Drinking milk is a popular way to consume the amount of dairy recommended for a healthy diet. Milk is a rich source of 13 essential nutrients that can boost the immune system and fuel the body. Milk notably contains vitamin D and calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and can reduce the risk for a bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis. Milk also contains vitamins A and B as well as potassium and protein. Milk helps keep teeth strong and healthy as well. The United States Department of Agriculture says that each person’s recommended intake of dairy depends on his or her age, gender, height, and other factors. Generally speaking, toddlers and children should consume between one and 2.5 cups of milk per day. Adults can benefit from about three cups per day. A cup is equal to 8 ounces. Health experts advise choosing nonfat or low-fat versions of milk and additional dairy products, as they are much more hearthealthy than full-fat options. Too much saturated fat in one’s diet can lead to high cholesterol and a greater risk for heart disease. If the idea
of downing three glasses of milk is a turn-off, milk can be incorporated into recipes, such as smoothies, where its taste and texture is less prominent. Cheese and yogurt also count. Eight ounces of yogurt or 11/2 ounces of hard cheese is equivalent to one cup of milk in terms of nutrition, says a2 Milk®, a company that produces milk that may be easier on digestion. Individuals who have a lactose intolerance can choose milk products that do not contain lactose.
WVCA awarded two safety awards for excellence
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14th Cattaraugus County FarmerNeighbor Dinner honors area ag leaders
WEST VALLEY — The 14th annual Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner was held April 15 at the West Valley Firemen’s Hall and honored three individuals who have devoted countless hours to the agriculture community and daily farm life in the county. Brendan O’Gorman was presented with the Farm of the Year award. His career in agriculture began on a replacement heifer farm in Eden, where he first developed an interest in livestock.
O’Gorman went on to further his education at Cornell University, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics before returning to production agriculture in 2006 as the farm manager for the Mammoser brothers’ newly started organic dairy operation in South Dayton, Eden Valley Organics, LLC. In 2012, O’Gorman joined the business as a partner at Eden Valley Farms alongside Jerry, Ron and Rick Mammoser. He was later joined by his brother Conor, and together they eventually purchased the business from the retiring partners. Today, the O’Gorman brothers work as a team, making the strategic decisions required to manage their dairies and a cropping business that covers acreage across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties. Their partnership has led to significant diversification. While the original dairy is a conventional operation, they have since added three organic dairies — Eden Valley Organics in South Dayton in 2006, Chautauqua Hilltop Organic in Cassadaga in 2012 and Southern Tier Organics in Sinclairville in 2018. Also in 2018, the partnership formed Eden Valley Creamery, which processes a portion of the milk from Eden Valley Organics into a variety of cheeses and creamline regular and flavored milk.
Currently, Brendan O’Gorman is focused on a new joint venture in Cherry Creek
leader, and the Variety Pack 4-H Club was established. Growing from 10 kids the first year to nearly 40 today, it has been a great group of kids and parents to work with over the years. Hill has a club with kids of all different farm backgrounds and they enjoy learning from each other and watching everyone grow. And the kids seem to always let her know when they have grown taller than her.
The dairy industry has always been at the forefront of Hill’s passion, and in 2021, she was asked to take on the role of the Dairy Ambassador Program. Without hesitation, she accepted the role and started learning what she had to do. In 2022, she hosted the first Milk and Cookie Ceremony, asking as many local dairy farmers for their support for the program. With the growth of the program and the unwavering continued support from our local dairy farmers, Hill has encouraged many kids to join the program and promote the dairy industry in the county. These kids attend many events and are always at the fair, handing out dairy products and talking about the goodness of dairy.
between Eden Valley Farms and Nobles Farms. This project — a 6,000-cow conventional dairy featuring a 120-stall modern rotary parlor — is a major step forward for the operation that has allowed for their conventional herd to begin expanding and move into a state-of-the-art facility, which will provide continuing opportunities for future generations. At its core, the business remains a family-run operation with brothers Brendan and Conor O’Gorman heading it up. Brendan is a member of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, where he serves on the membership committee. He is also a New York State Farm Bureau member and a long-term participant in Cornell’s dairy discussion groups.
FRIEND OF AG Originally from the
Midwest, Friend of Agriculature awardee Katie Hill grew up on her parents’ dairy farm, Voelker Swiss Farm in Perryville, Missouri. After her high school graduation, she obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of MissouriColumbia in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics. While in college, she met her husband, Darin. Hill moved to Cattaraugus, N.Y., in the fall of 2010 and joined Hills Valley Farm. Darin and Katie were married in 2012 and have four very active kids, Blake, Garrett, Averi and Chase. Together, they own and operate the dairy farm and are currently going through a renovation to incorporate the Lely robotic milking system. Growing up, Katie Hill always had a passion for agriculture, being an active member in 4-H and FFA. It was within those organizations that
she developed her leadership abilities and her passion for teaching children about agriculture. After relocating to Western New York, Hill was asked to be a part of the Pro Ed Committee for Cattaraugus Farm Bureau. There she met some very inspiring individuals who helped her get more involved in agriculture in our county.
Hill began reading in local schools during Ag Literacy week in 2014, and in 2015, she was asked to take on the Agriculture Discovery Tent at the Cattaraugus County Fair. It was during this project that Hill really got to know more about the variety of agriculture in our county. She was the leader of the Ag Discovery Tent through 2025. In 2020, some childhood friends of Darin were looking to form a 4-H club. Hill took on the responsibility of being club
Aside from these two roles, Hill previously served Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau as a board member and Pro-Ed Co-Chair, on the State Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers committee, the State Farm Bureau Pro-Ed committee and the New York Brown Swiss Association President. Currently, she is serving as a school board member for the CattaraugusLittle Valley district, Secretary/ Treasurer for the New York Brown Swiss Association, on the Youth Committee for the National Brown Swiss Association, a member of the dairy committee for Cattaraugus County 4-H and a board member for Cattaraugus-Little Valley Youth Football and Cheerleading.
AG LEGACY AWARD
Marcie (Belscher) Furl, recipient of the Agriculture
Legacy Award, is a lifelong resident of East Otto. She purchased her family home back in 1999 and raised her two boys, Hunter and Gage Furl, there as a single mother. Both boys currently reside in East Otto, with Hunter recently buying a home of his own. While Furl considers being a mom her greatest achievement, she is also grateful to have had the opportunity to serve her community through her career at the Farm Service Agency. She was allowed the opportunity to work at ASCS through a work/study program while she was a student at Cattaraugus County BOCES. Furl was hired full-time immediately after high school and worked in the Erie County office, running all the Dairy Programs and Farm records, amongst many other programs, for 13 years. In October 2004, Furl was able to come home to Cattaraugus County when she transferred to the Ellicottville office where she ran many of the same programs. She remained in Ellicottville until her retirement this January. In addition, throughout her time with the Farm Service Agency, Furl was able to work with neighboring county offices and people residing in them.
If you asked Furl what she enjoyed most during her 34 years at the Farm Service Agency, she would tell you without hesitation that it was working with and helping the farmers. She loved her coworkers, but it was the farmers who gave her the most joy and purpose, and she is proud to have served both them and her community for her entire career. Furl would also like to acknowledge and thank Jean Davis, who was instrumental in Furl’s life and career. In retirement, Furl is looking forward to relaxing, spending time with family and friends, traveling and finding new ways to serve her community.
Seneca Nation commemorates signing of Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842
WEST SENECA — Seneca Nation leaders gathered Friday, May 15, with local officials and neighbors to commemorate the importance of the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842, which forever shaped the history of both the Seneca Nation and Western New York.
The treaty restored Seneca possession of the Nation’s Cattaraugus and Allegany territories after an earlier, manipulated treaty attempted to stake claim to all Seneca lands and relocate the Seneca people to presentday Kansas.
The annual event took place at the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center in West Seneca, which stands in the vicinity of where the historic agreement between the Seneca Nation and the United States was signed.
The Seneca Nation has made countless contributions to the history, culture and economy of Western New York, and today stands as one of the region’s most significant economic engines. Between its gaming enterprises, other businesses and government operations, the Seneca Nation provides an annual economic impact to Western New York of nearly $2 billion, providing thousands of direct jobs and supporting thousands of others through business relationships with a wide network of vendors, suppliers and contractors locally and across New York State.
The Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 further affirmed that the Seneca Nation will never be subject to taxation on Indian-owned lands. Article 9 of the treaty states that the United States agrees to “protect such lands of the
“It is important that people — Seneca and nonSeneca alike — understand and are reminded of the importance of the 1842 Buffalo Creek Treaty, what it stands for, what it protects and what it guarantees,” said Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca. “Without this treaty, and the unshakable resilience of our ancestors who fought for it, the Seneca Nation and Western New York would be far different and far less vibrant today. It is because of this treaty that we are still here on our ancestral homelands, where we continue to impact and influence our entire region and build a strong future for our next seven generations.”
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22,011 acres of land along Cattaraugus Creek near Lake Erie; the Oil Spring Territory, one square mile in Cuba, N.Y.; ancestral land on Skillen Street in Buffalo, site of the Buffalo Creek Community Center; Todiakton, approximately 39 acres of land in the Town of Mendon; 50 acres of land in downtown Niagara Falls, where Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located, and nine acres in downtown Buffalo, where Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is located. In late 2025, the Nation also acquired 207 acres of ancestral homeland on Grand Island.
“Nearly 200 years after the government tried to completely remove the Seneca people from our homelands, our Nation is strong and growing,” President Seneca added.
Senecas within the state of New York as may from time to time remain in their possession from all taxes, and assessments for roads, highways and other purpose
until such lands shall be sold and conveyed by said Indians and possession thereof shall be relinquished by them.”
Today, the Seneca Nation consists of several distinct
territories, including the Allegany Territory, 31,095 acres along Ohi:yo’ (the Allegheny River), including the city of Salamanca; the Cattaraugus Territory,
“With each step forward, we are protecting our sovereignty and improving not just the quality of life for our people, but also the economic strength and vitality of Western New York. That is why we return to Buffalo Creek every year in order to recognize how our ancestors fought to make this possible.”
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Dancers give an Iroquois dance demonstration during the Buffalo Creek Treaty of 1842 commemorative event Friday, May 15, in West Seneca.
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Brendan O’Gorman was named the 2026 Farmer of the Year at the 14th annual
Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner. He is shown with his wife, Anne Wheeler, and their children, Kevin and Quinn, in their new dairy farm parlor.
BY DEB EVERTS
Come to Ellicottville
this summer for a fabulous getaway the whole family can enjoy as the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce and Holiday Valley Resort are planning a full schedule of favorite events.
Relax, stay and have some fun. USA Today refers to Ellicottville as “an outdoor lover’s paradise,” and National Geographic said Ellicottville is “one of the top adventure towns in America.”
Rock in the Fourth of July weekend and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, July 3-5, at Ellicottville’s Summer Music Festival. Presented by the chamber of commerce and hosted by Holiday Valley, the
three-day music event will feature live music with powerhouse performances and a fireworks finale.
The weekend fires up Friday with Mr. Brightside, a tribute band dedicated to the Killers that will deliver the anthem everyone belts out at the top of their lungs.
The ’80s hard rock tribute band Hair Nation will take the stage next with the biggest, loudest and most unapologetic rock hits of the era.
Nerds Gone Wild, Western New York‘s award-winning ’80s and Retro show, will kick off Saturday’s music.
The Fab Four, an Emmy Award-winning Beatles tribute band, will follow, bringing the sound, look and energy of the band that changed music forever.
The momentum keeps
rolling Sunday with breakout vocalist Cami Clune opening for Max Muscato who will give a special performance supporting Rock Autism, a nonprofit empowering youth through music and the arts. The weekend concludes with a spectacular fireworks display celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States.
“This lineup is pure celebration,” said Chamber Director Barb Pump. “From the energy of opening night to a July Fourth performance headlined by The Fab
Four, this weekend is built to be unforgettable. Add a fireworks finale worthy of the country’s 250th anniversary, and Ellicottville is ready to shine.”
The annual Jazz and Blues Weekend returns to Ellicottville July 2426 when the village will come alive with the rhythm of jazz and the sultry melodies of the blues. The free, three-day event features nearly 20 performances that will take place at various bars and restaurants in the village.
On July 25, Holiday
Ɋ May 30 - Spring Along the Amish Trail at Cattaraugus County Amish Trail. Gear up for a road trip through the countryside. Nearly 200 Amish shops along the Amish Trail offer their wares and handiworks,
offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Start from the Valley View Cheese Company, Leon Historical Society Museum or South Dayton Depot Movie & Rail Museum. 10am-4pm.
Enjoy favorite summer events in Ellicottville
Valley will host the 6th annual 42 North HillTAP Festival at Spruce Lake. The event will give guests the opportunity to enjoy great music, food, drink and outdoor fun while experiencing the natural beauty of the mountaintop. Summer brings outdoor adventure to Holiday Valley on its 18 hole golf course, Sky High Aerial Adventure Park, the Mountain Coaster, pools and mountain biking trails. Both Holiday Valley and HoliMont resorts are meccas for mountain biking, with an
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
extensive trail system. Enjoy an ultimate culinary experience at the Taste of Ellicottville event on Aug. 8 and 9 when local restaurants set up café-style throughout the village and showcase their signature dishes in small bites. Tickets can be purchased at ellicottvilleny.com. Follow Ellicottville, NY on Facebook and visit Ellicottville on Instagram for festival updates and artist highlights. For details about Holiday Valley, visit holidayvalley. com.
2027 Senior Trip. Register at salamancany.org/ cindy-mohr5k. 9am.
Ɋ June 11 - Summer at the Stone House at Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias. Presentation on the Union Fife and Drum Corps. 7pm
Ɋ June 13 - Theresa Caputo Live at Seneca Allegany Event Center. Tickets start at $60.50. Visit senecaalleganycasino. com. 8pm.
Ɋ June 20 - Arts & Festival in downtown Randolph. 10am - 5pm.
Ɋ June 25 - Summer at the Stone House at Cattaraugus County Museum, Machias. Presentation on the KaBar Story with historican Joe Bradley. 7pm.
Ɋ June 27-28 - Free Fishing Day throughout New York State. Hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. No fishing license is required on these days for the fresh or marine waters. Visit dec. ny.gov.
Ɋ July 3-5 - Summer Music Festival at Holiday Valley. Enjoy a slate of fantastic artists at the outdoor slopeside venue. This weekend is filled with music and fun family adventures. Visit ellicottvilleny.com
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The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce is planning a summer of great entertainment events. A crowd is shown at the Taste of Ellicottville event enjoying mouthwatering food delights, in small portions.
WVCA awarded two safety awards for excellence
WEST VALLEY
— The West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA) team has been awarded both the Department of Energy (DOE) Voluntary Protection Program Star of Excellence and the National Safety Council Occupational Excellence Achievement Award for their safe work achievements in 2025.
These awards highlight the completion of highhazard work in a safe and compliant manner.
“High-risk work demands low-risk behavior.
We earn every success by choosing safety first and complying with every regulation, every time,” said Jennifer Dundas, DOEWVDP Assistant Director, Office of Technical Services.
“I am truly proud of this team accomplishment, and sincerely thank everyone for their diligence in completing high-risk and challenging work in a safe and compliant manner.”
The Star of Excellence recognizes excellence in safety and health practices. It is the highest achievement level that is awarded to contractors who demonstrate outstanding safety and health programs, achieving injury and illness rates at least 75% below the national average and meeting annual DOE Voluntary Protection Program goals.
“This and other work at the West Valley Demonstration Project only happens because of the skills and commitment of our employees to complete work in a safe and compliant manner,”
DOE WVDP Assistant
Director Stephen Bousquet said. “This work — safely performed — brings many benefits to the ongoing cleanup and future closure of our site.”
The Occupational Excellence Achievement Award is part of the National Safety Council’s Occupational Awards Program. It aims to honor organizations that demonstrate a proactive approach to safety compliance and leadership, promoting a culture of safety in the workplace and achieving injury and illness rates at least 50% below the Bureau of Labor Statistics national average. Jason Casper, President and Program Manager of WVCA, DOE’s WVDP cleanup contractor, commended the team for its achievement. “I am truly proud of this
team accomplishment, and sincerely thank everyone for their diligence in completing high-risk and challenging work in a safe and compliant manner,” he said. “This is not the result of one person or one group, but a collective sense of teamwork, shared values, and watching out for one another.”
Consider for a moment what this means — two awards for safety excellence while working among heavy construction equipment; in areas with radiological, industrial and hazardous materials; and in all sorts of weather conditions.
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Photo provided
From left, Marcus Perrington, Local 2401 President; Jason Casper, WVCA President; Brett Proctor, Local 2401 Vice President; and Bryan Bower, DOE-WVDP Director, hold a recognition flag from the Department of Energy’s Voluntary Protection Program.
