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How to master time management
There only are a set number of hours in a day and a lot of demands on personal time. Finding ways to use time more efficiently and effectively is a goal many people aspire to, whether they are business owners, students or anyone in between. A hectic schedule quickly can get the better of anyone, but there are many individuals who seem to have it all together. It is likely they have figured out how to manage time better. According to Starling Bank’s “2020 Make Business Simple” report, small business owners and solo entrepreneurs spend up to 31 percent of their weekly time sorting finances and doing other administrative work. Learning early on how to more effectively allot time for tasks is one of the key skills a person can learn.
Use a calendar and
set reminders
There’s only so much the average person can remember. Putting events into a calendar will provide visual cues as to what needs to get done and when. It also may help illustrate a pattern of when blocks of time are more busy and when there are free moments so that tasks can be redistributed, serving as a time audit of sorts. Reminder functions are a great way to stay on top of things and avoid feeling stressed and rushed when responsibilities are accidentally overlooked.
Learn about the Eisenhower Matrix
The Eisenhower Matrix is a tool that helps people distinguish between tasks that are important, not important, urgent, and not urgent. The matrix is broken down into quadrants that correspond with the 4Ds
5 renovations that provide a strong return on investment
Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment. Returns are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return the highest percentage of homeowners’ financial investment. According to the “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the following are five projects that provide a strong return on investment (ROI).
1. Garage door replacement: The average job cost for this project is slightly more than $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194 percent ROI.
2. Steel door replacement: Remodeling magazine notes that a steel entry door replacement is worth double what it was worth in 2023. This project offers a 188 percent ROI on an average investment of $2,355.
3. Manufactured stone veneer: A manufactured stone veneer is a manmade product that appears as if it’s natural stone. Many homeowners prefer manufactured stone veneer to natural stone because of the price, as the former is less expensive and easier to install, which means lower labor costs as well. The comparatively low cost of manufactured stone veneer is perhaps one reason why it averages a roughly 153 percent ROI on an average cost of just more than $11,000.
4. Grand entrance upscale (fiberglass): Few things are as aweinspiring as an impressive entryway, and upgrading
to a grand fiberglass entrance door provides a 97 percent ROI. Components of these entryways can vary, but Remodeling magazine notes the project may entail removing an existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger with dual sidelights.
5. Minor kitchen remodel: According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, kitchens were the most popular rooms to renovate in 2023. There’s no denying the appeal of a newly renovated kitchen, and homeowners considering such a project may be happy to learn that a minor kitchen remodel that costs an average of around $27,000 provides
a 96 percent ROI. Bankrate.com notes that minor kitchen remodels typically keep the current kitchen design, size and layout intact, but these projects may involve painting walls, refreshing backsplash, replacing lighting and plumbing fixtures, and changing cabinet hardware and facades.
Home renovations that provide a significant ROI can make homeowners happy once a project is completed and even happier when the day comes to put a home up for sale.
of execution: do, defer, delegate, and delete. This matrix can help a person prioritize tasks revelant to their goals.
Tackle difficult things first
Leadership expert
Brian Tracy developed a productivity method called Eat That Frog. It is good for those who have trouble avoiding distractions or people who tend to procrastinate. The gist is tackling the most complicated or dreaded task first, and only moving on to other things once you’ve “eaten that frog.”
Use the right tools
Certain tools work for some and not for others. While one person may like making paper to-do lists, another may prefer digital devices. Identifying the resources that help a person manage time better can be an asset.
Limit time spent on each task
According to Parkinson’s Law, “work expands to fill the time allotted to complete it.” People should set reasonable limits on how long to give each task; otherwise, they may spend more time than is necessary.
Multitasking is not the answer
Productivity is reduced when individuals multitask, says the American Psychological Association. Sticking to one job at a time puts full attention on that job and may help it get done more quickly and to a better level.
Time management is a skill like any other that needs to be mastered in order to put it to use effectively. After which, schedules may be more balanced and work better for all involved.
Cattaraugus Co. Democrats gather for Democracy in Action Dinner
See Page 7
Home for the Holidays, rock legends Tesla slated for casino shows
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
SALAMANCA —
The
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino announces two dynamic new performances coming to the event center this winter — one to close out 2025 in the holiday spirit and one to get 2026 off to a rocking start.
The Seneca Allegany Event Center will host Home for the Holidays, featuring worldrenowned artists Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard and international trumpet prodigy Ilya Serov, on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Then, rock legends Tesla will tear into 2026 when they bring their “Still Keepin’ It Real Tour” to the event center on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tickets for both shows are available now.
Home for the Holidays is a one-ofa-kind celebration of music that brings several legends together for an incredible night of music and joy. The show stars two-time Gammy Award winner and twotime Academy Award winner Peabo Bryson, two-time Grammy Award winner Sheena Easton, “American Idol” winner and Grammy Award nominee Ruben Studdard and international trumpet prodigy Ilya Serov. The evening will include a selection of favorite holiday classics and some of each artist’s biggest hits. Bryson is the iconic singer-songwriter who has given voice to such timeless hits as “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” iconic Disney classics “A Whole New
World” and “Beauty and the Beast” and many more. Easton topped the airwaves with songs like “Morning Train: 9 to 5,” “Strut” and “For Your Eyes Only,” among many others. Studdard’s hit singles include “Superstar,” “I Need An Angel” and “Flying Without Wings.” The show is the quintessential
way to share the holiday spirit.
This is an 18-and-older show. Tickets start at $25. Tesla has been rocking audiences for over three decades and continues to tour to sold-out crowds around the world, including the Seneca Allegany Event Center come the new year. From the release of their debut album,
“Mechanical Resonance,” which produced crowd favorites “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi,” Tesla was off and rocking, touring with the likes of David Lee Roth, Def Leppard and Aerosmith.
Over the next several years, the band established a loyal following of fans and a popular presence on the radio with songs like
“Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out),” “Love Song,” “The Way It Is” and “Signs.” Still keeping it real for their legions of fans, Tesla is ready to turn on the power of the band’s Blues-Metal sound for an energizing night of music. This is a 21-and-older show. Tickets start at $50. In addition to these two exciting shows, other upcoming performances at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino include:
• Oct. 25 – Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners. Tickets start at $50.
• Nov. 7 – Ron White. Tickets start at $50.
• Nov. 8 – Dwight Yoakam. Tickets start at $55.
• March 27 – Morgan Jay. Tickets start at 49.50.
• April 11 – Clint Black. Tickets start at $38.50. To purchase tickets, Seneca Resorts & Casinos uses all paperless ticketing for all events at all of its properties. Tickets may be purchased online at senecaalleganycasino. com or ticketmaster. com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Logo Shop inside Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. A secure link, sent by either email or text, allows guests to save tickets to their phone or mobile device.
Randolph FFA students earn top honors at summer competitions, advance to nationals
RANDOLPH — Randolph’s FFA chapter found success across New York this summer, earning top competition wins at county fairs, the New York State Fair and The Big E. The students’ performances have qualified several members to represent the state at national competitions this fall. The summer season saw strong results in animal showmanship at the Cattaraugus County Fair. Easton Pence was named Grand Champion goat showman, and Taylor Costa earned third in the senior showmanship contest. Vadar, a market goat shown by Costa, also won first place in the intermediate weight class and was named highly commendable.
Other members also excelled at the county fair, with Quinn Pence earning Reserve Grand Champion showman for hogs and Nick Beaver taking high honors with his market steer and beef heifers. In first-year showmanship, Erin Little and Aubrey Green placed first and third, respectively. Katrina Schrantz from the Falconer Central School District was named Grand Champion Sheep showman.
At the Genesee County Fair, Randolph students showcased their technical skills. Taylor Hayes won first place in the state tractor driving competition, marking the second consecutive
year a Randolph student has claimed the top spot.
Nick Beaver also placed ninth, Grady Steward 11th and Brenden Reding 12th. In the welding contest, Reagan Smith placed third, Bryson Pitts placed fifth and the team of Hayes and Smith had a third-place overall finish. “This summer seemed to go by really fast, but I think it was great,”
said Arissa Hitchcock, Ag. teacher and FFA advisor for Randolph. “I was proud of the tractor drivers and welders. They wanted to do good, and they did. We had a lot of Randolph students and FFA members crushing it in showmanship.” After getting in some practice at the Erie County Fair, the chapter’s success culminated at the New
York State Fair. Randolph’s Livestock Evaluation team won the state title for the third year in a row.
“We were truly blown away with the state fair results,” Hitchcock said.
The team — consisting of Brenden Reding and Kadence Durow from Randolph and Falconer students Abigail Carlberg and Anna Carlberg — went on to represent New
Addyson Shawley’s 12th-place 4-H finish earned her a trip to the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, Ky., in November. Aryana Sears also placed 10th individually in the FFA contest.
“I am very proud, and I’m really excited to see how the students do this year and how much we progress,” Hitchcock said. “I feel like it’s going to be a really great year just based on the students and FFA members that we have.”
In addition to her students’ success, Hitchcock was recently elected to serve a threeyear term as the District 10 Trustee of the New York FFA Board of Trustees. The board is responsible for all statewide FFA functions, including student awards, Career Development Events and conducting the New York State FFA Convention.
York at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass., which began Sept. 12. The team placed second overall, with Durow coming in eighth and Anna Carlberg in sixth. Hayes also attended as New York’s top tractor driver, placing fourth in competition. The Livestock Evaluation team will also represent New York at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. In the state fair’s Dairy Evaluation contest, several individuals earned opportunities to compete at national events. Dayne Jantzi, an independent study student from Chautauqua Lake Central Schools, placed first in both FFA and 4-H, qualifying for the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisc., from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. He will be joined by Olivia Shawley, who placed third in 4-H.
Photo courtesy of Tesla
Rock band Tesla will tear into 2026 when they bring their “Still Keepin’ It Real Tour” to the Seneca Allegany Event Center on Jan. 31.
Photo courtesy Randolph FFA
The Randolph FFA Livestock Evaluation team placed first at the New York State Fair. Pictured
(from left): Abigail Carlberg, Brenden Reding, Kadence Durow and Anna Carlberg
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
SALAMANCA
— Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is preparing for a night of uproarious laughter when comedian Morgan Jay brings his “Goofy Guy Tour” to the Seneca Allegany Events Center on March 27.
Tickets are on sale now.
Morgan Jay is a stand-up comedian, musician and actor who initially rose to fame on social media. He started performing comedy at open mic nights at small clubs in New York while a college student in the early 2000s.
A musician and comedian based in Los Angeles, Jay has carved out his own genre of performance art and comedy, creating a show built on imperfection, authenticity, relatability, shared experience and connection.
“I would describe my show as kindergarten for adults. We kind of like take those cool caps off that we’ve slowly put on, and I feel like I create a space where people can just have
fun,” Jay told Billboard in June. “It’s like a little bit of a party now. It’s very experiential. It’s less I’m performing and you listen, and more like we’re all in this together, type energy.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jay began posting content on social media
and quickly gained a large following, elevating awareness of his comedic talents and ultimately leading to a largely sold-out comedy tour. He combines music and comedy in his live performances, making audiences laugh with hilarious original songs
on a wide range of topics, situations and experiences.
Jay was named a New Face at the 2023 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and has appeared as an actor in sitcoms including “St. Denis Medical” and the film “Cotton Candy Bubble Gum.” Jay has
also remained a social media superstar, with millions of followers across multiple platforms.
“I’ve noticed that, you know, my audience is a little bit younger, and because they’re kind of like, so trapped in the phone, you know, which I
understand as I am, too,” he told Billboard. This is a 21-and-over show. Tickets start at $49.50.
In addition to Morgan Jay, other upcoming performances at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino include:
• Oct. 25 – Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners. Tickets start at $50.
• Nov. 7 – Ron White. Tickets start at $50.
• Nov. 8 – Dwight Yoakam. Tickets start at $55.
• April 11 – Clint Black. Tickets start at $38.50.
To purchase tickets, Seneca Resorts & Casinos uses all paperless ticketing for all events at all of its properties. Tickets may be purchased online at senecaalleganycasino. com or ticketmaster. com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Logo Shop inside Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino. A secure link, sent by either email or text, allows guests to save tickets to their phone or mobile device.
the art and the crystal. Exceptional value; satisfaction guaranteed Act now to obtain this heirloom-quality treasure
Courtesy of Morgan Jay
Comedian and musician Morgan Jay will perform in March at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
BY BRAD LOCKWOOD
Little Valley American Legion receives historic status, signage
LITTLE VALLEY —
Little Valley American Legion Post 531 has received historic status and signage from the Pomeroy Foundation recognizing the American Legion’s importance to the community and significance for over a century.
Built in 1909 by Sara and Andrew Jackson Case and originally known as “Robins Roost,” this was an impressive estate surrounded by vast acreage bordering Little Valley.
“The American Legion bought the home and land in 1947, and it has been a critical gathering place for veterans and locals ever since,” said Ryan West, Director and long-time Finance Officer. “All Legions, VFWs and AmVets are trying to help our soldiers, so this acknowledgement will hopefully make all feel welcome, to share experiences, help one another and enjoy a good meal, surrounded by our fascinating history.”
Robins Roost is truly unique. An Italianate-inspired design with a large barn that originally cost $8,000 to build, 40 acres were fenced in for white tail deer that were imported from as far as Iowa. The arrival of the deer was big news and announced in local papers. The intent was
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to use their antlers for knife handles while also repopulating deer in the region after heavy logging in the 1800s.
Andrew Jackson Case helped form Cattaraugus Cutlery in 1886, then co-founded Case Brothers Cutlery in Little Valley, later launching Case Manufacturing and becoming part-owner of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery in Bradford, finishing his career at Union Cutlery in Olean as it became KaBar.
Few influenced the early American knife industry more than Andrew Jackson Case, who traveled America in a unique camper truck equipped with a wood stove. His wife, Sara, had a tea room and an early drive-thru for chicken dinners at Robins Roost to help support the family while her husband was away on business.
“My mother, Josephine Case Williams, grew up at Robins Roost, and it was like a fairy tale,” remembers Joan Lockwood of Little Valley, whose great-grandparents built Robins Roost. “Whether playing with the deer or literally trying to fly from the huge barn behind the house, holding only an umbrella and plopping into a pile of manure, their lives were simply magical. We are so proud that
this family history and the Legion’s ongoing efforts are being recognized.”
The new historic sign stands in front of the American Legion on Route 353 for all to read and appreciate, while the restaurant is open to the public for some of the best fish fries and chicken wings in the county.
The American Legion and rear pavilion are also available for private events, regularly hosting family reunions and banquets. New
membership drives are ongoing, and all veterans are welcome. Meanwhile, a major fundraising drive is underway.
The aged pipes dating back to Robins Roost’s origins need updating, as do the kitchen and bar areas. An official public ceremony, including a very rare
gift to the American Legion from the family of Judy Champlin Simcick, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. American Legion Post 531 is the latest of several historic recognitions for Little Valley in the past decade. Local group known as Citizens Advocating Memorial
Preservation (C.A.M.P.) saved the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historic Building on Court Street, which is now listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Case Brothers Cutlery on Fair Oak Street and the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds have all
received historic status and signage from the Pomeroy Foundation.
Photo by Brad Lockwood
New signage from the Pomeroy Foundation recognizing the Little Valley American Legion’s importance to the community and its history as Robins Roost.
Photo Provided
The original Robins Roost estate shortly after its construction in 1910.
Fall is loaded with opportunities to have fun
It can be bittersweet to say farewell to summer. Months of warm weather and sunshine are hard to beat and provide plenty of opportunities to rest and relax.
Just because summer has come and gone doesn’t mean the opportunity to enjoy recreation is in the rearview mirror. Fall is awash in opportunities to enjoy the fresh, inviting air and take part in the various activities that go hand-in-hand with this time of year.
Apple and pumpkin picking
Heading to a nearby orchard or farm and choosing fresh fruit is a hallmark of fall. In fact, these are some of the most popular places to visit on the weekends, as crowds of people clamber to grab their Granny Smith or
Cortland apples. Call ahead to learn which varieties are ripe and plan to arrive early before the trees are picked clean. Apple orchards and pumpkin patches can be dusty, muddy or messy, so dress accordingly for the environment, including closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Keep in mind that many of these establishments are cash-only. Bring cash and expect to have your bounty weighed upon checkout.
Wine tasting September and October are prime months for grape harvesting, which means local vineyards may host special tours and events to take advantage of their growing season.
Fall also is a great time to visit a vineyard that offers tastings, as you
can sit out in the sun and cool weather and enjoy a glass or two of the latest vintage. Follow local vineyards on social media or get on their email lists to stay on top of upcoming events.
Leaf peeping The gradual depletion of chlorophyll in tree
leaves is responsible for the amazing and colorful display Mother Nature puts on each fall. Everyone is treated to vivid panoramas of reds, oranges, purples, and yellows, making them ideal all-natural photo backdrops. Plenty of people travel to more rural areas to
witness leaves change color, and that means that country areas can get crowded. It always pays to plan a leaf-peeping excursion for early in the day to account for the possibility of traffic along the route. Make an entire day of it by seeing the sights, grabbing lunch, and
hitting a farmer’s market while out and about.
Fall fair
Many towns hold off on their annual fairs and carnivals until the cooler months of the year. These are entertaining and boisterous events that can include everything from food and livestock contests to rides and amusements to musical performances. As these fairs tend to last a couple of days to a week, it could be fruitful to look into whether they sell multiday passes at a discount, particularly if you plan to attend a few times and maximize the fun.
Opportunities for fun abound each fall. With inviting weather and calendars full of seasonal offerings, now is an ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Food choices that can increase type 2 diabetes risk
A healthy diet has been linked to a host of benefits that affect people every day. When people eat healthy, they can lower their risk for disease, maintain a healthy weight and benefit from improved energy levels that can help them get the recommended amounts of physical activity each day. As beneficial as a healthy diet can be, a poor diet can have just as big an impact in the opposite direction. Poor diet is linked to a host of negative
outcomes, including a greater risk for conditions like overweight and obesity that increase the chances a person develops type 2 diabetes. People concerned by the effects their dietary decisions may have on their risk for diabetes can take note of various items that can make a type 2 diabetes diagnosis more likely.
Sugary drinks
The United Kingdombased Diabetes UK notes that sugary drinks, which
include beverages like soft drinks and sweetened tea, can increase a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes.
In fact, a 2019 study from researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing intake of sugarsweetened beverages and 100 percent fruit juices by more than four ounces per day over a four-year period was associated with a 16 percent higher risk of diabetes. Studies have found that sugary drinks can quickly
increase blood sugar levels, a spike that can lead to insulin resistance and the accumulation of fat in the liver, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Sweets
“Sweets” is a broad and not easily defined term, but those concerned about food choices and diabetes should know that this category generally refers to candy, deepfried desserts, cookies, and various baked
AUTO CORNER
Distracted driving is a major threat on the roadways. Anything that takes drivers’ attention away from the road can be considered a distraction, and that includes phones, food, passengers, and even vehicle features like a GPS system. However, distracted driving is preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that involve a distracted driver.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people in 2022. In addition, data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicates distracted driving contributed to an estimated 22.5 percent of fatal collisions and 25.5 percent of serious injury collisions in 2021. These distracted driving numbers reflect a growing trend of distracted driving-related incidents.
October Fun Facts About
Fall temperatures tend to be at their most accommodating in October, which also happens to be home to Halloween. Those are not the only interesting and fun facts about this popular month.
1. October has something of a misleading name. Licensed drivers undoubtedly know that the prefix “octo” means eight, which is why Stop signs are octagons. So why does October, the tenth month of the year, have a name that suggests it should be the eighth month of the year? That peculiarity can be traced to the early Roman calendar, which featured just 10 months, the eighth of which was October. The Romans eventually converted to a 12-month calendar, and October kept its name despite becoming the tenth month of that calendar.
2. Some notable individuals have holidays in their honor in October, including two on the same day. This year, Monday October 9, 2023, is both Columbus Day and Leif Erikson Day. It’s fitting that each figure’s holiday falls on the same day, as both are among history’s more well-known explorers. Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, while Leif Erikson Day celebrates a man believed to be the first known European to set foot in continental North America.
3. Columbus Day might court its fare of fanfare (and controversy), but its popularity cannot match that of October’s most beloved day to celebrate: Halloween. Halloween is celebrated on October 31 and History.com notes this can be traced to ancient Celts. The Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain on October 31, the night before their new year. They did this because they believed that night marked the return of the ghosts of the dead to earth. That emphasis on the ghoulish is present each Halloween as well.
4. October is considered a great time of year to take a road trip, and much of that reputation can be traced to fall foliage. Leaves begin to change color in many regions in early October, and the resulting colorful landscape is beautiful to behold. Though some may presume the shift in color in October is due to the month’s typical drop in temperature, it’s actually due to a decrease in sunlight. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, leaves begin to lose their green color when photosynthesis from sunlight slows down, which happens because the hours of daylight dwindle considerably during the month of October. That lack of sunlight causes chlorophyll to break down, which in turn causes leaves to change color. But not all leaves will look the same, as any
know.
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goods. These foods tend to be high in sugar, and sugar consumption leads to the production of insulin. While that’s not necessarily bad, University Hospitals notes that if the pancreas is continually producing insulin, the body may eventually become insulin-resistant. Insulin resistance can interrupt normal body system responses and contribute to nerve damage. Excess sugar not used as energy also is stored as fat, which can lead to weight gain, a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Refined carbohydrates
Diabetes UK notes that refined carbohydrates like white bread, white
rice and sugar-heavy breakfast cereals also can elevate a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes. These foods are digested rapidly, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise as the pancreas secretes insulin more quickly. When choosing carbs, individuals are urged to pick whole grains and fruits and vegetables, which take longer to digest and retain fiber and nutrients that are lost during the processing necessary to produce refined carbohydrates.
Diet can be a useful tool in the fight against type 2 diabetes when individuals make healthy choices regarding the foods and beverages they consume.
Cattaraugus Co. Democrats gather for Democracy in Action Dinner
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
ELLICOTTVILLE
— County and local officials gathered with future Democratic Party candidates Sept. 19 for the Cattaraugus County Democratic Committee’s Democracy in Action Dinner.
Held at the HoliMont Main Chalet, the dinner is the annual fundraiser for the Democratic Committee to help support candidates in upcoming elections.
Guest speakers for the evening included Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive; Patrick Purchell, Executive Director of NYS LECET; and Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller.
Mandy Bushnell, Committee Chair, commended the Democratic candidates running for office over the next year, starting with the 23 endorsed candidates who will be on the ballot in local elections in November.
“All of these candidates are for the same platform, and our platform hasn’t changed,” she said.
“We are for working families, we are for stronger unions, we are for equality and diversity. We care and want to help with healthcare and education. Those things have never changed.”
Aaron Gies and Kevin Stocker, candidates for New York’s 23rd Congressional District, also spoke, laying out plans for their campaigns and emphasizing their
determination to unseat Nick Langworthy in the 2026 midterms.
“An out-of-the-box campaign is required,” said Gies, a St. Bonaventure University professor and Olean resident. “Our kids growing up healthy and prosperous, for people in this district to be able to afford a good life, for the best healthcare if we get sick, for clean air, clean water, deep top soil and for our leaders to be ethical and accountable. These are not partisan issues, these are not controversial. They’re the ties that bind.”
Gies cited the importance of not only a large Democrat
turnout but also getting support from most independent voters and some Republicans to secure a win for the seat. He said the teeth of his campaign are the facts that will show voters they deserve a representative who represents the people of the 23rd district.
“I want to commend the committee on the excellent slate of local candidates we have for November,” he added. “Even as we support those local candidates, flipping this seat must be our focus and priority. With so much at stake, my race becomes our race.”
Stocker, an Erie County attorney, said he
is running because he does not recognize the country today as the one he grew up in, saying Democrats are in for the fight of their lives.
“This is an honor to engage in this fight,” he said. “I had the opportunity to take on Nick Langworthy before when he was the head of the (Republican) Party, and I’m looking forward to the rematch. I beat him then, and we’ll beat him now.”
Stocker said Democratic candidates need to take the issues head-on, saying they can’t be afraid to be aggressive. Paraphrase a song lyric from Bruce Springsteen, he
said they need to rise up, no retreat and no surrender, and speak up loud.
“I want to flip this red district blue, I believe I will be in motion for a year and a half to do it,” he said. “I believe I can fight for you folks here, and I look forward to joining together in that.”
In his address, Purchell said candidates need to have a clear and concise message, encouraging a focus on the economy and democracy through an organized effort.
“Everywhere you can get your message, everywhere you can get your story, you have
to get the word out,” he said. “We’ve got the arguments, we’ve got great candidates. If we organize and put those things together, we will take the House, we will take the Senate and we will be back at the White House in three years.”
Before the midterms and the presidential race in 2028, Poloncarz said now’s the time to focus on the local elections, adding that he was happy to see the list of candidates running for offices throughout Cattaraugus County in November. He said it’s time to remind people that Democrats are neighbors, workers and volunteers in the local communities.
“We stand for protecting people. We stand for understanding,” he said. “We have to go out there and talk to our neighbors… They’re going to vote for you because you stand for something, and you’re fighting for them.”
As the closing speaker, DiNapoli reiterated the points Poloncarz, Purchell, Stocker and Gies made. He also said Cattaraugus County is a beautiful place to live and was happy to see so many Buffalo Bills flags flying outside homes on his drive in.
“It is really about values. It’s what we stand for,” he said of the upcoming elections. “It’s great to see, even in a red district, that you’ve got folks coming forward who want to run for Congress, and they’re starting already.”
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
Aaron Gies (left), candidate for the New York 23rd Congressional District from Olean, speaks with Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, at the Cattaraugus County Democratic Committee’s Democracy in Action Dinner.
