Extracurricular activities can help students be more wellrounded 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
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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 13,000 tenth graders from a wide range of backgrounds about extracurricular activity participation. Teens who participated in the
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study indicated they engaged in two to three extracurriculars and spent about five hours per week on them. Those participation rates may seem low to modern students, many of whom may be driven by a desire to be admitted to notable universities. A 2025 study from Pioneer Academics indicated students who participated in four extracurricular activities had 30 percent admission rates at elite universities, while admission rates among applicants with two extracurricular activities was 15 percent. That higher admission rate
is notable, but parents and students should note findings from the University of Florida regarding moderate involvement in activities and the benefits of such participation on students. At very high levels of involvement, which amounted to more than 14 hours a week, teens’ academic well-being declined. The Urban Institute says 83 percent of children age six to 17 participate in at least one extracurricular activity. Rates of participation may be growing, but families should be sure that there is balance so students are not overwhelmed.
“I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO
FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (JOHN 14:6)
Ellicottville ski resorts expected to open in coming days
See Page 4
BY DEB EVERTS
SALAMANCA — Feel
the holiday magic with an incredible night of music at the Seneca Allegany Event Center on Saturday, when four legendary artists present their “Home for the Holidays” show at 7 p.m.
The show stars twotime Grammy 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.
Relax with Bryson’s legendary voice of love as he sings his hits including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” (Roberta Flack); “Can You Stop The Rain;” “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again;” “Without You;” “By The Time This Night Is Over” (Kenny G); “Show & Tell” and iconic Disney classics, “A Whole New World” and “Beauty & The Beast” (Celine Dion).
Savor the memories of the ’80s with Easton’s hits including “Morning Train: 9 to 5,” “We’ve Got Tonight” (Kenny Rogers), “Sugar Walls,” “The Lover in Me,” “What Comes Naturally,” “Modern Girl,” “Telefone,” “Strut,” “U Got The Look” and “The Arms of Orion” (Prince), as well as “For Your Eyes Only.”
The hits of Studdard, an American Idol winner and Grammy Award nominee, include “Superstar,” “Sorry 2004,” “I Need An Angel,” “Change Me” and “Flying Without Wings.”
The performance of Serov, an awardwinning trumpeter, will demonstrate his passion for jazz with imagination
WEST VALLEY — The West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA) team at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) successfully wrapped up its annual food drive Nov. 7, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to supporting the local community.
“This tradition, launched in 1989, has consistently provided vital assistance to families in need,” said Joseph Pillittere, WVCA Food Drive coordinator. “Since its inception, the drive has collected more than 2.5 million pounds of food.”
This year’s effort yielded over 9,000 meals, supplying turkeys, holiday essentials and pantry staples to eight food pantries across the region.
“The heart of this success lies in the generosity of our
‘Home for the Holidays’ concert coming to casino Saturday
and energy. His professional journey has led him from performing popular standards of the Great American Songbook to creating and producing a collection of his own original songs. Easton described some of the highlights of the show. She said the artists will perform some of their hits, Christmas songs and a few duets. She said they have a fabulous band with great musicians, and it’s going to be a real fun time. As one of the most popular and visible pop stars in the 1980s, Easton’s career has spanned nearly five decades, with her recording career earning her Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Europe and Asia. She has sold over 20 million records worldwide, has received two Grammy Awards, and was the first artist to have Top 5 records on five major Billboard charts. In addition to her recording success. She is a top concert attraction around the world.
Easton has been busy with frequent appearances in Las Vegas, where she has been a major attraction for the last two decades. She was recently inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Fame.
Born in Bellshill, Scotland, the youngest of six children, Easton said she didn’t come from a musical family — in the sense that everybody played an instrument — but they all loved to listen to music. When only 3 or 4 years old, she realized she had a special talent. As she got older and started to get feedback from people, Easton realized that she could
pursue a singing career. At age 17, she attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. She joined her first band, which helped her pay for school. At age 19, she got her first recording contract.
When Easton was about 22, she sang the theme song for the 1981 James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only,” which, she said, was one of the highlights of her career. “I was living in London at the time, and it was
the start of my career,” she said. “I had just done ‘Morning Train: 9 to 5,’ which was my big hit at the time and my first big single. Then, they asked me to do the theme song for the Bond film.”
At age 22, Easton
employees, partners, and subcontractors,” noted Jason Casper, CHBWV President. “It’s a powerful reminder of how kindness can transform a
community.” On their day off, more than 30 volunteers helped deliver 472 cases of food and 160 turkeys to Fellowship Hill Ministries in
Springville, Catholic Charities Outreach in Franklinville, Saving Grace Outreach in Cattaraugus, Master’s Plan in Dayton, United Church of Christ in
Ellicottville, Concord Food Pantry, Little Valley Baptist Church and West Valley Food Pantry. WVCA also donated funds to the Gowanda and Great
came to the United States and lived in the Beverly Hills Hotel for a while before buying a house and settling in Los Angeles for about 26 years. Then she moved to Las Vegas in 1999, where she still resides.
Easton said she did a residency in Las Vegas with a grueling eight shows a week for two and a half years. She’d had enough and said she likes her life better now.
“I like the fact that I can pick and choose. I can go out and perform two or three weekends a month and still have my family time, which is really important to me,” she said. “I like the fact that I have work and a life at the same time.”
Easton said she’s been working on her career since she was 18 years old. Now 66, she feels that she deserves the right to slow down a little bit.
Easton hopes the audience will come to the show and put their cares from this year behind them. She wants them to relax and enjoy as they celebrate the love they have in their life.
“This is a feel-good show. It’s a real family show and, hopefully, the fans will enjoy it,” she said. “They will walk down memory lane, because they’re going to hear Christmas songs that make them feel nostalgic. They’re going to hear our hits and we hope it will lift them up.”
To learn more about each artist, visit their website. More information is available online at senecaalleganycasino. com. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Valley food pantries. Supporting businesses and organizations that help make the annual food drive possible include WVCA employees, U.S. Department of Energy, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 2401, Butler Construction Co. of WNY, Encorus Group Engineering, Nature’s Pride, Pinto Construction Services, Sander’s Parkview Supermarket and Zuech’s Environmental Services. Every year during the holiday season, resources get spread thin and the needs of our community increase. Community support from the WVDP Food Drive helps to meet those needs that may have gone unmet during the holiday season. Cattaraugus
Photo provided
The Seneca Allegany Event Center will present a “Home for the Holidays” concert featuring legendary stars, Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard and Ilya Serov. Shown is Scottish songstress Easton.
Photo provided
The Seneca Allegany Event Center will present a “Home for the Holidays” concert featuring legendary stars, Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard and Ilya Serov. Shown is Scottish songstress Easton.
BY DEB EVERTS
Ellicottville ski resorts expected to open in coming
ELLICOTTVILLE — Old Man Winter has finally arrived in Western New York and the Southern Tier, and Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski resorts in Ellicottville are hoping for a better-than-ever season. Located off Route 219 south of the village, Holiday Valley is aiming to open in early December, Marketing Director Dash Hegeman said. Although the initial targeted opening was set for Nov. 28, the date has been moved to this Friday due to November’s mild temperatures, which mean limited snowmaking opportunities.
The crews have been testing the snowmaking system and are ready to take full advantage of the cold temperatures forecasted for next week, he explained, giving the team the window they need to build a solid early-season base.
In spite of the delay, Hegeman said preparations are going great. He said the staff is excited to keep the momentum going from last winter, which was a fantastic one.
Several upgrades have been made to give guests an even better experience on the slopes. Hegeman said the resort’s automated snowmaking system has been upgraded, as well as the ticket and pass RFID system to be more effective
days
31. Details have not been announced yet, but the event usually includes a Groomer and Torchlight Parade at 11:30 p.m. and a fireworks display from 11:45 p.m. to midnight. For more information about these events and those coming in 2026, call (716) 699-2345 or visit online at holidayvalley.com.
MEANWHILE, off Route 242 west of the village, HoliMont’s projected opening date is Dec. 13.
Snowsports Director Travis Widger said preparations are going great. He said they’ve had a busy summer updating and improving their snowmaking season.
Widger said HoliMont has been preparing all year long, doing lift inspections, maintenance on the slopes and inside the chalet, as well as full-time and seasonal staff training from ski patrol to snowsports.
“Every time we have to replace or repair existing pipe, we have a detailed master plan with engineering that specifies the diameter and dimensions of the pipe we use to improve flow and consistency, so we can make more snow in shorter windows and at different temperatures,” he explained.
Other improvements include a new heated patio that has been installed behind the HoliCenter Snowsports Building, and they have lots of new gear, swag and rental items in their GearUp Ski Shop.
at reading passes. New access gates were installed at the Sunrise, The Chute and Yodeler lifts, he said, and two new PistenBully Groomers were purchased for the Grooming Team. “The Mountain Operations team enhanced the snowmaking capacity and efficiency over the summer, so that crew was very busy replacing and installing new pipelines and snow guns,” he said. “Recently, the HV Parks
team has been spending a lot of time getting the terrain park features ready for action. The Building and Grounds team has been all over the resort as they prep the lodges for winter.”
Hegeman said Holiday Valley always wants to welcome as many people as possible to experience Ellicottville in the winter, with the hopes that they all fall in love with the area and continue to come back year after year.
“Holiday Valley was just ranked as the No. 4 resort on the East Coast by SKI Magazine, so the expectations of our guests are high and we’re looking to do our best to exceed those expectations,” he said. Several public events are scheduled through the holidays, beginning with Demo Day on Dec. 13. Guests can ring in 2026 at the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec.
“We installed over a mile of new snowmaking pipe, two new compressors and have recently taken delivery on our newest groomer, a PistenBully 600 Polar, which will all allow us to stay true to our promise and commitment to ‘Great Snow and No Lift lines,’” he said.
HoliMont installed new underground pipes in 2023 that were expected to enhance the snowmaking capabilities. Widger said that made a significant difference.
“We are committed to continuing to provide generations of outdoor family fun and, for the first time this season — thanks to our Bike Park and Summer Operations — we provided lift access to our venues for our membership and guests,” he said. “As a family-centered resort, there is something for everyone.”
Widger said they are always looking for new families to join their community and guests to enjoy the freedom and independence to experience the HoliMont Experience Monday through Friday when the private resort is open to the public. For more details about hours of operation and events, call (716) 699-2320 or visit online at holimont. com.
McCarthy’s Irish Christmas is Friday in Ellicottville
ELLICOTTVILLE —
Get in the spirit for the holidays at Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, happening at 6 p.m. Friday at Ellicottville Brewing Company in the village. With the support of EBC and The Winery of Ellicottville, the 20th annual tradition will see all proceeds from special beer and wine sales go to the Bob McCarthy Foundation’s programs. Admission is free.
Brew master Dan Minner has created a special draft and the traditional McCarthy Irish Red to commemorate the legend at this event. The “Taste of Ireland” features special dishes courtesy of local restaurants Katy’s (Guinness Irish Stew), Madigan’s (Guinness Mack & Cheese), The Silver Fox (Bangers & Mash), Villaggio’s (Pasta & Meatballs – no Irish here) and Dina’s (Irish Cream Bread Pudding). Each of the food and bar items listed above can be had for a small donation of $5 each, with all proceeds helping the McCarthy Foundation. The Ellicottville Syrup Co. is putting some magic maple in a special dessert for all to enjoy. The event, held in EBC’s great beer hall, features South Buffalo group Crikwater. Their up-tempo music conjures scenes of gritty, smoky Irish pubs, whiskey, pints of stout and good craic. Enjoy the multi-part vocal harmonies, engaging fiddle tunes and intricate musicianship while chatting to old friends.
The night kicks off at 6
p.m. with Asa on Bagpipes, followed by a special toast to the late McCarthy and a new group of dancers from Ellicottville Central School’s McCarthysponsored dance program. Browse the basket raffle and silent auction before the live auction starts at 7:30 p.m., hosted by Brooks Lefeber, who will entertain the crowd with a limited number of live auction treasures. Items include special Bob McCarthy original garden art donated by Laura Solley, McCarthy’s beautiful pie cabinet, donated by Jane and Dennis Eshbaugh, and art piece “Girls Night Out,” donated by Jeanine Zimmer; some special hand-made treasures from local artisans like Ed Frederickson, Sam Sheehy, Pat Burke and
of the same roads over and over. A new route varies the view along the way and you’ll learn alternatives if there is a traffic jam or detour.
• Embrace outdoor time. If possible, incorporate some outdoor time into your commute. For example, biking or walking a portion of the commute can make it
• Compile a commuting
Hughie Dunn; and Sally and Mike Nickolson have donated their two-bedroom Florida condo, which is always a hit with those who have purchased it. All live auction items are accompanied by a homemade pie or baked item from Ellicottville’s home bakers.
Growing larger this year is the silent auction with some great gifts for that special someone. Two Bourbon baskets, a summer package from Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski passes are among the silent auction prizes.
The Irish basket raffle is even bigger and better this year. Held in the upper room of the hall, it is the creation of Brooke Szpaicher and Mila Clauss. This inexpensive way to
participate, with many lucky winners taking home great gifts for a minimal donation (25 tickets for $25, including a door prize. Organizers say this fun event is always the holiday’s most talked-about evening, reflecting the generosity and compassion of the tight-knit Ellicottville community as so many turn out to support the cause.
Hosted by the McCarthy Foundation, this event serves to raise funds for its Christmas initiatives — Santa’s Workshop, Shop with a Cop and the Sheriffs’ Santa Program. Proceeds also provide funding for year-round family support services as the foundation strives to level the playing field and provide a quiet helping hand for those
less fortunate in our community.
McCarthy once said, “I love doing Irish Christmas, which is a night of Irish magic. I don’t know how the magic gets there, but it just does. That’s the beauty of it.” Last year’s event was indeed magical with overwhelming support from our community, resulting in the largest proceeds in its 19-year history.
Donations to the cause can be made at any time at www. bobmccarthyfoundation. com/donate or via the mail to McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731.
vibe. Do you want mellow, relaxing songs, or do you prefer upbeat, uplifting tunes? This way you’re not beholden to the offerings on the radio or satellite services.
Commuting may not be on par with a relaxing evening out with friends, but there are ways to make trips to and from the office more tolerable and even enjoyable.
Cattaraugus County Legion Auxiliary seeking next delegates for Girls State
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
Each summer, hundreds of high school seniors from across the state take part in the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State experience, immersing them in a week-long leadership program to learn about politics and public service.
Cattaraugus County’s ALA units are currently asking girls in the junior class of their high schools interested in attending the 2026 Girls State to consider participating in this unique opportunity to learn more about government and community issues and what they can do to make an impact.
This past July, eight girls from Cattaraugus County made the trip to SUNY Brockport for Girls State: Emma Williams of Cattaraugus-Little Valley, sponsored by the South Dayton Unit 1593; Kierra Knoblock of Franklinville, sponsored by Little Valley Unit 531; Maddison Smith of Gowanda, sponsored by Little Valley Unit 531; Isabelle Graham of Gowanda, sponsored by Gowanda Unit 409; Sofia Glover of Portville, sponsored by Portville Unit 814; Emelia Prey of Salamanca, sponsored by Salamanca Unit 535; Sierra Nagel of AlleganyLimestone, sponsored by Allegany Unit 892; and Madelyn Price-Costa of Allegany-Limestone, sponsored by Allegany unit 892.
“Delegates follow a set daily schedule, including times of meals, learning sessions, group activities, including ‘lights out’ bedtime,” explained Susan Moberg, co-chair of the
EGS committee at the Little Valley post.
During the week, participants become citizens of a 51st mythical state in which they elect their own officials, from county leaders to judges to members of the state legislature and a governor. Delegates are assigned to a political party — Federalist or Nationalist — and wear t-shirts throughout the week for their designated party, Moberg said. They learn and participate in flag raising and lowering ceremonies, participate in a Fourth of July celebration and pledge the flag daily, she said. Through this handson daily engagement in the political process, Moberg said the girls learn everything from how to write a bill by working in groups and negotiating to respecting others’ opinions that differ from their own to an understanding of the election process and the importance of voting.
“Many delegates return pledging to register to vote and become a lifelong voter,” she said.
Beyond the civicsrelated aspects, Moberg said the girls come away with experiences they can add to their resumes and college applications that can open so many doors for them, from eligibility for a scholarship to receiving early college credits and more.
“The role of women in the community and government can make a difference,” she said. “Through the years, we have had delegates return from the week at Girls State, stating their intent to seek careers in law, law enforcement, history and enlistment in the military.”
ALTHOUGH THE
Girls State week doesn’t take place until the end of the school year, the local auxiliaries begin the process to select participants in November.
After the first marking period of the school year, auxiliaries request a list of the girls who placed in the top 33% of the junior class.
“Each auxiliary sends the students a letter and sends a letter to the parent, congratulating the student on her eligibility, explaining the Empire Girls State (EGS) program and providing the interview date,” explained Susan Moberg, co-chair of the EGS committee. “The students must respond by a given deadline to participate in the interview or to decline the opportunity to do so.”
Auxiliaries set their own interview dates, generally held in late December through February, Moberg said.
One delegate and one alternate are selected, and both candidates must complete the required documentation and paperwork, returning it to the sponsoring auxiliary unit by April 1. Units then forward the documentation to the ALA Department of New York by April 15.
“The delegate and alternate, together with their parents, view a district virtual orientation in May,” she said. “This must be completed before the delegate can complete final registration and attend EGS.”
During the interview process, the ALA committees look for several criteria in applicants that make them a good delegate, including academic success, school involvement, community service such as
volunteering and hobbies and interests outside of school. Ideal qualities include communication skills, interpersonal skills, patriotism and other reliable, responsible qualities as well as demonstrating independence and future
aspirations.
“We always ask, ‘Are you a leader or a follower?’ Either answer is OK, as we have ‘leaders,’ i.e., legislators and principals, and ‘followers,’ i.e., legislative aides and teachers,” Moberg said. “We need both roles. Both are vital.”
During the preparation process leading up to the week of the program, students must also obtain a letter of recommendation from their high school principals or a high school guidance counselor, in addition to the virtual orientation and completing the required paperwork.
Although only 300 girls from throughout the state are eligible to attend, Moberg said those who do arrive as strangers but leave as friends, many of them making lasting friendships.
“Everybody takes something different home from her week’s experience,” she added. For more information, visit www. empiregirlsstate.org.
Photo courtesy American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York
Delegates in the American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State week this past July raise the flag at the beginning of day two.
We are the new owners of the redemption center in Salamanca, NY. We have collaborated with the Salamanca Beverage & Food Center to offer a special promotion.
Bring at least 24 count of bottles or cans and get a $2.00 coupon redeemable too be used towards a 12-inch sub or large pizza purchase from the Salamanca Beverage and Food Center within the same location.
Also, look forward to enhancements within the next couple weeks that will improve customer service. There are no quantity restrictions on the number of bottles and cans you can bring in at one time.
