JUNE
12 2025
SNEAK PEEK
INSIDE!
‘Sew’ much fun for everyone at annual 4-H Fashion Revue See Page 2
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Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
June 12, 2025
‘Sew’ much fun for everyone at annual 4-H Fashion Revue LITTLE VALLEY — Nine Cattaraugus County 4-H members ranging in age from 5-17 showed a variety of sewing projects at the county 4-H Fashion Revue on May 21. “This was our largest group in recent years, and we’re excited to see our sewing program growing,” said 4-H Educator Abby Luzier. Bringing their projects to the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds, the youths met individually with evaluators who provided feedback and encouragement. Each 4-Her then took a turn to model their creations in
front of family members and each other. Projects ranged from beginners showing an egg collection bag, simple dresses, and aprons to an advanced teen who modeled her homecoming and prom dresses. “Fashion Revue is a great opportunity for our members to see what others are sewing, to get ideas for future projects, and to gain confidence in presenting their work in front of an audience,” said Nancy Olejniczak, a member of the Family and Consumer Science Committee, which hosted the revue.
The county revue participants now have the opportunity to participate in the Western New York District Fashion Revue, hosted by Chautauqua County 4-H in June. Leah Olejniczak, who will be modeling at her fifth district event, said that she enjoys seeing the different kinds of projects that youth from other counties are creating. For more information about Fashion Revue and the Cattaraugus County 4-H program, contact the 4-H office today by calling 716-699-2377 or emailing cattaraugus4h@cornell.edu.
Photo provided The Cattaraugus County 4-H held its annual Fashion Revue on May 21. Participants in their modeled designs include (from left): Gordon Porter and Elsie Porter, both of East Concord; Sammy Kratochvil of Cattaraugus; Amelia Fuller and Savannah Fuller, both of West Valley; Leah Olejniczak of Randolph; Penny Kratochvil of Cattaraugus; and Miranda Ritter and Alicia Ritter, both of Conewango Valley.
FAQ about garage remodels
Homeowners tend to want to maximize all of the space they have in their homes. For some this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes. According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase the value of a home and add living space. Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a home gym or even create room for a home office. Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.
How much does the renovation cost? Several factors will ultimately determine the final price of a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $6,000 and $26,000. Most homeowners come in at around $15,000 for a total garage conversion. Will I recoup the
investment? A garage conversion adds value to a home if it creates new and usable living space. The firm Cottage, which pulled together a team of builders, architects and technologists, advises the average garage conversion provides an 80 percent return on investment. That ROI varies depending on location.
How can I upgrade the flooring? Garages traditionally feature concrete floors. Although durable, concrete floors can feel damp, hard and cold underfoot. Both vinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elevate the design and functionality of the garage. Can I have the best of both worlds? Sometimes a garage needs to serve many purposes. Lofting the garage means a homeowner can still park cars or utilize the lower space as a living area, all the while items are stored overhead. Some flip this design scenario and have the loft area as a bedroom or finished
living space, while the lower portion remains a traditional garage area. Another thought is to finish only a portion of the garage. This works well for two- or three-car garages where there will be room to park a car and the remainder will serve another purpose. What are other ways to improve the garage? Installing more windows or improving on the lighting in the garage can be important. The garage improvement experts at Danley’s say window installation enables people to circulate air in the garage without having to open the garage door. Improving the lighting means the garage can still be enjoyed or utilized after dark. Spread out lighting in the garage, and use a combination of overhead and task lighting just as one would in the home itself.
way to deter pests and to spot infestations before they become problematic, indicates Mosquito Joe pest control company. Reducing water and humidity in the space, weatherproofing at the base of the garage door and other entry spots and utilizing insect repellents to make the garage less hospitable also can decrease the risk of insect infestation. Remodeling a garage can add value and plenty of usable space to a home. Whether a garage houses cars or hosts neighborhood game night, a garage renovation can be well worth the investment.
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Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
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Enjoy entertainment close to home It may be fun to plan getaways to big cities or even international destinations to take in the culture, sights and sounds of such locales, but people need not always venture too far from home to enjoy great entertainment and recreation. What’s more, many local options are budget-friendly and do not require much travel. That makes it easy to enjoy events during the week and on the weekend. The following are some recreation and entertainment ideas people can enjoy without skipping town. • Live music: There are no shortage of live music performances in many cities and towns. Local restaurants or pubs and concert halls feature musicians trying to get their names out and perform. Even established musical
stars may make local appearances from time to time. Musical performances also can be enjoyed at school functions and festivals, and some towns may have resident buskers performing right in the center of town. • Theater productions: Check the calendar of local theater troupes and you’re bound to find two or more productions a year. Community colleges also are great spots to take in theatrical performances. Some theaters also serve as testing grounds for new shows before they move on to bigger theaters and even Broadway. The benefit of these local productions is that tickets tend to be more reasonably priced, and the shows are just as entertaining as some bigger productions. • Restaurants and
dining: A night out for many includes a visit to a neighborhood restaurant. Patronizing local restaurants introduces individuals to up-and-coming or established chefs. Independent restaurants offer tastes of different cuisine and are not beholden to the menu restrictions that may come with franchised establishments. But whether you choose a privately owned spot or even a chain restaurant for a meal, it can be an entertaining escape from kitchen duty. • Farmer’s markets: Many towns feature farmer’s markets one or more days during the week, bringing together vendors offering unique and locally produced wares. Although these markets are not entertainment, per se, walking around browsing and
interacting with new people can certainly be a relaxing way to spend a few hours. • Parks and recreation spots: Many areas boast beaches, parks, trails, lakes, marinas, and other destinations that provide opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. In certain towns, there are spots that are free from crowds that may gather at more wellknown tourist spots. • Comedy shows: Local venues are great places for comics to test out their material. Some may perform in comedy clubs or even in bars. Individuals should check establishments’ calendars to see who is on the list to come. Spending time out and about around town is often quite easy thanks to a variety of recreational and entertaining options nearby.
Page 4
Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
CLASS OF 2025
June 12, 2025
RANDOLPH CENTRAL SCHOOL
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Chloe Chadwick
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Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
June 12, 2025
CCE program offering home, ag water testing ELLICOTTVILLE
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biological and chemical
water supply for the
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Consulting of
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contamination.
production of crops
contaminants.
Rochester, a laboratory
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Homeowners with
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wells are responsible
livestock and poultry.
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Page 6
Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
June 12, 2025
Ellicottville’s Summer Music Festival promises a music-packed weekend BY DEB EVERTS
ELLICOTTVILLE Rock the Fourth of July weekend at Ellicottville’s Summer Music Festival, July 4–6, when the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce will present an unforgettable series of performances. Presented by the chamber and hosted by Holiday Valley Resort, the three-day music event featuring live music in an outdoor theater is one of the area’s biggest and most anticipated events of the year. The music-packed
take place Friday from 11
sleeping on hotel floors and
a.m. to 10 p.m. in the village.
driving myself from gig to
During the free, public event,
gig. It’s not glamorous, but
15 finalists will compete for
I’m proud of it. I like the
the grand prize of performing
idea of a queen with a little
as the opening act Saturday
grit and elbow grease.”
night for country music
Whitters recently took
star Hailey Whitters. The
home the ACM Award for
winner will be chosen by the
“New Female Artist of the
audience via online voting.
Year” and also received her
On Saturday night, the
first CMA and Grammy
Battle of the Bands winner
nominations. She has
will open the show and
performed at Coachella
perform 7:15–7:45 p.m.
Valley, Stagecoach and
Whitters, the “Everything
Bonnaroo music and arts
She Ain’t” country star, will
festivals and has toured
take the stage and perform
with Luke Combs, Shania
from 8:30–10:30 p.m.
weekend will feature
Twain, Dierks Bentley, Eric
The weekend will wrap
live music on stage at the resort, both Saturday and Sunday evenings, plus
Church and Luke Bryan.
up Sunday evening with
“This performance will
the Buffalo Philharmonic
be a bona fide great time,”
Orchestra performing
a spectacular fireworks
Pump said. “We look forward
“The Magical Music of
display Sunday evening
to having another exciting
Harry Potter,” beginning
to wrap up the festival.
Summer Music Festival.”
at 8 p.m., and a selection
This amazing weekend
This year’s headliner will
of patriotic favorites set
be country music sensation
to a spectacular fireworks
Hailey Whitters. Known
display hosted by the resort.
for her heartfelt lyrics and
always brings a great crowd to Ellicottville. The
Born and raised in
captivating performances,
Shueyville, Iowa, Whitters
the Grammy-nominated
moved to Nashville at 17
country singer will bring
and spent much of the next
her unique blend of country
decade working on her craft
music to the slope-side stage.
as an artist and writer. In
“This show will definitely
2015, she released a well-
Photo provided
chamber has been hosting
This Fourth of July weekend, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce will present an unforgettable Summer Music Festival on the slopes of Holiday Valley. Shown is Grammy-nominated country singer Hailey Whitters, who will be this year’s headliner.
the Summer Music Festival
it never disappoints. It’s a Rolling Stone proclaimed
“the year’s deepest country album,” while Rolling Stone
“Raised” the Top Country
declared it “the type of record Album of 2022, while lead
be one for all ages to
received debut album,
enjoy,” said Barb Pump,
“Black Sheep,” and garnered
executive director of the
early industry attention,
chamber. “We wanted to
landing songs with big-name
bring in a performer that
artists, including Martina
would get the crowd up on
McBride, Alan Jackson
their feet dancing, singing
and Little Big Town.
for more than 25 years and
from the fans who started
one-of-a-kind experience
calling her the “Corn Queen”
and very family-friendly.
because she’s from Iowa.
Blankets, chairs, picnic
“At first, it seemed kind
that could propel an artist
single “Everything She
as talented as Whitters in a
Ain’t” went platinum and
million different directions.”
cracked the Top 20 at country thought about it, the more
and under are free. Gates
Two years later, her third
radio. Whitters took home the I loved the duality of it.
open each day at 5 p.m.
baskets and coolers are
of silly, but the more I
welcome. Children age 12
album, “Raised,” earned
ACM Award for New Female
Corn is this simple, humble
her performances on Jimmy
Artist of the Year in addition
crop, and ‘queen’ implies
Music Festival can be
Kimmel Live, The Today
to garnering her first CMA
royalty passed down through
purchased through the
Her second attempt,
Show and Kelly Clarkson,
and Grammy nominations.
blood,” she said. “I come
chamber’s website,
“The Dream” in 2020,
alongside profiles ranging
Whitters said her highly
from a long line of blue-
ellicottvilleny.com, or by
music festival’s first-ever
began opening doors. The
from NPR’s Weekend
anticipated fourth album,
collar farmers, construction
calling 1 (800) 349-9099. For
Battle of the Bands that will
Washington Post called it
Edition to The New Yorker.
“Corn Queen,” got its title
workers and bootstrappers.
more information, follow
I’ve been out here for over
Ellicottville, NY on Facebook
a decade brushing my teeth
and @visitellicottville
in truck stop bathrooms,
on Instagram.
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Page 7
Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
June 12, 2025
Cattaraugus County students honored at Youth Citizenship banquet office also offered their
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
congratulations to the
ELLICOTTVILLE -
students and wished them the
Fifty-two of Cattaraugus
best in their future endeavors.
County’s soon-to-be high
Honored Youth Citizenship
school graduates were
Awards recipients include:
honored Monday, June
Gianna Aloi, Lauryn Ball,
2 at the annual Youth
Bretton Blecha, Ava Borer,
Citizenship Awards Banquet
Molly Bowers, Ryanna
at Holiday Valley.
Brady, Emmaleigh Cowen,
The Yodeler Lodge
Alexander Crowell, Lilah
ceremony, presented by
Cudney, Zya DeGolier, Molly
the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging and
DeRose, Summery Downey,
Youth Services, honored
Annalisse Easton, Adriana
area students who were
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
recognized with a Youth
Recipients of the 2025 Cattaraugus County Youth Citizenship Awards stand outside the Yodeler Lodge at Holiday Valley on June 2 during the county youth bureau’s annual awards banquet.
Citizenship Award during the 2024–25 school year.
me that 15 years ago.”
The youth bureau features
Experiencing child abuse
a student in a county school district in weekly profiles printed in editions of the Salamanca Press and Olean Times Herald. Set to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas in less than a month, the high school seniors in attendance received some words of wisdom from guest speakers both at home and across the ocean. Liesl Schoonraad, a South
that moment it was like
Legislature Vice Chairman which includes the youth
somebody let the beast out
Michael Brisky congratulated bureau, encouraged the
and bullying in her youth,
of a cage, and I realized
the students on their
students to find their
Schoonraad said she lived a
there might be other stuff
achievements, saying that
passions and to stick with
quiet life as an architectural
that I’m able to do which my
the county needs “smart,
them on their journeys.
draftsperson until seeing
entire life people told me
talented, kind, good human
“When you reach that
a television program about
I won’t be able to do it.”
beings,” and the students
destination on the road of
can be a part of that.
life, get off, take a break, stop
children with cerebral palsy.
Over the ensuing years,
Ensell, Owen Faulkner, Addison Fisher, Taylor Foster, Addison Gabler, Jillian Gernatt, Madison Giboo, Isabella Gibson, Valerie Gilbert, Madelia Griffith, Jacob Herrick, Sullivan Hoffman, Emily Hover, Natalie Isaman, Addison John, Brennan Kielar, Thomas Kielar, Tessa Kohn, Charles Kolasny,
“Children in wheelchairs
Schoonraad continued
“We’re just ordinary,
at a rest stop, but then get
changed my life. These kids
making new goals and
hardworking folks trying
back on the road,” she said.
had smiles from ear to ear,”
achieving them, pulling a
to do what’s right for the
“In each season of your life,
she said. “I felt like I hadn’t
10-ton truck, towing a 13-ton
taxpayers and residents of
you’ll have a ‘What’s next?’
accomplished what I really
Dakota airplane and placing
Cattaraugus County,” he
and your mission and your
wanted to do, which was to
fourth in South Africa’s
said, “and we need young
purpose and your passion
swim Robben Island. It was
first Strongest Woman
people like you guys to
is what makes the journey
Victoria Parish, Ipshita
well worth the drive.”
Patra, Abilgail Peck, Xavier
Stephanie Kopec, Courtney Marsh, Maylina Massagli, Ryan Metzger, Alexandra Mitchell, Christopher Osgood, Magdalena Parish,
a dream since I was 8 years
Competition. After what
African powerhouse and
come back when you’re done
old, but I had people tell me,
doctors believed a career-
seeing the world and make
Other officials from the
Peters, Natlie Reynolds,
motivational speaker, shared
‘You’ll never make it.’”
ending injury to her Achilles
Cattaraugus County a better
county, state Sen. George
Tyler Richards, Carter
place to live and work.”
Borrello, Assemblyman
Smith, Evan Snyder, Zachary
Legislator Kelly Andreano, Joe Sempolinski and a
Trietley, Emma Turney, Mia
her journey of pursuing her
With minimal preparation,
tendon, she recovered and
long-held dreams at age 39.
Schoonraad went on to swim
continued her strong-woman,
“You guys are going
from Robben Island to Cape
record-breaking feats.
to get on a rollercoaster
who serves as chair of the
representative from U.S.
Volpe, Tatiana Warmley
Town — a roughly 5-mile
“I have had the most
of experiences if you
Human Services committee,
Rep. Nick Langworthy’s
and Makayla Zimmer.
swim in the Atlantic Ocean
incredible experiences by
open yourselves up to it,”
— on her 40th birthday.
continuing to push myself
Schoonraad, now 54, told
“When I walked out
and ask, ‘What’s next?’” she
the students. “You are going
onto that beach, I became
said. “I want you students to
to have one thing open up
addicted to a drug called
have that same attitude. Set
after another. I never would
‘accomplishment,’” she
your mind to whatever your
have dreamed I would be
said. “I kept challenging
next goal is. You’ve reached
here today if somebody told
myself more because at
this level — what’s next?”
AUTO CORNER How to reduce your risk of being in an auto accident
Driving a car or truck is part of daily life for most people. Commutes to work or school, leisure trips or time spent behind the wheel as part of a profession compel people to drive each and every day. Although most trips to the office or the store are uneventful, the risk that something may go awry is present any time a person gets behind the wheel, and drivers need to plan accordingly. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis says there were approximately 16,200 automotive accidents per day in the United States in 2022, the most recent year for data. This number has steadily risen over the last decade and may be attributable to a number of factors, including increased vehicle usage. Diamond and Diamond Lawyers in Canada says approximately four Canadians die and 175 are injured in impairment-related crashes every day. Though accidents occur every day, drivers can take steps to reduce their risk of being involved in one.
seconds, can increase the risk of being in an auto accident. Accident Care and Treatment Center, Inc. says distracted driving is the primary cause of car accidents each year. Smartphones are a modern distraction, and keeping phones turned off and out of reach can keep drivers safer. Change your perception It is important to think of a car or truck as what it truly is: 3,000 pounds or more of fast-moving metal that can cause a lot of damage. Those who do not drive responsibly, or feel they are invincible behind the wheel, could be on a crash course for an auto accident. Treating a vehicle with respect is a must.
Stick to the speed limit Speed limits are posted on roadways for a reason. Exceeding speed limits significantly increases the risk of getting into an accident, and many accidents are directly related to speeding. Slowing down can make roadways safer.
Leave a space cushion Tailgating and aggressive driving maneuvers that do not leave an adequate distance between vehicles can compound the problem of accidents. Travelers insurance company urges drivers to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of them, and longer for those driving heavier vehicles. The timing also should be extended when weather conditions are bad. A significant cushion enables drivers to stop safely or maneuver around to avoid an accident.
Eliminate distractions Smartphones, GPS devices, passengers, pets in the car, or anything that causes a person to take his or her eyes off of the road, even for mere
Improve visibility A cracked or dirty windshield or dim headlights can diminish visibility. Being able to see and be seen when on the road is a major
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contributor to accident risk reduction. Brush up on skills Newly minted licensed drivers and older drivers may need a driving skills refresher course. Oftentimes learning how to avoid accidents comes down to experience and defensive driving techniques. Those who feel they may need a little extra practice can enroll in a course. An additional upside is that such a course also can help reduce insurance premiums. Know your limitations Geico notes the risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. Although it may not be possible to avoid nighttime driving entirely, limiting it, particularly for those who have challenges seeing at night or in dim conditions, can help reduce accident risk. The same can be said for staying off of roads in inclement weather. Don’t drive impaired Driving while under the influence of drugs (both illegal and prescription), alcohol and/or other substances greatly increases accident risk. Various strategies can help drivers reduce their risk of being involved in auto accidents.
Page 8
Cattaraugus County Community Source - For Reader Ads Call 716.372.3121
June 12, 2025
Reed will serve as Cattaraugus County administrator after Searles retires
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Kelly Reed takes her oath of office as the next Cattaraugus County Administrator from County Judge Ronald Ploetz on May 28. The county legislature unanimously appointed Reed to the position beginning June 29 upon the retirement of John “Jack” Searles.
Kristine Phinney takes her oath of office as the next Cattaraugus County Personnel Officer from County Judge Ronald Ploetz on May 28. The county legislature unanimously appointed Phinney to the position beginning June 29 upon the retirement of John “Jack” Searles.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
to lead this county forward.”
appreciate everything we do,”
Legislature Chairman
Burr told Reed. “I think we all
Andrew Burr called Reed’s
look forward to working with you
Reed, deputy administrator for
appointment “a watershed
in the future, and I can’t think of
Cattaraugus County, has been
resolution” due to Searles’s
anybody who will do a better job.”
selected as the county’s next
retirement in the coming weeks.
LITTLE VALLEY — Kelly
administrator upon the retirement of John “Jack” Searles. The county legislature on May 28 unanimously approved Reed’s appointment, which commences
“After his long, successful
Kristine Phinney as personnel
ready to hand the reins over
officer effective June 29 and
to Kelly,” Burr said.
ending April 30, 2027, to fill Phinney currently serves as
Sept. 13, 2027. Reed will also
State Association of Counties
deputy personnel officer.
continue to perform the duties and
(NYSAC) as one of four county
“On behalf of the legislature,
officials from across the state to
it’s my honor also to have Kristine Phinney be nominated for the
County Government Institute.
Olean and Machias since 2016.
The educational program
She also previously served as
is offered to county leaders
Schroder said she’s worked
in partnership with Cornell
with Phinney since 2017, when
“It is my true pleasure to be
University. Graduates
Schroder worked as outside
able to recommend, on behalf of
earn a certification that
counsel for the county, negotiating
the entire legislature, Kelly Reed
demonstrates their dedication
collective bargaining agreements.
as our next county administrator,”
to good government and
“I couldn’t have done it
said Kelly Andreano, majority
to upholding CGI’s high
without Kristine. She’s been an
leader. “We are honored and so
standards of county leadership,
excited to have you in this role.”
accountability and integrity.
While Searles will be sorely
Searles, currently in his
missed, Andreano said, Reed
22nd year as administrator,
has proven herself to be up for
is only the second person to
the position with 25 years of
hold the post. He served as
serving the county in numerous
deputy administrator under his
roles throughout her career.
predecessor, Donald Furman,
“She is highly experienced, well-educated and has really
Free Measse, Design & Estimate
personnel officer position,”
She has directed the Pines in
deputy treasurer for the county.
has been splendid,” Burr added.
Searles’s unexpired term.
honored by the New York
the Department of Nursing Homes. graduate from the association’s
“We thank you for all that
you’ve done, and your track record
authorized the appointment of
June 29 with the term ending
responsibilities of the director of
with HR and all the associated
issues that arise from them.
Also Wednesday, the legislature
career with the county, he’s
In January 2020, Reed was
and doing all the hard work
Legislator Ginger Schroder said.
excellent resource, an expert in Civil Service law,” Schroder said. “We are very lucky to have her, and we’re very excited that she expressed interest.” Burr also commended Reed for her service to the county, “looking out for taxpayers
and before that was director of the Department of Aging.
proven herself as a strong leader,”
“You’ve had some great, long-
Andreano said of Reed. “I have
standing training and experience
no qualms, as does no one in the
with Jack, and all your high-
legislature, that she will continue
energy and great ideas, we
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