SPCA requesting $165K in Cattaraugus Co. support for ’26 PAGE 3
a loss of functional ability and a reduced sense of purpose after retirement.
renovation ideas for luxury spaces
which to cuddle up. While a traditional, roaring wood fire is one option, there is much less mess and fuss with a gas fireplace. Some gas fireplaces may not even have to be vented, and they can be turned on with the flip of a switch.
Private patio or balcony
Owners who want to go the extra mile in owner’s suite renovations can incorporate outdoor spaces into the plans.
Many homes are now being built with owner’s suites on the first floor, facilitating the
possibility of aging in place at home. With this layout, the
Simcick brothers present rare ‘E’ Flag to Little Valley Legion
See Page 6
in Cattaraugus Co. support for ’26
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY — As
the largest animal shelter in the Southern Tier, the SPCA in Cattaraugus County sees a lot of cats and dogs come through its doors.
In 2025 so far, the shelter has accepted over 430 animals and seen over 370 adoptions or transfers, Executive Director Kellie Roberts shared with the Cattaraugus County Legislature on Oct. 22. Unfortunately, their building off Route 16 north of Olean is 40 years old, and with new laws and regulations from New York state coming into effect, it needs to be upgraded and renovated.
“We haven’t had terrific infrastructure over the years. We’ve really been working day-to-day to handle whatever came in front of us,” she said. “And while the gang has done a really good job of that over the years, in order to be more productive and to increase the number of animals and people in the community that we can serve, we really need to build up our programs and services.”
To help reach those goals, Roberts said the SPCA is requesting $165,000 in aid from the county for their 2026 fiscal plan. The organization’s other income sources range from shelter programs such as adoption and intake fees and municipal service contracts, as well as donations, grants, fundraisers and events.
“We play a key role every day in supporting the animals and the people who live in Cattaraugus County,” she said.
RED HOUSE — Connect with nature this November before the Thanksgiving rush with our familyfriendly programs.
Programs continue on Nov. 5, when the public can learn about the butterflies of Allegany State Park.
Park educator and butterfly enthusiast Tom LeBlanc will guide participants through the local butterflies and the research conducted within the park.
The presentation will take place at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Classroom.
Then on Nov. 6, learn survival techniques with the presentation “I Will Survive.” It was supposed to be a “quick” hike, but losing track of time, darkness and weather becomes a fight for survival. In this program, attendees will learn techniques their ancestors used to survive, along with a few modern ones. Be prepared to be outside and meet at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Recreation Hall.
The week of programs concludes Nov. 7 with the presentation “The Silent Hunters – Bobcats
During 2025, the SPCA accepted those hundreds of animals from about two dozen towns across the county, from nearby Olean and Portville to the far corners of the county in South Valley, Gowanda and Yorkshire. However, Roberts said the shelter only has the capacity to humanely care for about 20 dogs and 80 cats. “We have countless others who foster, so that number varies depending on the time of year and how many foster homes we have available,” she added. “Right now, we’re on pace for 40 more positive outcomes this year than we had last year.”
ORIGINALLY FROM Chautauqua County, Roberts began as executive director in December. She said she primarily focuses on developing relationships in the community, writing grants and other administrative roles. The rest of the SPCA’s
and Fishers” at 1 p.m. at the Recreation Hall at Camp Allegany. An inconspicuous brush pile, a hollow log or a low rock shelf — in these areas, for the rabbit and other prey species, they are the first items on the menu. Learn about the complicated simplicity of predator/ prey relationships, and the amazing adaptations the bobcat and fisher must make them the perfect hunters and, more importantly, the silent hunters.
The month of programs will wrap up on Nov. 22 with two planned presentations.
First, the NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program will take place at 1 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Classroom, in partnership with the Citizens Preparedness Corps. With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training
team is made up of 10 full- and part-time staff members, along with nearly 250 volunteers who contributed about 1,900 hours in 2024, doing everything from helping with daily animal care and enrichment to providing transportation to vet visits and even caring for building maintenance and the property.
“We have a very committed staff and volunteer base,” she said. “I’ve also recently hired a new full-time shelter manager to be more on the floor, working on developing our programs in the shelter itself.”
In the coming years, Roberts said they hope to expand the SPCA’s programs and services, which include the usual animal intake and care as well as adoption and placement. The organization also has a Trap-Neuter-VaccinateReturn program, which operates roughly from April through October,
and aims to help communities’ cats live healthier, safer lives while reducing overpopulation.
“That is the main, number-one program we need to increase to cut down on stray cats that are in neighborhoods everywhere,” she said. Meanwhile, a new pet food pantry program provided over 1,500 pounds of pet food to local families in 2024. Roberts said there are many families who love and care for their pets, but may have unexpected financial struggles, and this program helps them keep their pets in the home rather than having to bring them to the shelter.
In the past year, the SPCA handled two unexpected interventions — a Dachshund puppy mill case in Farmersville that required medical treatment, specialized care and placement for over 40 animals, and a cat hoarding case in Olean that saw more
than 80 animals brought into their care after an investigation revealed the animals were neglected and kept in inhumane living conditions.
“While they are difficult, expensive, all of that stuff rolled into one, we need to be there,” Roberts said. “We still have a few of those cats with us who still haven’t been adopted yet.”
THOSE CHALLENGES will also likely affect the SPCA in the coming years, Roberts said, citing increasing costs in animal care in supplies, veterinary services and minimum wage increases for employees, as well as the unexpected expenses.
“Unforeseen events happen every year in sheltering, and they put a stressor on the staff, on the volunteers we have working with us every day, in addition to the financial piece of that,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the SPCA is launching its Claws &
Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions. This training course will
provide an introduction to responding to a natural or manmade disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and
stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit. Registration is required to attend the event. To register, visit www. prepare.ny.gov
Paws capital campaign to renovate the current facility and add a new addition that will meet or exceed all state standards and guidelines. The Companion Animal Care Standards Act, based on standards established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, goes into effect Dec. 15.
“It’s very farreaching,” Roberts said. “We already had some work done in order to meet those standards, although for us, that’s not going to happen by the end of this year.”
The Claws & Paws campaign aims to complete the work already begun with a $6 million goal. Roberts said the initial planning and design for the renovation and addition are complete, and the quiet phase of fundraising is underway.
“They’ve determined the outside walls of the current structure are sound and we’ll be able to use those, which will save us a lot of money, and redo the inside,” she explained. “Our shelter has really fallen behind, and we have a long way to go to catch up to the acceptable standards.”
Besides raising the standard of care for both animals and the humans who work there, Roberts said they’ll also have a low-cost clinic, allowing them to spay and neuter on-site.
“There’s so many different things we’ll be able to offer to the community that isn’t available at Cattaraugus County SPCA right now,” she added. “We’re excited about it because it’s going to be such a difference for the community that has supported the organization for so long.”
Also on Nov. 22, take part in a cooking over the coals experience, enjoy the food and hear stories at 5:30 p.m. at the Camp Allegany Fire Pit with guest presenter Michelle Miller. Cooking over coals is something the Seneca people have done for hundreds of years — and still do to this day. Miller has lived on the Seneca Allegany Territory since 1996. While Seneca was not her first or even third language, it has now become her heritage language, and the culture and history of the Senecas have now become a part of her, as well as her children, who are from the territory. While Nation names may differ among the Iroquois, the Longhouse Way of Life does not change, so knowledge learned here can be shared throughout. For more information on Allegany State Park or any other state parks, visit parks.ny.gov, download
File Photo
A presentation on the Seneca tradition of cooking over coals with Michelle Miller will take place Nov. 22 at the Camp Allegany Fire Pit in Allegany State Park.
WEST VALLEY
— The West Valley/ Franklinville varsity, JV and modified volleyball teams successfully raised $4,055 for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through the Paws for a Cause fundraiser.
The initiative brought together students, staff and community members to support critical cancer research and advance new treatments and clinical trials.
Head varsity coach Emily Garthwaite, who began the event two years ago, said she was inspired to start the fundraiser after both her grandma and aunt lost their battles with cancer.
“I wanted to show my athletes what it was like to give back and quickly learned that this disease has affected just about
Veterinarians and rescue organizations repeatedly stress the significance of having pets spayed or neutered. This process, which is a relatively minor procedure with an excellent recovery rate, renders the animals sterile so that they cannot reproduce. Many animal shelters will not even allow
every family in some way,” she said. Through Roswell Park’s Schools Against Cancer program, every dollar raised
people to adopt pets before the dogs and cats have undergone the spay or neuter surgery. Prospective pet owners may wonder just why spaying and neutering is so important. Here are a few reasons.
· Increased longevity: A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals’ database of
is matched by $23 in research grants. This means West Valley’s $4,055 contribution will have an amplified impact of $93,265
toward ongoing cancer research.
A representative from Schools Against Cancer joined the West Valley
Did You Know?
2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer and spayed female dogs lived 23 percent longer, while spayed female cats in the study lived 39 percent longer and neutered male cats lived 62 percent longer.
· Curbs unwanted behaviors: Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors.
· Prevents litters: Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can result in these
community for a celebratory event, where the fundraising total was announced and the donation was presented on behalf
animals being placed in shelters or humanely euthanized.
· May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. Undergoing the spaying and neutering process
of the school and community.
This year’s efforts were driven by a combination of student and community initiatives, including the Fill My Volleyball challenge, concession and T-shirt sales and a raffle hosted by the Sports Boosters, who generously donated all proceeds to the cause.
“The incredible support from the West Valley and Franklinville communities made this year’s success possible,” said Garthwaite. “I want to give a huge thank you to the community for all of their donations, to Connie Kazmierczak and the West Valley staff for their support and help and to our athletes — because without them, none of this would be possible.”
increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs.
There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a lowor no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.
Photo provided
Members of the West Valley/Franklinville volleyball teams gather to present their $4,055 to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through the Schools Against Cancer program.
Leaders from the Seneca Nation on Oct. 22 gathered with elected state and local officials from throughout Western New York to discuss the Nation’s critical role in the region’s economy.
According to an independent report prepared for the Nation, the Seneca Nation has an overall economic impact of nearly $2 billion on the economy in Western New York, including thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in local wages, payroll taxes and other benefits.
“Our economic reach across our ancestral homelands is wide and growing,” Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said following an afternoon meeting with invited elected officials at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
“The Seneca Nation’s continued presence and leadership in Western New York provides important fuel to the region’s economy. Moreover, we provide for and help sustain the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families who, like us, call this region home.”
Nation officials presented the findings of a report prepared by Meister Economic Consulting and commissioned by the Nation to quantify the economic and fiscal impacts the Nation’s government operations and business enterprises have on the Western
New York economy.
Among the report’s findings, the Seneca Nation and its business enterprises directly and indirectly contribute and support $1.9 billion in economic output, 8,014 jobs and $542.7 million in wages.
Combined, the Seneca Nation’s government and business operations provide a total of 4,623 direct full-time and part-time jobs in the region, making the Nation the 12th largest employer in Western New York. The Nation and its business enterprises also spend millions of dollars with a wide network of vendors, suppliers and businesses across New York, further supporting thousands of additional jobs.
In total, the report states that the Seneca Nation supports
more than 8,000 total direct and indirect jobs and more than $542.7 million in wages throughout the region.
While the Nation’s largest and most visible business enterprise may be its three casino properties — Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, which collectively employ approximately 3,000 workers — its total portfolio of businesses is far more diversified.
The Seneca Nation operates 34 businesses across a wide range of industries, from gaming and entertainment, convenience stores and fuel operations to banking and
finance, information technology, federal government contracting and professional sports.
“Today’s study confirms what we already knew — the Seneca Nation creates jobs and drives growth, all without taxpayer dollars or subsidies,” said Seneca Nation Councilor Odie Porter. “Our goal is simple — keep building our future for Senecas and for Western New York, free of outside government interference. We’re not outsiders. We don’t need to be lured into investing here. This is our home, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to make it better.”
AS THE Nation’s economy has grown, so has its economic
reach. The report looked at the Nation’s economic impact across a 16-county region, extending from Western New York to the Genesee Valley and parts of the Southern Tier, an area that encompasses approximately 11,441 square miles and includes the boundaries of the Nation’s ancestral homelands, much of which was lost and taken throughout history.
Earlier this year, the Seneca Nation made a significant investment and acquisition in Rochester when it acquired the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks franchise, securing the team’s future in Rochester. Rather than potentially being sold to an out-
of-town interest and relocated, the team is now preparing for its first season under Seneca ownership, recruiting and hiring staff, finalizing its roster, energizing its fan base and preparing to compete for a world championship.
“We are here and we are forever committed to this region,” President Seneca added. “The Seneca Nation has helped move the Western New York economy forward in a significant way that few others can match. With each step we take and each investment we continue to make, the benefits we deliver to our people improve and the economic impact we have here in Western New York grows stronger.”
Elected officials and their representatives in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting also included the Congressional offices of Reps. Timothy M. Kennedy and Claudia Tenny; state Sen. George Borello and staff from Sens. April Baskin, Sean Ryan, Minority Leader Robert Ortt; Assemblyman Angelo Morinello and staff from Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Assemblywoman Karen McMahon; Chautauqua County Executive Paul “P.J.” Wendel; Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz; Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera; Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino; Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre; and Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski.
Drunk and drug-impaired driving is illegal in all 50 states and across Canada. Unfortunately, instances of driving under the influence of a substance seem to increase during the holiday season. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29.8 percent of all fatal car accidents between 2018 and 2022 (the most recent for data) involved a drunk driver. Fatal crashes involving drunk driving are about 27 percent more common during holiday periods than other times of the year. Nighttime driving during the month of December tends to be particularly dangerous. Almost half of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were intoxicated, according to data from December 2023. Thirty percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. were intoxicated. The NHTSA reminds people that impaired driving is deadly. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different - Drive High Get a DUI are NHTSA campaigns instituted during the holiday season that are followed up with increased enforcement by police. Holiday celebrants should always plan for a sober ride home from parties or holiday dinners if they plan to drink or consume other substances that can cause impairment.
Photo courtesy Seneca Media & Communications
Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca (left) and Seneca Nation Councilor Odie Porter during a meeting Oct. 22 with state and local officials in Buffalo.
Simcick brothers present rare ‘E’ Flag to Little Valley Legion
“E” award as well.
BY DEB EVERTS
LITTLE VALLEY —
A rare Army-Navy “E” Award flag, long-held by a prominent local family, has been donated to the Little Valley American Legion Post 531. The generous gift was made by brothers Francis and Robert Simcick to honor local veterans and the memory of their mother, the late Judy Champlin Simcick.
In an official ceremony held Oct. 25 at the Legion, the Simcick brothers presented the pennant to Post Commander Allie Burdick. Other distinguished speakers included New York State Commander John Miga, Post Commander Allie Burdick, Brad Lockwood and post member Ron Ploetz.
The Simcick brothers presented the flag to the legion on behalf of their family and their maternal grandfather, the late John Brown Francis (J.B.F.) Champlin.
An article published in Ellicottville newspaper
The Post said the “E” flag was first presented to the men and women of the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company at the plant in Little Valley, Dec. 1, 1944, and again in 1945 as their millionth Commando knife for the armed forces rolled off the assembly line. J.B.F. Champlin, then president, accepted the award on behalf of the company both times, with the second presentation featuring the addition of the “White Star” to their already won “E” flag.
The article also stated that executives
and employees of the company received the coveted Army-Navy “E” flag award and emblems from high-ranking Army and Navy officers for far exceeding the production of folding machetes and other combat knives for the armed forces.
Ploetz read a quote made by Champlin when the second award was given back in June 1945 — “Few, if any, small communities less than 1,500 population have had the privilege and distinction of having the Army-Navy present them with an ‘E’ award for their production of combat weapons during this war, to say nothing of thrice receiving that honor in six month’s time.” He pointed out that Kinfolks, Inc., another cutlery in town, had recently received its
“What J.B.F. said shows the significance of this flag to this town,” Ploetz said. “My dad was a knife maker at Cattaraugus Cutlery for 38 years — before and after World War II.”
State Commander Miga said not only was the “E” Flag unveiled, but they also honored the historic building, built in 1909 and purchased by the legion in 1947.
“I’ve been traveling around New York state and have visited 34 counties in the last two months. This is very unique because you don’t see too many flags like this around,” he said.
THE ARMY-NAVY “E” Awards program began in July 1942, as an honor presented to the top performers of the civilian war industry during World War II, according to The New York Historical. By the time the program ended in 1945, the “E” Award had been presented to 4,283 production facilities, representing only 5% of the estimated war plants in the nation.
Francis Simcick said
he found the flag at his parents’ cottage at the Little Valley Rod and Gun Club and has had the pennant in his possession for a number of years.
“When I visited the cottage built by my grandfather, I opened a cedar chest and this flag was in there,” he said.
“My bet is mom kept this, or her brother Jack, when the cutlery closed. I bet it’s been in that cedar chest since 1963, until I found it a couple of years ago. It was in a plastic bag with one of my dad’s WWII Navy uniforms.”
Thanks to the packaging and being stored safely in a cedar chest, the 80-year-old flag is preserved in pristine condition.
Lockwood, who was instrumental in finding the flag an appropriate home, said he was incredibly happy when he saw an amazing picture of the “E” Flag on Facebook. He said Fran Simcick was flying the flag at the Little Valley Rod and Gun Club, and he was surprised that it still existed.
“I asked Brad (Lockwood) to find a forever home for the ‘E’ Flag, and he connected
me with the Little Valley Legion,” he said. “It’s something that should be seen. The flag proves that our town and our family did something good.”
Simcick said that’s what Little Valley was about. He said the people who lived in town pretty much worked for a cutlery one way or another back in the late 1800s and throughout the early 1900s. The Cattaraugus Cutlery Company made it to 1963.
“My mom always told the story that after World War II, when they were rebuilding Japan, the steel the cutlery used for the knives was always good steel, but the Japanese could produce the same steel for about half the cost,” he said. “ They basically ran the Cattaraugus Cutlery out of business.”
The new home of the flag is befitting since American Legion Post 531 was once the home of Andrew Jackson Case and previously known as “Robins Roost.” The flag, approximately 8 feet long, will remain on display in the dining room of the legion for all to see.
November Fun Facts About
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each November, thus kicking off a holiday season that lasts until January 1.
Though many see November as the start to a festive time of year, there’s even more interesting and fun facts about the eleventh month of the year.
1. Like various other months on the calendar, November has something of a misleading name. November gets its name from the Latin word “novem,” which means “nine.” But today November is the eleventh month of the year. So is November a misnomer? Not exactly. November was the ninth month on the early Roman calendar. However, when the Gregorian calendar was adopted and the Julian calendar was abandoned, November kept its name if not its spot in the monthly pecking order. Hence, November is still known as “November” even though it’s now the eleventh month of the year and not the ninth.
2. If October goes out with ghouls and goblins on Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31, November begins a little more piously. That’s because November 1 is All Saints’ Day, a Christian solemnity, or feast day, that honors of the saints of the Christian church.
3. November is a significant month in world history. On November 11, 1918, at 5:45 a.m., an armistice was signed between the Allied Powers and Germany at Compiègne, France. The signing of the armistice ended hostilities on the Western Front, thus putting an end to World War I, which had begun more than four years earlier. The signing of the armistice ultimately led to the observance of Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Armistice Day was subsequently renamed Remembrance Day and Americans celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. Both Remembrance Day and Veterans Day honor military personnel who served honorably in times of war, conflict and peace.
4. Topaz is the traditional birthstone of November. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the ancient Greeks believed topaz could make anyone who wore it invisible. Though that idea no longer holds water, topaz remains a symbol of honor and strength.
This message sponsored as a public service by the merchants listed below.
Photo
The late J.B.F. Champlin, then president of the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, is shown (second from right) proudly accepting the “E” Flag at a ceremony held at the factory in 1944.
Photo by Deb Everts
Simple ways to add more fiber to your diet
A healthy diet includes a mix of various vitamins, minerals and nutrients. In fact, those seeking to eat healthy may sometimes be overwhelmed by medical advice recommending an array of items so wide it can seem difficult to squeeze everything in without eating too much food. Thankfully, there are many simple ways to get enough of what you need, and that includes fiber.
The Mayo Clinic notes that a highfiber diet supports a healthy body in various ways. A high fiber diet can reduce risk for constipation, help people maintain low cholesterol levels, promote bowel health, and slow the absorption of sugar, which can improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. With so much to gain from including fiber in your diet, the following are some strategies to do just that.
• Begin the day with fiber. One of
the most effective ways to eat enough fiber is to choose the right breakfast cereal. Many breakfast cereals contain ample amounts of fiber, and the Mayo Clinic advises looking for one that contains five grams or more of fiber per serving. Though this is not always the case, and shoppers are urged to read nutrition labels before purchasing a new cereal, products
that contain the descriptors whole grain, bran or fiber in the name tend to feature ample amounts of fiber.
• Supplement your cereal. Another simple way to start the day with fiber is to add berries or sliced bananas to your cereal bowl. Blueberries (roughly four grams per cup) and strawberries (about three grams
per cup) are high in fiber and also can up the flavor profile of your morning cereal.
The USDA National Database for Standard Reference indicates a medium-sized banana contains roughly three grams of fiber, making any of these, or a combination of them, great additions to a cereal bowl.
• Replace white bread with wheat bread and traditional
pasta with whole grain alternatives.
• Eat healthier snacks. Nacho lovers might be surprised to learn that tweaking their nachos recipe can be another way to eat more fiber. When making nachos for the big game, prepare them using whole-grain tortilla chips, legumes like black beans or red beans, and fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers. Another way to eat more fiber when snacking is to reach for whole-grain crackers, dried fruits without added sugar or a small amount of nuts in lieu of processed snacks like traditional potato chips.
Fiber is a key component of a healthy diet, and there are many simple and flavorful ways to eat more of it each day.
Verywell Health notes that wheat bread is generally considered healthier than white bread due in part to its higher fiber content. The same dynamic plays out with whole grain pasta compared to traditional pasta. Traditional pasta is made from refined flour that has the bran removed during processing, whereas the fiber-rich bran is not removed when making whole grain pasta. It can take some getting used to, but opting for whole grain pasta and wheat bread over more traditional but less nutritious alternatives can be a great way to include more fiber in your diet.
