County recognizes Seneca Parker for posthumous admission to NY Bar PAGE 3
DECEMBER
25 2025
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A guide to survive lengthy home renovations
Renovations can transform homes into spaces that mirror homeowners’ dreams. Regardless of the scope of a project, a home renovation will involve some level of disruption to residents’ daily lives. Lengthy, more involved projects may impact daily life considerably. Renovation timelines vary depending on the scale of the project. Painting may take a week or two, while a kitchen or bathroom remodel may last anywhere from four to 16 weeks. Larger projects like adding a room can take between three and six months, say the experts at John Merrill Homes. Projects also often take longer than expected, as surprises may be in store once homeowners begin peeling back the layers in homes. Homeowners about to embark on lengthy renovation projects can embrace these tips to come through on the other side relatively unscathed. Choose your timing The timing of a renovation may have to coincide with contractor availability or having the budget to fund the project. But homeowners should consider life circumstances and season before starting a project. You might not have the energy to take on a project right before the holidays. If kids play on sports teams that require a lot of travel, it might be better to wait until the season winds down. Figure out what you can realistically take on to reduce the likelihood that you’ll feel overwhelmed.
Plan accordingly Creating and sticking to a daily schedule, and knowing what is happening each day, can keep a project on track. It also allows you to determine which days will be the most chaotic. Demolition days can be noisy and messy, and maybe those are days when you plan to be away from the house for a few hours.
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December 25, 2025
In this week’s edition: Weinman to succeed Whitcomb as Cattaraugus County Social Services commissioner See Page 4
County recognizes Seneca Parker for posthumous admission to NY Bar BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE VALLEY — Ely Samuel Parker, a Seneca leader and Civil War officer serving under Ulysses S. Grant who was posthumously admitted to the New York State Bar in November, has been recognized by lawmakers of Cattaraugus County. Born on the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Tonawanda reservation, Parker spent some of his life in Cattaraugus County, studying at a law firm in Ellicottville, but his admission to the bar was denied. At that time, only natural-born or naturalized citizens could be admitted. Native Americans were not granted U.S. citizenship until 1924, nearly three decades after Parker died. “Today ... we correct that injustice,” Melissa Parker Leonard, a greatgreat-great-grandniece of Parker’s, said Nov. 14 to an audience that included robed judges from several New York courts. “We acknowledge that the failure was never his. It was the law itself.” His admission inside a ceremonial courtroom in Buffalo, 130 years after his death, followed a yearslong effort by his descendants, who saw bitter irony in the fact that an important figure in U.S. history was never seen as a U.S. citizen. The Cattaraugus County Legislature Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution recognizing and commemorating Parker’s admission. “It’s very interesting for someone to be posthumously admitted to the New York State Bar.
Many have tried to do that,” said Vice Chair Ginger Schroder. “It’s nice to see that he’s been recognized for his incredible intelligence, his services to our great nation, and I’m sorry it took this long, but I’m glad that we’re honoring him.” According to information provided by Ellen Frank, historian for the town of Ellicottville, Ely S. Parker was a fullblooded Seneca born in 1828 to William and Elizabeth Parker and grew up on the Seneca Nation’s Tonawanda Reservation near Buffalo. At age 15, Parker started negotiating a deal allowing the Senecas to use their relocation monies to buy back three-fifths of the reservation, and 10 years later, he was successful. The situation of his people had turned Parker’s mind to study law, and he decided to go to school to continue his education in 1847. An offer of a position finally came from the sub-agent for the New York Indians. William P. Angel, a young lawyer who, after a career as a printer and publisher, had settled in Ellicottville, where he was serving both as district attorney and as the federal Indian agent. Angel asked Parker to come to Ellicottville to assist him in his work with Native Americans. At the same time, Angel proposed that Parker study law with him and his partner, Addison G. Rice. Parker quickly accepted the offer, moved to Ellicottville and began a new career as a “student of the law.” He was thrown into competition with other clerks, and the fact that he was an
Photo courtesy National Archives Ely Samuel Parker, shown in this undated photo, was posthumously admitted to the New York State Bar in November. He studied law at a firm in Ellicottville for three years in the 1840s.
indigenous gave him greater ambition. The budding law student soon found a place in Ellicottville’s society. Ellicottville was the county seat, and the Senecas called it “the place for holding court” — it was the center of both trade and culture for the county.
One of its prominent citizens remembered Parker as “a finelooking man of stalwart proportions” and said that he mixed in society where he was a favorite and was a cultured man. Parker also served for a time as postmaster. After having spent
three years reading law, drawing up forms, prearranging arguments and listening to court proceedings, there came a discovery that crushed him. Competent though he was and able to meet every requirement, Parker couldn’t be admitted to the bar.
A Supreme Court decision had ruled that only a United States citizen could enter the bar. Though a Native American, Parker was not a citizen of the country. Denied the opportunity to practice law, Parker decided to become a civil engineer and study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. In 1857, he was appointed Superintendent of Construction for a Custom House and a Marine Hospital in Galena, Ill. While in Galena, Parker became acquainted with the clerk in a harness shop named Capt. Ulysses S. Grant. When the Civil War broke out, Parker wanted to join the fight for the Union. He received his papers to join on June 4, 1863, was commissioned and formally accepted, and he joined Grant, now a general. Colonel Parker, from this time until long after the war ended, was associated with Grant and constantly at his side to receive and transmit his orders. On April 9, 1864, Robert E. Lee set up a meeting at Appomattox CourtHouse at the McLean house, where Grant and Lee finalized the terms of surrender. Grant called in Parker to write the formal agreement to end the Civil War. When Grant became U.S. President in 1869, he appointed Parker as Commissioner of Indian Affairs — the first Native American to hold that position, the culmination of Parker’s fighting all his life to help his people. Parker died in 1895 and is buried in Buffalo’s Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Hinsdale school’s Giannicchi named next Ellicottville superintendent BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY ELLICOTTVILLE — The Ellicottville Board of Education on Dec. 12 announced the appointment of Tiffany Giannicchi as its next Superintendent of Schools. Giannicchi, who currently serves as Hinsdale’s school superintendent, was appointed by a unanimous vote at a special Ellicottville school board meeting Thursday. “I couldn’t be happier or prouder to become an Eagle,” she said in a statement. “I want to thank the Board of Education for this opportunity.” Giannicchi’s career in education began as an elementary and special education teacher with the Randolph, AlleganyLimestone and Hinsdale school districts between 1998 and 2007. She then served for five years as a curriculum coordinator with the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES before initiating her administrative career as the principal of Delevan Elementary in the Pioneer Central School District. After serving with distinction at Pioneer for 10 years, Giannicchi was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services for the Salamanca City Central School District in 2022. One year later, she was appointed to her current position of
Photo provided Tiffany Giannicchi, current school superintendent in Hinsdale, has been named the next district superintendent of Ellicottville Central School.
superintendent in Hinsdale. Giannicchi is passionate about the work of public education and excited to begin her entry into the Ellicottville community. “I am overwhelmed with excitement to join the Eagle family and begin working
with the students, staff and school community of Ellicottville,” she said. Board President Karl Northrup also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity this appointment offers for the Ellicottville community,
saying the board is delighted to welcome Giannicchi. “She has a clear vision of effective schooling and a passion for building relationships with students, staff and the school community,” he said. “She comes to our schools with
strong leadership experience and equipped with a clear understanding of the complex role and duties of the Superintendency.” Additionally, Northrup said Giannicchi demonstrated a deep understanding of the schools and greater
Ellicottville community. The board believes the dedication and commitment that she has exhibited throughout her career will make Giannicchi a great asset to Ellicottville’s schools and community for years to come, he added. The school board selected Giannicchi after a rigorous selection process that began with the screening of 13 qualified applicants and selection of six candidates for interviews by the board and a community focus group. Those six were reduced to three finalists interviewed by the board in late November. “The Board was very pleased with the search process. The quality of the candidates was quite strong,” Northrup said. “We were especially impressed by the commitment and engagement of the individuals representing the Community Focus group. The feedback offered by the students, staff, parents and community members was very valuable in our discussions.” Giannicchi is set to assume her duties as Ellicottville’s superintendent on Feb. 2, 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Special Education from St. Bonaventure University. She received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Canisius College in 2010.
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Weinman to succeed Whitcomb as Cattaraugus County Social Services commissioner
Page 4
December 25, 2025
Credit union in Little Valley to merge with High Point FCU
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers on Dec. 10 named Jessica L. Weinman the next commissioner of Social Services, effective Jan. 1. Weinman will succeed current commissioner Erin L. Whitcomb, who was named the next county attorney, also starting in the new year. Weinman will fill the commissioner’s unexpired term, which ends July 30, 2028. “I’m honored for the opportunity,” Weinman said before taking her oath from Judge Ronald D. Ploetz. “I’m very grateful for the chance to continue to serve the department and the community.” Weinman has worked in the Department of Social Services (DSS) for 15 years, rising through the ranks and taking on a variety of jobs on the way to director of Administrative & Fiscal Services. “She’s so prepared to take over the job of commissioner, we couldn’t make a better pick. There just isn’t one,” said legislator Robert Parker. “Quite frankly, we’re so lucky to have her.” Majority Leader Kelly Andreano said it will be an honor to work with Weinman in her new role, saying she’s put in her time at DSS, including as Administrative & Fiscal Services director. “Personally, as the chairman
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley Cattaraugus County Employees Federal Credit Union (CCEFCU), located at 100 Fair Oak St. in Little Valley, announced plans to merge with High Point Credit Union.
BY JIM ECKSTROM
Photo by Kellen M. Quigley Jessica Weinman (second from left) was sworn in Dec. 10 as the new commissioner of Cattaraugus County’s Department of Social Services, effective Jan. 1. From left, Weinman’s husband, Doug, holds the Bible while Legislature Chairman M. Andrew Burr looks on as Judge Ronald D. Ploetz administers the oath of office. of Human Services, I love that I can call on you without you knowing and you always have the answer,” Andreano said. “You have a great fiscal mind and a great rapport amongst the staff, so I know you’ll do amazing things.” Chairman M. Andrew Burr also commended Weinman on her history with the county and her reputation, adding that the legislature appreciates her public service, her efficiency in running the office and looking out for countless people throughout the county. “We’re very pleased that you’re willing to take on this very challenging assignment, and we look forward to your great record continuing on in a higher profile role,” he said. Meanwhile, Whitcomb
also took her oath as county attorney on Wednesday after her appointment was approved by the legislature in November. Whitcomb will fill the role being vacated by Ashley Smith, who will begin her first fouryear term as district attorney for Cattaraugus County on Jan. 1 after being elected in November. In her last meeting as county attorney, Smith was recognized by the legislature for her service. Vice Chair Ginger Schroder called the moment bittersweet, recalling the process of hiring Smith several years prior and noting the wide range of laws the county attorney has to learn to serve every department. “Ashley, never having been a county attorney, stepped into that role, and I think has been
the best county attorney that I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve worked with quite a few,” she said. Schroder said the legislature is looking forward to working with Whitcomb and is excited to see Smith in the district attorney role, noting that Smith has secured $300,000 in funding. “What’s really great is that it means the taxpayers have benefited already before she’s even taken office,” Schroder added. Smith thanked everyone for their support, saying she’s loved every minute of her time as county attorney, but felt another calling for a new role and is ready to take that on. “It has been one of the best experiences of my life,” she said. “I can’t thank everyone enough.”
A Cattaraugus County credit union will merge with High Point Federal Credit Union, further increasing the service area of High Point, the second-largest credit union in Western New York. Cattaraugus County Employees Federal Credit Union (CCEFCU), located at 100 Fair Oak St. in Little Valley, announced plans to merge with High Point on Dec. 16. The merger, which has been approved by CCEFCU membership and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, said Abbey Bowser, High Point marketing manager. She said an official merger date is set for Jan. 17. CCEFCU will open at its Little Valley location to members on Jan. 20 as High Point FCU. By joining High Point, CCEFCU members will gain access to expanded financial and enhanced digital services, more branch locations and “continued personalized support from the team they know and trust,” a press release stated. “This partnership allows us to continue our mission of serving members with care, while also giving them access to the broader resources and innovative tools of a larger institution,” said Laura Riley, CCEFCU board president “It’s a thoughtful and strategic
decision to secure our future and provide greater value to our members for years to come.” CCEFCU, chartered in 1968, lists its asset size on its website at more than $10 million. Its membership includes Cattaraugus County employees as well as employees of towns and villages in the county, numerous companies in the Little Valley area and members and affiliates of fire departments and ambulance services. Rich Yeager, president and CEO of High Point FCU, said: “We are honored to welcome CCEFCU members and staff into our credit union family. Our shared values and community focus make this a natural fit, and we look forward to delivering an expanded member experience while preserving the personalized service CCEFCU is known for.” Bowser said both credit unions have deep roots in their respective communities, with decades of trusted service. “The merger represents a proactive step to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness in an evolving financial landscape.” High Point has assets of more than $400 million, serving more than 22,000 members through three branch locations in New York — 1201 Wayne St. in Olean, 180 W. Main St. in Allegany and 160 S. Main St. in Portville. Its newest branch location opened this past spring at 1035 E. Main St. in Bradford, Pa.
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