BY DEB EVERTS
Cattaraugus County IDA backs Depot restaurant redevelopment
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Local food pantries express concerns about late SNAP benefits
Amid the longest federal government shutdown, local food pantries were weathering the storm and hoping to provide nutritious food to needy families through the Thanksgiving holiday. Although the shutdown ended Nov. 12, many Americans were without benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed their families for some weeks. The pause in issuing SNAP benefits in New York state was caused by conflicting federal guidance and a legal battle over funding due to the shutdown.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency in response to the interruption of federal SNAP benefits, effective Oct. 30 through Nov. 29. This included an infusion of $65 million in state funds to confront the issue.
Just like food pantries everywhere in the nation, Saving Grace Outreach in Cattaraugus is feeling the pressure of dwindling food supplies. The facility is a food distribution hub that also serves pantries in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, as well as part of Erie County.
Director Elizabeth O’Neill said some of the pantry shelves are looking sparse due to the lack of resources. She said the SNAP benefit delay not only affects the recipients but also the food supply from FeedMore WNY.
“It affects everyone
and, unfortunately, in a negative way,” she said. “Everybody in America deserves to have food on their table. We should not be fighting to feed our families.”
The community, some local churches and organizations have helped by donating turkeys and other food items for the Thanksgiving dinner at the center, which is going to offset what the pantry has to buy.
“We are prepping for a large influx of clients in the coming weeks,” he said. “We have already seen more families coming to our food pantry.”
Bob
ELLICOTTVILLE
— The 20th annual Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas will take place Friday, Dec. 5, in the spacious beer hall at Ellicottville Crewing Company. One of the best holiday traditions unique to the area, this fun, free event reflects the generosity and compassion of the tight-knit community as many winter visitors and locals turn out to support the cause that quickly puts all who attend in the holiday spirit.
Hosted by the Bob McCarthy Foundation, this event serves to raise funds for the organization’s Christmas initiatives, Santa’s Workshop, Shop with a Cop and the Santa Sheriff Program. Proceeds also fund the foundation’s yearround family support services that strive to
level the playing field for those less fortunate in the community.
The late McCarthy, a master craftsman, the voice of Ellicottville and a friend to all, is honored each year by the community togetherness embodied by Irish Christmas. The auctioning of baked goods, hand-crafted items and neat finds from local businesses allows this holiday season program to provide holiday presents and meals to local families in need.
The fun starts at 6 p.m. with the Irishthemed and energetic live show from South Buffalo’s Crikwater. Their music conjures scenes of gritty, smoky Irish pubs, glasses of whiskey, pints of stout and good craic. Enjoy the multi-part vocal harmonies, engaging fiddle tunes and intricate musicianship
Saving Grace is hosting a free Thanksgiving Community Meal from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Community Cares Center, 26 Mill St. Pie donations would be gratefully accepted. Takeout or dine-in is available, as well as deliveries to shut-ins. People need to call with the name and address of the person. To make a reservation, call the Trading Post at (716) 257-3077. Anyone making arrangements the day of the dinner should call the center at (716) 229-2008. Regular food pantry hours are the first and third Wednesdays of the
month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening hours are the first and third Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. The mobile pantry from FeedMore comes on the last Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. and it’s free to anybody in the area.
MEANWHILE, the SNAP benefit issue was confusing because the date had changed every day, with politicians going back and forth about it, said Jan Whitmer, manager of the Little Valley Food Pantry.
“It’s still up in the air if people are going to get their full amount of
while browsing the Irish basket raffle, silent auction and live auction table. Grab some food as local restaurants are serving up some specialties for the “Taste of Ireland,” where, for a small donation, attendees can enjoy the likes of The Silver Fox’s Bangers & Mash and Tom’s famous Bread
Pudding from Dina’s.
EBC brewmaster Dan Minner is brewing some of McCarthy’s Irish Red as well as a special brew to help the cause, or enjoy a wine from Sam Sheehy of Ellicottville Winery. Food and drink are $5 each with all proceeds going to the cause. A special toast to McCarthy,
SNAP benefits or 50 to 65%. I’ve heard all kinds of numbers,” she said. “The other question is, ‘When will the money come through?’ Although they say people will get their SNAP benefits, the money is not in our clients’ hands right now. My concern is the benefits will not come timely enough for the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Whitmer said the pantry is up and running, but the staff is concerned that they might not be able to get enough food in the next couple of months.
Like the Cattaraugus pantry, the Little Valley pantry has received help from the community and local churches.
“We’ve received some donations and held a fundraiser that worked very well,” she said.
“We’ve had a couple of donors who are extremely generous to the pantry, donating food and finances to make sure we can feed everybody.”
Whitmer said they are expecting an increase in the number of clients who show up for Thanksgiving week. She said they had eight new families come from Wednesday to Friday in one week, which is a high number for the pantry.
“I don’t know if we are prepared to give our clients everything they want, but we have ordered turkeys and, hopefully, we’ll be able to meet the need,” she said. “We are not opposed to buying a few more turkeys if needed. At this point, I think we are in good shape and won’t be sending anybody home hungry.”
The pantry is open for clients every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on the first and third Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information or for emergency food needs, call (623) 377-0159.
“It’s hard to tell, depending on what happens in the government and how many resources will be available to us,” she said. “I don’t think we’re giving out as much food as we did a year ago, but considering the way times are, we’re still substantially giving clients a good meal.”
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accompanied by Asa’s Bagpipe anthem and Ellicottville Central School dancers, will kick off the traditional live auction at 7:30 p.m. with funnyman Brooks Lefeber. The auction treasures include some of McCarthy’s woodworking originals, with a special new find this year. Other special creations from Ed Frederickson, Sam Sheehy and Pat Burke demonstrate their creative spirit. In this ski town, expect some great ski packages from Holiday Valley and HoliMont. Again this year, a customized stainless steel EVL firepit donated by Barrett Price of Bear Metal Works and a snowboard from Mud Sweat & Gears will be auctioned. Keeping with tradition, all live auction items are
accompanied by a home-made pie or baked item, such as Pat Kurl’s skillet apple pie, Cupcaked’s cannoli cake and Tom Kneeland’s specialties. The silent auction is expanded this year, so attendees can grab some great bargains for under the tree.
And as the Irish basket raffle gets bigger and better this year, all can help support the cause with many lucky winners taking home great gifts for a minimal donation. The foundation hopes that Ellicottville’s generous community will open its heart and donate at www. bobmccarthy foundation.com/ donate or by mail to McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731.
McCarthy’s Irish Christmas in the works for Dec.
Photo provided
Superintendent Kaine Kelly introduces head coach Robin Maycock during the 2025 Wall of Fame induction dinner.
Cattaraugus County IDA backs
BY BOB CLARK ELLICOTTVILLE
— An Ellicottville
landmark restaurant has received tax breaks to reopen this winter.
The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency board on Oct. 25 approved sales and property tax breaks for Win-Sum to redevelop the Depot restaurant.
Win-Sum Ski Corp., the parent company of Holiday Valley, owns the properties surrounding the site, said IDA Executive Director Corey Wiktor, and purchased the property in September.
County property records indicate Win-Sum paid $1.35 million for the former restaurant.
Wiktor noted BarBill Tavern owners have signed a lease to manage the site for Win-Sum.
Company officials plan around $95,000 in renovations and another $35,000 in other costs to get the site ready.
The IDA approved benefits, including $42,114 in lower taxes from a payment in lieu of taxes agreement over 10 years and $9,200 in sales tax
abatements — about 3% of the total cost of the project. The benefits fall below the $99,000 level required for a public hearing, Wiktor said.
The site was formerly the home of the Ellicottville Depot Restaurant for 46 years before it closed its doors at the end of the 2024-25 ski season. Wiktor said about 25 jobs are expected to return to the site when it reopens.
“Some of them worked there for 25 years,” he said, with staff knowing the clientele well. Documents filed with the request indicate the restaurant should reopen for the 202526 ski season.
THE BOARD also hosted its annual meeting, re-electing its current slate of officers.
For 2026, Thomas Buffamante will again serve as chairman, Joseph Higgins as first vice chairman, Michael Wimer as secretary, Brent Driscoll as treasurer and James Snyder Jr. as second vice chairman.
Buffamante will continue to chair the audit committee, Higgins the governance committee and Driscoll the finance committee.
The board also approved a $462,000 budget, funded primarily through application fees, interest-bearing accounts and a $10,000 lease with RevRail for use of rail lines near Cattaraugus. Wiktor said the budget is subject to change if additional projects come forward.
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley
The former Ellicottville Depot Restaurant has been purchased by Win-Sum Ski Corp, the parent company of Holiday Valley, with plans to reopen.
RANDOLPH — The Randolph Central School District recently hosted its annual Wall of Fame induction dinner at the Cardinal Hills Golf Course.
The Oct. 4 event brought together school leaders and community members to honor two historic teams — Randolph’s 2005 varsity volleyball and football players. Both teams had the distinction of becoming NYSPHSAA Class D champions.
The evening began with a welcome from Superintendent Kaine Kelly, who explained why the selection committee decided to induct two teams this year rather than individuals. He also highlighted the lasting impact of both championships.
“The year 2005 seems to be a watershed moment in the Randolph community’s history,” Kelly said. “It’s set the level of expectation for excellence that has carried through and continues through to this day. It all started with you guys. I congratulate you for that, and I thank you for that.”
The 2005 Lady Cardinals, led by coach Robin Maycock and assistant coach Karin Erdmann, were recognized
Randolph Central School honors 2025 Wall of Fame inductees
first. The team members honored were Erica Adams, Maggie Bontemps, Chrissy Bradshaw, Erin Carlson, Jacquie Dexter, Nicole Emborski, Kaitlin Erdmann, Sara Flaherty, Carissa Hartson, Meghann Hettenbaugh, Lacy Blocker, Lindsey Ralston, Annie Shields, Sierra Finch and Hilary Wadsworth.
Maycock came forward to introduce the speaker for the team, Erica (Adams) Dybka. Dybka, the 2005 captain and a sixth-grade teacher at Randolph, made sure to set the record straight regarding their accomplishment.
“I want to just make sure everybody in the room is clear that the volleyball team holds the first state championship,” Dybka said to a round of applause.
After thanking everyone who supported them during their high school days, Dybka reflected on Randolph becoming “Title Town” and what that meant to them then and now.
“The support and dedication both teams gave each other that year was remarkable,” Dybka said.
“The support from our school, our community, was like nothing I've ever
seen before. Not just home games. It seemed like the whole town just shut down and the visitors’ bleachers would always be filled.
Whether you were on the court or the field, the sidelines, the stands or lining the sidewalks in the freezing temperatures to welcome us back home, we all stood together. We all
fought together.”
In her closing remarks, Dybka encouraged her former teammates to continue being an example to younger generations.
“Tonight, I ask you to continue leading in your lives, in our community,” she said. “Carry the standard of excellence in whatever you do next. Whatever field, whatever job, whatever change, mentor the next generation. Share what you have learned. Share your struggles and your dreams so the next
generation has a stronger foundation.”
The football team, led by head coach Pat Slater and assistant coaches Brent Brown and Todd Conley, was recognized next. The players honored were Zach Abraham, Brandon Barber, Matt Beacom, Garrett Bowen, Tim Brown, Casey Burch, Lucas Burch, Kevin Callahan, Adam Chandler, Jeff Durow, Chris Erdmann, David Everts, Daniel Fluent, Dustin Hale, Nick Jackson, David Jensen, Cody Johnson,
Tim McElwain, Brooks Morrison, Blake Morrison, Pat Oyer, Shawn Perry, David Pihlblad, Dustin Poitras, Matt Ring, Trae Rogers, Jose Rosario, Shawn Ryan, Mike Seiberg and Steven Sheldon.
Slater took the podium to congratulate his players and everyone involved with the team. He recalled not understanding how much the team’s performance meant to people until an interaction between two strangers during a Florida vacation.
“We're talking away, and about halfway through lunch, one goes, ‘You're the coach, you’re the football coach,’” Slater said. “I go, ‘Yeah.’ Then she goes, ‘You did pretty good this year. Well, how are we going to be next year?’ Really, down here? Then, I realized that this is special.”
Slater closed the ceremony portion of the dinner by saying the recognition is welldeserved.
“You did a magnificent job,” Slater said. “You’ve been rewarded like you should be and identified. You have set the table, and it’s been a great ride.” Randolph Central School's Wall of Fame honors graduates, current and past staff members, current and past board of education members and community members. Those chosen have distinguished themselves in a specific field of endeavor, civic affairs, humanitarian affairs and activities meriting special recognition or who have had a positive impact on the district or the community.
A nomination form for 2026 inductees is available on the district’s website at randolphcsd.org/ walloffame.
Photo Provided
Superintendent Kaine Kelly introduces head coach Robin Maycock during the 2025 Wall of Fame induction dinner.