be big, it can be small, it can be as simple as a smile.”
As owner of Jim’s Park and Shop in Olean, Mahar said he tells his cashiers that they may be the only people someone
who’s buying something talks to all week, and a smile and a few kind words can make all the difference. He said people are a herd species that needs other people.
“What I’m asking all of you to do — the parents, the kids, everyone — is to see what the world needs, and then be that person who helps,” he said. “The worst problems in the world are real, but so is the best of humanity, and the best of this
community is sitting in this room. You are part of that hope.”
Legislator Kelly Andreano, Chair of the county Human Services Committee, congratulated the students on their accomplishments, saying they are the ones who chose to “break ranks” — choosing discipline over distraction, purpose over pressure and success over excuses. She said the honored students stepped out from the crowd and
Freeman, Sofia Glover, Madison Honeck, Myleigh Jobe, Maria Jordan, Madison Kahm, Harper Klein, Kierra Knobloch, Kaylin Kratts, Jackson Kruszynski, Alexa Liskow, Grady Merrill, Peyton Mest, Sienna Nagel, Ande Northrup, Jordan O’Connell, Alyia Oliverio, Kayleigh Rohwer, Claira Scott, Olivia Shawley, Reagan Smith, Mia Siblio, Liliana Toms, Alexis Wojewoda-Ko, Dickson Yang.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Photo provided
Gary Allan will perform an outdoor concert at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Aug. 21 with Rodney Atkins.
Photo provided
Rodney Atkins will perform an outdoor concert at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on Aug. 21 with Gary Allan.
unique outdoor activity that combines the fun of cycling with the adventure of exploring historic, repurposed railway tracks that once carried goods and passengers through Cattaraugus. Led by guides, rail bikes carry people on a 6-mile round trip along the historic New York and Lake Erie Railroad line, the former Erie Railroad that was built by Irish immigrants in 1851. The trip is a fairly flat ride with an easy grade and very few hills. Parts of the route pass through Zoar Valley, a striking natural area known for its deep gorges, old-growth forest and the winding Cattaraugus Creek. Nagel said the ride travels approximately three miles each way, along a scenic rail corridor
that offers elevated views of Zoar Valley, providing a unique perspective of one of Western New York’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
“The experience typically lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes and is designed to be accessible to a wide range of ages and ability levels,” he said. “Riders can choose two- or four-person rail bikes, making it suitable for families, couples and small groups.” At the end of their ride, people can enjoy live music, craft beer and cocktails Saturday at RocketCup Coffee. The bands play from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.
According to the Revolution Rail Co. website, the arrival of the railroad brought new life to Cattaraugus in the 1800s, linking the community to a much larger network that
stretched across New York state and beyond. For a time, the village was an active stop along those routes. Timber, agricultural goods and passengers moved through regularly, and the railroad helped shape both the economy and daily life in the area.
As transportation shifted toward cars and highways, that activity slowed. Like many small railroad towns, Cattaraugus settled into a quieter pace. The trains stopped running, but the tracks remained, cutting through forests, fields and the gently rolling hills shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. Today, those same tracks offer a new way to experience the landscape.
Owned and promoted by the Industrial Development Corporation, the rail line had gone unused for nearly 20 years, until its trial runs last October.
The village aims to become a regional attraction for dining and lodging, using its industrial rail heritage to encourage outdoor recreation on its trails. The new attraction will attract visitors and new residents to stay and enjoy Cattaraugus.
Nagel said this launch is part of a broader wave of momentum they are actively building in Cattaraugus. Alongside their Downtown Revitalization Initiative efforts, projects
SATURDAY, May 23, 2026
Starting at 9:00 A.M. (Daylight Savings Time)
Outside Auction starting at 10AM, Livestock at 12:00 Noon, Quilts sell at 1:00 PM, Buildings and Farm Machinery at 1:00 PM (several auctioneers selling at the same time)
23rd AMISH RELIEF AUCTION
Auction to be held at The Farm of Menno A Yoder 5738 Stoddard Road Conewango Valley NY 14726 From Route 62 in Conewango take Northeast Road to Stoddard Road, Or Seager Hill to Stoddard Road. Watch for auction arrows. Handicap Parking Available; LOTS OF PARKING DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED Looking for donations of good, clean saleable items. Items can include: quilts, furniture, toys, machinery, crafts, baked goods, cattle, horses and horse related items, or whatever you can donate. NO JUNK!!!!
PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS CHILDREN AND OTHER NEEDY FAMILIES, DOCTORS AND HOSPITAL BILLS OWED BY THE CONEWANGO VALLEY N.Y. COMMUNITY
Monetary Donations should be made to Amish Relief Fund and sent or dropped off to: Bank of Cattaraugus 24 Main Street Cattaraugus, NY 14719 (716) 257-3431 OR Make Donations or for More Information Contact: Harvey M. Shetler Eli J. Yoder Daniel E. M. Yoder Raber’s Blacksmith Shop 5819 Flat Iron Road 11864 Seager Hill Road 12290 North East
Planter Stands, New Cloth Dryer Racks, New Double Clothes Dryer, Small Oak Tables with Magazine Racks, Hickory Rockers, New Hickory Glider Rocker, Variety of Chairs and Rockers, Kitchen Chairs, Small Benches, Step Stools, Cutting Boards, Handmade Wooden Toys, Amish Relief Auction Mugs, Amish Relief Auction Insulated Coffee Mugs with free coffee all day, Case/Zippo Lighters; Push Lawnmowers, Bird Feeders and Bird Houses, Flowers, Hanging Baskets, Sporting Goods: Fishing Poles
like the Revolution Rail Co. Cattaraugus Run reflect the type of energy and investment they are leveraging to strengthen Main Street and expand economic opportunity. At the same time, they are advancing their Trailblazer initiative to connect Main Street to the Pat McGee Trail, creating a direct link between recreation, commerce and community life. Together, these efforts are positioning Cattaraugus as a destination and building longterm momentum for the region.
“The economic impact on the Village of Cattaraugus and Cattaraugus County is significant,” he said. “This attraction brings consistent, experience-driven tourism into the area, introducing new visitors to local businesses, restaurants and retail shops. It also positions our village as a destination rather than a passthrough community.”
Nagel said the local departure point is near RocketCup Coffee Company, which serves as the administrative hub for the operation and a central
Ɋ May 18 - Par for A Purpose at Holiday Valley. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a local organization. Visit ellicottvilleny.com. Noon.
Ɋ May 21 - Bike Night at the Pat McGee Trail. Park at the Ellicottville Brewery in Little Valley. 6-8 mile ride. 6-8pm.
Ɋ May 27 - Moutain Bike Clinic at Camp Allegany, Allegany State Park.Join certified mountain bike instructors for this free clinic. Bikes and helmets provided. 6pm.
gathering point for riders. He said the ride itself begins at One Main Street, where the rail line intersects Route 353, reinforcing a direct connection between the experience and the heart of the village. Cattaraugus is part of the Revolution Rail Co. in New York. There are other Revolution Rail locations in the state, including North Creek, Hadley, Thurman and Riparius. Rail trails are also located in a few other select states, including New Jersey, Maine and Colorado. According to revrail. com, Revolution Rail has been honored with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for the 7th year running. For more details and to book a ride, call (888) 7380123 or visit online at revrail. com/cattaraugus-run, where schedules and ticket prices are also available. Tours run rain or shine. Reservations are recommended. Book a RocketCup Roastery Tour at rocketcupcoffee.com.
Ɋ June 6 - Cynthia Mohr 5K at Veterans Memorial Park, Salamanca. Memorial 5K and walk in memory of Salamanca teacher Cindy Mohr. Proceeds benefit the Cynthia Mohr Scholarship fund and the 2027 Senior Trip. Register at salamancany.org/cindymohr5k. 9am.
Ɋ June 11 - Summer at the Stone House at Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias. Presentation on the Union Fife and Drum Corps. 7pm
Photo provided The
Mini golf is understandably characterized as a family-friendly recreational activity. But a round of mini golf might be able to help novice golfers young and old fine-tune some important skills that can be applied on traditional courses. While a round of mini golf won’t help golfers sharpen their long
games and add distance to their drives, it might help them bolster their short games. Mini golf courses can help golfers learn to analyze the slope and speed of a green and can help them work on their grip and touch, both of which
are very important for players’ short games. Mini golf also might help golfers learn to work around obstacles.
While golfers are unlikely to encounter any clowns or windmills on a traditional course, learning to strategize
when confronting such obstacles on a mini golf course may teach novice golfers the importance of playing patiently and strategizing when confronting obstacles like trees and bunkers at their local courses.
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windmill comes in kit form with easy to follow instructions. Makes a great weekend project. If you don’t have the time, we also offer assembly and installation services.
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY. AND YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE. (2 COR. 3:17, JOHN 8:32).
