Extracurricular activities can help students be more well-rounded and present opportunities to make friends and beef up college applications. Extracurricular activities are associated with a range of positive outcomes for students, including improved academic performance, higher academic aspirations, greater self-esteem, better social skills, and reduced incidences of risky behaviors. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates children are now participating in more extracurricular activities than they did in previous decades. A 2014 study from researchers at the University of Florida asked more than
from Pioneer Academics indicated students who participated in four extracurricular activities had
percent admission rates at
universities, while admission rates among applicants with
Tips for winterizing exterior living areas
When the summer entertaining season draws to a close, homeowners need to ensure their outdoor living areas can handle weather that’s right around the corner. Although outdoor furniture and other items tend to be durable, the impact snow, wind and ice can have on them may lead to damage over time. That is why many homeowners take steps to winterize their outdoor spaces and protect their belongings. Here’s a look at how to prepare for the winter to come.
• Furniture: Cover or store furniture to protect it from the elements. Covering it with weather-proof covers can be adequate if storing items indoors is not possible.
• Deep clean: Items that will be covered or stored should be thoroughly cleaned prior to being removed from spaces for the season. Lingering dirt and moisture can cause damage.
• Insulate and drain: Don’t risk damage to pipes, which can freeze and crack in the cold. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain water lines to prevent pipes from
freezing and bursting. Use foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing and cover any exposed pipes.
• Apply mulch: After cleaning up garden debris, think about applying mulch to garden beds and cover tender plants to protect them from the weather.
• Check gutters: Be sure that gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and any additional debris. If gutters and downspouts are not cleaned, ice dams may form on the roof and cause water damage.
• Inspect and repair: Inspect walkways and driveways for any damage and make repairs now so water will not seep in and cause further issues with freezethaw cycles. Consider applying a sealant to protect surfaces from
snow and ice.
• Pools and spas: It’s essential to follow the industry or manufacturer recommendations for closing down swimming pools and spas for the season. While covers may not be essential in all climates, covering can help prevent leaves and other debris from getting in the water. Water should be expelled from pipes
and tubing to prevent freezing and bursting. If space allows, consider moving the pool pump indoors to prolong its longevity. Turn off the electricity to the outlet where the filter is plugged in.
There may be additional, regionspecific steps to winterize a property, but these pointers are a good starting point to protect outdoor spaces.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
Fall foliage begins emerging
across Western New York, Southern Tier
See Page 6
Cattaraugus County presented state Risk Management Award
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County
was presented with the 2025 Risk Management Award by New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) at the 2025 New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Centennial Fall Seminar in Niagara Falls.
The NYMIR Risk Management Award is an honor given annually in recognition of a member county that has displayed a high level of commitment to sound risk management, safety and training efforts.
The award was presented to Ashley Smith, county attorney, and the risk management team, including Katherine Lombardo, senior investigator; Stephanie Gruber, investigator; Thomas Ruper, safety engineer; and Kelsey Barber, personnel and safety trainer.
“I want to commend Ashley and her team for the great job they do every day for the taxpayers of the county,” said M. Andrew Burr, chairman of the legislature. “Your efforts are greatly
investigations and work in a lot of tough, hostile environments.”
Smith thanked the legislature for trusting her office with the important division of risk management in the county. She said they’ve all worked hard to get where they’re at, commending the risk management staff for the effort they’ve put in over the years.
“From developing risk management to helping me with the vision I had for it, I feel so thankful that I’ve been able to work with them and see the work that they do,” she said.
appreciated, and the results speak volumes of the quality of your work and oversight over the department and the staff.”
The Cattaraugus County Legislature, pursuant to Local Law 5 of 2021, established risk management functions within the office of the county attorney and is comprised of a senior investigator, an investigator, a
safety engineer and a personnel safety trainer.
“These risk management employees have been invaluable and have worked diligently to investigate claims, develop mediation plans to reduce risk and offer trainings to all county employees to ensure overall safety,” a commendation from the legislature stated.
Meanwhile, the county has enacted safety committees in several departments, including the countyowned nursing homes.
Since 2022, the county has utilized the NYMIR Online University for staff development, which has given employees access to over 400 safety topics. And since 2020, there has been a reduction in legal action against
the county nursing homes, resulting in tremendous savings to the taxpayers of Cattaraugus County.
“We’ve had a multitude of issues that we as a legislature have had to discuss and to tackle as a legislature,” Burr said.
“The risk management is always first on the job, and often in very unpleasant situations, having to do unpleasant
Smith also acknowledged the work done with the county administrator’s office and human resources in the area of risk management, saying the collaboration has been a team effort to develop processes for the county.
“And also, to all the department heads who have cooperated and listened to me tell them, ‘You need to get ahold of us immediately’ and use us, and they’ve done an amazing,” she added. “Thank you to everyone, but mostly thank you to the team that I work with.”
Bonnies athletes support annual CF Fundraiser in record numbers
ELLICOTTVILLE
— For nearly two decades, St. Bonaventure director of strength and conditioning Darryn Fiske and Bonnies student-athletes have made an impact in the lives of those fighting Cystic Fibrosis. The tradition continued Saturday, Sept. 13 with the largest turnout of Bonnies studentathletes ever at the local Great Strides Walk, which was first organized by Fiske over 15 years ago.
This year, more than 350 St. Bonaventure studentathletes representing all 19 of the athletic department’s Division I programs turned out to walk in Ellicottville while donating and raising awareness toward battling CF. At this year’s Cattaraugus County Great Strides Walk, nearly $13,000 was raised, thanks in large
part to the support of Bonnies. To date, the event has raised over $500,000 directly supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since Fiske first organized the walk to support his nephew,
Andrew Herrick, who was born with CF, a disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system in the body. Before the 1980s, the life expectancy for many CF patients was to live into their 20s.
Today, life expectancy has almost tripled. Advances in CF research have helped patients like Fiske’s nephew, who today is a collegiate studentathlete.
In 2022, Fiske was
honored as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Buffalo Region Volunteer of the Year.
“This is a family thing. I’m just proud to be part of it. We’re determined to find a cure for CF. Because
of the donations, my nephew is prospering and living a healthy life,” Fiske said. “The support we’ve had from the Bonaventure community goes back to our Franciscan values. Our students are more than athletes; they care about their community. We’re all one community.”
While this year’s walk is now another successful chapter in the history of area Great Strides events, donations are still being accepted from those looking to support the cause. Online donations will be accepted through December, with all proceeds going directly to support CF research and treatment to find a cure. To donate online, visit fundraise.cff.org/ Salamanca2025.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Cattaraugus County was recently presented with the 2025 Risk Management Award by New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal. Pictured (from left): M. Andrew Burr, legislature chairman; Ashley Smith, county attorney; Thomas Ruper, safety engineer; and Kelsey Barber, personnel and safety trainer.
Photo Provided
This year, more than 350 St. Bonaventure student-athletes representing all 19 of the athletic department’s Division I programs turned out to walk in Ellicottville.
How kids can balance school and extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities figure prominently in the lives of modern children. While extracurricular activities like sports play and club participation have been linked to a number of positive outcomes, including improved academic performance, child development experts warn that too much time in structured activities can compromise kids’ creativity and make it harder for youngsters to learn how to structure their own time. Managing school and extracurricular activities can feel like a juggling act, and it’s important that parents work with kids so youngsters learn to balance school work and afterschool pursuits. With the school year in full swing, parents and kids can work together and consider the following strategies to ensure there’s sufficient balance between academics and extracurricular
activities.
• Emphasize that academics come first. Extracurricular activities are undeniably important, but studies illustrate the importance of emphasizing academics over pursuits like sports. Though many parents recognize academics should be a student’s top priority, youth sports and scholastic sports now require greater commitments of time than in years past, which could make it hard to prioritize academics and may even give a false impression of future outcomes. A 2025 survey of parents of young athletes found that 22 percent feel their child could play higherlevel collegiate sports. Those expectations are not supported by statistics from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which reports that very small percentages of high school athletes go on to play at the collegiate
level. For example, just 1.4 percent of male scholastic soccer players and 2.7 percent of female scholastic soccer players play division I soccer in college. While kids should not be discouraged from participating in extracurricular activities, it’s important to prioritize academics and ensure kids are afforded ample time
to do their best in the classroom. Recognition of that significance can make it easier for kids and parents to avoid overscheduling and creating a situation where it’s hard for students to maintain a balance that increases their likelihood of being successful.
• Identify the activities that are most important to students.
Overscheduling activities is a concern, and a 2024 report from SolutionHealth noted that kids who spend more time in extracurricular activities are more likely to struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Kids may find it easier to balance school and extracurricular activities when they pare down and identify the afterschool pursuits that are most important to them.
• Work with children on time management skills. Parents can work with children and even enlist the help of coaches, scout troop leaders and others to instill time management skills in young students. Encourage young kids to use daily planners so they can stay organized. In addition, kids can keep a daily time journal that documents how they spend their time each day. After a week or two of tracking
Fast facts about 4-H
Young people often are encouraged to participate in activities that can strengthen their minds and bodies and benefit their communities. Various organizations encourage children to become learners and leaders, including the youth development program 4-H.
What is 4-H?
This is America’s largest youth development organization with a focus on essential life skills and leadership abilities. The four “Hs” in the program’s name refer to missions involving head, heart, hands, and health.
Who started 4-H?
The organization began in Iowa, where it was founded by school superintendent Oscar Benson. Benson was a leader in teaching demonstrations, and wanted to share this method of learning with young people as much as possible. In 1909, he was using a three-leaf clover pin to represent head, heart and hands as an achievement award for farm boys
and girls. Benson later worked with the Office of Farm Management in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and brought his clover. Benson ultimately engineered the first state collegefederal agreement for the promotion of rural youth club work.
Is 4-H just for farming communities?
While 4-H was originally conceived to introduce youth to agricultural work,
it is not exclusively an agricultural organization. 4-H continues to offer animal and plant science projects, but also has expanded to offer a wide range of programs in areas like arts and crafts, civic engagement, STEM, and healthy living. 4-H now reaches youth in urban, suburban and rural communities across the country.
their time, parents and kids can identify ways to be more efficient. Parents also can examine time journals to look for periods when kids can get some free time, which is important for young people’s development.
• Encourage kids to ask for help if they need it. Parents can emphasize that schedules need not be set in stone. Encourage kids to ask for help and offer input if the plan they develop with their parents to balance school and extracurricular activities is not working or proving too challenging.
Balance is important as kids navigate school and extracurricular activities. Parents and kids can try various strategies and remain flexible to help kids fulfill their commitments to school and afterschool activities.
(K-13). Members enroll in projects that match their ages and interests. Adult mentors provide guidance and support to youth along the way.
What benefits come from 4-H participation?
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).
JESUS SAID, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (JOHN 14:6) INDEPENDENT BIBLE BELIEVING FELLOWSHIP
Through the website www.4-h.org, interested parties can find their own local 4-H offices to get started. The program is delivered by Cooperative Extension, which is a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation.
Who is eligible for 4-H?
The program is geared to youth from kindergarten to one year out of high school
The organization says their life-changing programs help kids and teens learn skills and abilities to be resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life. According to the program, 4-Hers are more likely to feel competent, make healthy choices, contribute positively to their communities, and feel positive about their well-being.
In addition to participation in youth sports, scouting and other organizations, children and teens can get involved with 4-H to learn handy skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.
Cattaraugus County legislators support Borrello, Langworthy bills opposing NYS energy mandates
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY
— Members of the Cattaraugus County Legislature on Sept. 10 showed their support for two bills opposing climate and energy mandates from New York State.
The legislature unanimously voted to support the Energy Choice Act, as introduced by U.S. Congressman Nick Langworthy of New York, and stands firmly opposed to the state’s natural gas bans, statedriven restrictions and other state energy mandates that eliminate consumer choice.
Understanding affordable and reliable energy as essential to the “health, safety and economic prosperity of New York families, businesses and communities,” the legislature’s resolution calls natural gas a dependable, costeffective and cleanburning energy source used by millions of New Yorkers in both homes and businesses.
“New York state once again is pursuing unaffordable, outrageous, ridiculous and not based in economic reality environmental energy laws,” said M. Andrew Burr,
LITTLE VALLEY —
The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Bow Hunter Safety Education Class on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Randolph Rod and Gun Club, 4424 VanSlyke Road.
There is no charge for the class. Participants
legislature chairman.
“Congressman Langworthy’s effort to bend that outrageous policy, particularly in New York state, is a welcome voice that needs to be heard much more clearly, especially in Albany.”
In 2019, New York state enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates aggressive emissions reductions and serves as the foundation for sweeping energy restrictions, including efforts to phase out natural gas.
Building on that act, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature in 2023 enacted provisions in the state budget banning natural gas and other fossil fuel hookups in most new residential and commercial buildings, effective in 2026 for smaller buildings and 2029 for larger buildings. Hochul has publicly supported these bans and related measures as part of her administration’s climate and energy agenda, despite widespread concerns that the mandates will increase costs, strain grid reliability and restrict energy diversity.
reliability during peak demand and strip away the freedom of consumers and businesses to choose the energy sources that best meet their needs,” the county resolution states.
Langworthy, R-23 Congressional District, and Senator Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, introduced the Energy Choice Act to the House and Senate, respectively, as federal legislation that ensures state and local governments cannot restrict consumer access to natural gas and other affordable energy sources, leaving it up to individual New Yorkers to decide.
Legislator Richard Helmich Jr. of Delevan said he recently learned the state power grid “is a disaster,” while attending the recent New York State Association of Counties convention.
“There were engineers there that talked at length about how screwed up it is,” he said. “It’s absolutely crazy.”
“Most substations are at 100 percent,” added Burr. “They can’t get more power, and yet they’re going to cut off natural gas, the mostclean fossil energy source.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information
Association, natural gas results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than burning coal or petroleum products. However, the EIA also notes natural gas is mainly methane — a strong greenhouse gas — and advances in drilling and production technologies have had both positive and negative effects on the environment.
The legislature’s resolution states the Energy Choice Act would safeguard households, small businesses, farmers and manufacturers from “harmful government overreach and preserve access to an all-of-the-above energy strategy” that strengthens energy reliability and affordability.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the legislature unanimously supported a state Senate bill that would authorize local governments to opt out of mandates and benchmarks as outlined in the CLCPA and the associated universal electrification requirements.
Under the CLCPA, mandates include restrictive building codes that
prohibit natural gas, vehicle sales quotas that eliminate traditional models and infrastructure benchmarks for EV charging.
“Our good Senator George Borrello has gone to the effort of trying to get opt-outs for some of these ridiculous policies,” Burr said. “People who want these can choose to get them, and people who don’t can opt out.”
The legislature’s resolution says these mandates impose onesize-fits-all burdens that disproportionately harm local governments, particularly rural towns and villages that lack the infrastructure, tax base and energy capacity to implement the changes safely and affordably.
“Cattaraugus County is in full support of legislation that affirms the principle of home rule by allowing local governments to make energy decisions that reflect the unique needs of their residents and businesses,” the resolution states. Burr said what Borrello is doing with the proposed Senate bill is commendable and the county stands behind him in solidarity with his efforts.
must attend this one day of instruction to receive a certificate. Participants should be at least 12 years of age. If a parent wants an 11-year-old to take the class, the parent must attend and sit with the child on that day. Class size will be limited to 35 students. Those attending must bring some
form of identification, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, etc., and a pen or pencil. They should also bring snacks, lunch and something to drink. Lunch options are also available within 15 minutes of the class location.
Pre-registration is required. Students need
the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $28,114.71 grant from the West Valley Demonstration Project for the K-9 program.
The sheriff’s office plans to use the grant to purchase a canine, training services for the dog and a deputy to be certified for explosive/ firearm detection and to also outfit a patrol vehicle with a canine insert, provide housing for the dog, a remote door opener and a climate control system to keep the dog safe throughout all seasons.
“We’re excited to partner with West Valley and Ashford to bring another dog to the county,” said Undersheriff Nate Root. “It’ll be a bombsniffing dog and also do tracking and firearms, so we’re excited for that and they’re excited for that.”
Cattaraugus County lawmakers also voted Wednesday to renew for two years the additional mortgage recording tax that has been in effect for many years.
The legislature also accepted a bid of $160,634 from Dock Hardware and Marina Fabrication of Thomaston, Conn., for dock replacement parts for the Onoville Marina Park.
to register at www. register-ed.com. Contact the Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Environmental
Conservation at (716) 3720645 with questions. Homework must be completed prior to the classes. The
course material can be printed online at https://dec.ny.gov/ things-to-do/hunting.
autumn have begun creeping into the hills of Cattaraugus County.
New York state’s first fall foliage report of 2025 was released on Wednesday, Sept. 10, announcing that the season is underway with signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in all upstate regions.
The most significant changes are expected in the Adirondacks and Catskills, according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division
most significant foliage change this weekend is Allegany State Park, where the report noted a 20% change with some muted yellow and red maple leaves. Elsewhere in Cattaraugus County, a report from Little Valley listed a 5% or less change with mostly green leaves. In neighboring Chautauqua County, a 5% change in Chautauqua was reported with mostly green leaves. No info from Allegany County was reported.
New York boasts
early September and ending in November. As the landscape transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow, the weekly fall foliage reports track the changing colors across the state’s 11 vacation regions to help travelers plan their trip to experience fall in New York at its peak.
I LOVE NY Fall Foliage reports are obtained from more than 90 volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend.
GOWANDA — The Gowanda Boosters Club announces the 5th annual Gowanda Central School Hall of Fame Inductees. Honorees are Robb
Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. I LOVE NY defines “peak” as the best overall appearance the foliage will have during the season, taking into account color transition, brilliance, and leaf droppage.
Other locations with significant foliage change this weekend include Wilmington, Saranac Lake and Old Forge in the Adirondacks; Windham, Delhi and Liberty in the Catskills; and Corning in the Finger Lakes. For this week’s full I LOVE NY Fall Foliage report, visit www. iloveny.com/foliage.
Gowanda Boosters honors school Hall of Fame inductees
and live entertainment by Gowanda alum Joe Wiens.
Athlete Hall of Fame. Vogtli then went on to excel in Division I baseball at St. Bonaventure University, playing both shortstop and pitcher, and again was a two-year captain. Following his college career, he was signed by the New York Yankees as a pitcher for three years.
Dedicating 34 years to teaching social studies at Gowanda Central School, Leous retired from the classroom in 2016.
Vogtli, Sports Legend recipient; Mark Leous, Distinguished Educator recipient; Stephen Raiport, Distinguished Alumni recipient; and the 1982 Gowanda Boys Lacrosse Team, Team of Distinction. The inductees were honored Sunday, Sept. 21. Festivities began at 11:30 a.m. with refreshments/ cash bar and music by GCS Modern Band. The induction ceremony was be held at Gowanda’s Historical Hollywood Theater. This event featured the Spirit of Gowanda presentation by the Chamber of Commerce
ROBB VOGTLI A member of the Class of 1993, Vogtli distinguished himself as a high school baseball all-star and went on to play professional baseball. While at Erie Community College, he was a two-year captain and received multiple recognitions, including selection for the All-Star Regional Team, ECC Athlete of the Year and a shortstop All-American. He was subsequently inducted into the ECC
After his tenure in professional baseball, Vogtli continued his love for the game in the role of pitching coach. He has coached golf at Randolph Central School District, where he serves as a high school counselor. He is the father of two boys, Cal and Chase Vogtli.
MARK LEOUS
Fall foliage begins emerging across Western New York, Southern Tier AUTO CORNER
Drivers undoubtedly have noticed their vehicles need less frequent oil changes than cars once required. The longtime standard oil change interval of once every 3,000 miles no longer applies, and that’s thanks to the pivot away from conventional oil to synthetic oil. The molecular structure of synthetic oil and its ability to perform better at extreme temperature means drivers can now drive significantly longer distances between oil changes. In fact, Car and Driver notes that synthetic motor oils provide better startup performance and flow at temperatures down to minus-40 Fahrenheit and then endure extremely high temperatures without oxidizing, thickening or turning black. The reason synthetic oils need less frequent changes is that they can maintain their superior properties two to three times longer than conventional oils. Though each vehicle manufacturer is different and drivers are urged to consult their owner’s manuals regarding synthetic oil change interval recommendations, it’s not uncommon for modern vehicles to range between 5,000 and 7,000 miles before they need an oil change. Some synthetic oil manufacturers even note their products can last more than 10,000 miles.
However, Leous continued his coaching career, which spanned nearly four decades. He coached varsity football, Junior Varsity football and modified football, in addition to serving as the head coach of varsity wrestling for 29 years.
Leous is renowned for fostering strong, familylike relationships with his students, athletes and colleagues in the educational community. He and his wife, Glenna, have two daughters, Rose Leous and Jane Busillo.
STEPHAN RAIPORT
A Class of 1991 alum, Raiport has served as a first responder for more than 35 years, including holding positions of fire chief and assistant chief for 26 years. He currently serves as the fire chief of the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition, Raiport is a retired police officer who worked for 24 years with the Gowanda Police Department, including three years as the Officer In Charge, and for the Cattaraugus County
Sheriff’s Office before retiring in 2017. Raiport also collaborated with the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative to support individuals facing addiction challenges.
Raiport is also recognized for his involvement in community events and organizations, including portraying Santa Claus alongside his wife, who takes on the role of Mrs. Claus, during the Christmas celebrations in Gowanda. He and his wife, Stacey, have two children, Thomas and Emily.
TEAM OF DISTINCTION
The 1982 boys lacrosse team achieved a commendable record of 10 wins and 1 loss during its spring regular season, securing the Western New York League Championship and advancing to the state semi-finals.
The team won its first playoff game against RushHenrietta Sperry. This win allowed them to advance to a playoff game against West Genesee. This game was played on Astroturf, which was a new experience for the Gowanda team facing a talented West Genesee squad, ending their state championship dreams.
Photos by Kellen M. Quigley
Colorful trees have begun popping up in the hills of Allegany State Park in recent weeks.
