Cipolla appointed as new superintendent of Randolph Academy
BY DEB EVERTS
Little Valley Legion makes the holiday brighter for vets with Christmas cookies
LITTLE VALLEY
- To show their appreciation to local veterans, the Little Valley American Legion Post 531 Auxiliary sponsored the club’s first Christmas Cookies for Veterans project over the holidays.
Auxiliary members and community volunteers made enough Christmas cookies to fill 110 tins that were delivered to veterans living in the Little Valley, Cattaraugus, Salamanca, Great Valley and Ellicottville areas in mid-December.
Karel Hamilton, an auxiliary member and project coordinator, said each tin contained a dozen homebaked cookies of many varieties and a decorative card saying, “Thank you for your service and sacrifices for our country.
Merry Christmas.”
Hamilton initiated this year’s project by requesting Christmas cookie donations over social media, and she said the response was overwhelming. The Little Valley American Legion provided the drop-off location and rooms to process the
cookies. Auxiliary members Karen Taft and Debbie Gordon helped sort the cookies, package them and put them in the tins, Hamilton said. “I set two cookie drop-off dates, Dec. 11 and 15,” she said. “They were delivered for two days after each drop-off.”
Chauffeured by her husband, Jim, a U.S. Air Force veteran and chairman of the board for the Little Valley American Legion, Hamilton did the footwork.
“Jim drove and I doordashed,” she said with a laugh. “My husband loves to drive anyway, but thank goodness for the GPS in our car because we had no idea where some of the roads were where these veterans lived.”
Hamilton said they spent four days delivering the cookies, but it probably won’t take that long to deliver them next year.
THE LOCAL veterans’ names came mostly from the membership lists at the Little Valley American Legion Post 531 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8734, but some people
called Hamilton to make special requests.
“We’ll be better organized and have all the names and addresses to work with and not have to go looking for more. We had no idea we were going to end up with so many cookies,” she said.
“After the first dropoff date, I had used up all the names on the legion’s list. I knew I would probably get just as many cookies on the second drop-off date and would need more names, so I quickly contacted the VFW for their list.”
Hamilton credits Little Valley resident Andrea
Long-Pincoski for starting the project a few years ago on a smaller scale. She said Pincoski did the project for four years and delivered only to Little Valley veterans. The VFW sponsored Pincoski last year and gave her money to buy the tins.
“For the last two years, I baked cookies for Andrea’s project and delivered about 15 tins last year,” Hamilton recalled. “When I found out she wasn’t going to continue her project for Christmas 2024, I was inspired to give it a try with the legion auxiliary.”
According to Hamilton, the women of the auxiliary were on board — as were many people from the general
public who also donated Christmas cookies to the project. She had no idea what the response would be after requesting cookie donations from the public on social media, as well as the “Give and Share” site.
“The public response shocked me. Some people didn’t tell me they were bringing cookies,” she said.
“They just showed up with them.”
THE GOAL was to serve about 60 veterans, Hamilton said, but she was shocked when she realized there were 110.
“I didn’t expect it, but it was great. It was definitely worth the effort to see the big smiles of the people receiving the cookies,”
she said. “Who doesn’t smile when they get handed a tin of cookies? Several veteran recipients commented that they had never had cookies delivered to them before, so it was pretty rewarding.”
Hamilton said she took on the project because she likes doing this sort of thing and because it gives her a good feeling.
“A lot of veterans are forgotten. Some of them have families, but there are a lot that don’t have anyone,” she said.
“This is a way to show our appreciation for serving our country.
“I never anticipated how large it got,” she continued, “but it worked out. I haven’t been to a new meeting to present the idea, yet, but I’m expecting this will become an annual auxiliary project.”
Hamilton said the auxiliary thanks all those baking and donating cookies for the Christmas Cookies for Veterans project. She said the project will be better organized next year, now that they have a plan and a more complete list of how many veterans they should expect to serve. She’s hoping to get more volunteers to bake, package or deliver cookies.
If anyone knows of a veteran who isn’t connected with the Legion or VFW and would like to receive Christmas cookies in 2025, contact Hamilton at (716) 581-3066.
The Little Valley American Legion and its auxiliary are always looking for new members. For more information and to join, call (716) 938-6711.
Photo provided The Little Valley American Legion Post 531 Auxiliary sponsored its first “Christmas Cookies for Veterans” project this year. U.S. Navy veteran Keith Milks is shown holding a tin of Christmas cookies delivered to his home.
Guidelines for safe sledding
equipment is in good condition.
• Choose gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely come to a stop.
downhill adventures.
On snowy days, scores of children and their parents often take to neighborhood hills to test their sledding skills and feel the breeze blowing by. While sledding can be exciting, it also has the potential to be dangerous. People can follow these sledding safety tips to reduce the risk of sledding injury.
• Pick a safe sled that has brakes and can be steered. Make sure that all sledding
• Avoid hills with obstacles, such as rocks and trees.
• Sledding participants should always wear helmets.
• Always sled feet-first. Going down a hill head-first is a recipe for serious injury.
• Do not sled around ponds, streams or lakes that appear frozen. They may not be solid and drowning or hypothermia can occur if sledders enter the water.
• Dress warmly and wear thick
Driving is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. Estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency indicate the average small car weighs around 2,500 pounds and the average large car weighs about 4,200 pounds, while SUVs and trucks can weigh as much as 6,000 pounds. The weight of cars underscore just how dangerous the roads can be when fast-moving vehicles are being driven by drivers whose focus or physical abilities have been compromised.
Lack of focus and physical issues can affect drivers of all ages, but the National Institute on Aging notes that age-related changes can alter a person’s ability to drive. Older adults will not necessarily experience physical and cognitive issues that can affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. However, the NIA reports that certain variables that tend to affect older adults could compromise their ability to drive.
• Muscle/joint stiffness and weakness: Aging can cause muscle and joint stiffness and weaken muscles. Arthritis is
a common condition among older adults and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that swelling in the joints is one of the more common symptoms associated with the condition. Stiffness, weakness and swelling in the joints can make it harder for drivers to turn their heads, effectively steer their vehicles and brake safely.
• Diminishing eyesight: Strong eyesight is essential to safe driving. As drivers get older, changes in their eyesight can make it harder to see pedestrians, fellow motorists, animals on roadways, and any movements outside of their direct line of sight. In fact, the Optometrists Network reports that aging has been shown to cause a loss of peripheral vision by one to three degrees for every decade of life. The NIA urges drivers 60 and older to schedule a dilated eye exam every one to two years. Certain issues affecting drivers’ vision might be fixable, while others may result in avoiding driving at certain times of day, such as at night and when the sun is at its brightest, or giving up
gloves or mittens and heavy boots. This clothing can protect against frostbite and injury.
• Avoid hills that end near a street or parking lot.
• Everyone should go down the hill one at a time with only one person riding on the sled. The only exception is for adults with young children.
• Don’t ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle like a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
• Sled only during the day or in well-lit areas at night.
Sledding is an entertaining activity this time of year. All sledders should keep safety in mind before hitting the hills.
driving entirely.
• Diminishing hearing: Similar to diminishing eyesight, hearing loss, even if it’s complete hearing loss, can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. Drivers must be able to hear horns and sirens from other vehicles as well as any noises coming from their own cars that could indicate a problem with the vehicle.
• Medications: Data from the health policy research organization KFF indicates 89 percent of adults 65 and older are currently taking a prescription medicine. Medications often produce side effects that can compromise a driver’s ability to drive safely. Such effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness and diminished alertness. Aging drivers should discuss medication side effects with their physicians and what, if anything, they can do to counter the effects of a given prescription on their driving abilities.
A host of age-related variables can affect older motorists’ ability to drive safely. More information is available at nia.nih.gov.
Marshall announces run for Cattaraugus County DA
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
LITTLE
VALLEY Preston Marshall, an assistant public defender in Cattaraugus County, announced on Jan. 6 his intent to run for district attorney on the Republican line.
“Our community deserves a DA who embodies integrity, experience and a commitment to justice,” he stated in a press release. “I have the tools to lead the DA’s office in developing a strong relationship with both local law enforcement and crime victims.”
The district attorney position will be on the ballot in November’s general election. Lori P. Rieman, who has
served as district attorney since 2010, has not publicly announced whether she intends to run for reelection. A call made
LITTLE VALLEY
Cattaraugus County landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district must submit a “Landowner Request for Inclusion” form to the county Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism by Jan. 31. Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b was enacted in 2003 to provide for the designation of an annual 30day period during which landowners may submit requests for the inclusion of
predominately viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district.
Cattaraugus County designated Jan. 2–31 as the period.
To request a paper form, contact Connor Maxwell, the county’s environmental planner, at (716) 938-2387 or csmaxwell@cattco.org. Forms and information are available at cattco. gov/ag-land-inclusion.
A public hearing will be scheduled at a later date to consider all inclusion requests and the related recommendations of the county Agricultural
to Rieman’s office seeking comment was not returned.
For his part, Marshall, a former Democrat, told the
Press he’d heard both possibilities. Mark Heberling, Republican Committee chairman in Cattaraugus County, said he has not heard whether Riemen intends to run again or not.
Prior to his legal career, Marshall, of Randolph, served in the U.S. Navy on three nuclear submarines and achieved the enlisted rank of chief petty officer before retiring. Since then, Marshall has spent two decades in public service to Cattaraugus County.
In his nearly 15 years as an assistant district attorney, Marshall handled felony and misdemeanor cases, including jury trials, hearings and leading
the grand jury. He’s also tried numerous criminal trials as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.
Marshall expressed his commitment to the mission of community safety through crime prevention solutions and the aggressive prosecution of repeat and violent offenders.
“I believe in transparent decisionmaking and building trust between our legal system and the community,” he added.
Marshall is a member of the Cattaraugus County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association, the
and Farmland Protection Board. The Agricultural Districts Law was created in 1971 to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production.
The program is based on a combination of landowner incentives and protections, all of which are designed to forestall the conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. Maxwell indicates
the benefits include protections against overly restrictive local laws, governmentfunded acquisition or construction projects, and private nuisance suits involving agricultural practices.
American Legion Post 181 and the U.S. Submarine VeteransBuffalo Base. Marshall lives in Randolph with his wife, Bridget, and their four children. Rieman was elected to a fourth four-year term in November 2021. She was first elected in 2009, defeating incumbent Democrat Edward Sharkey and becoming the first woman to serve as district attorney in Cattaraugus County’s history. A graduate of the University of Tennessee’s law school, she had previously worked as assistant district attorney for eight years under Sharkey.
Agricultural operations within the district are the priority land use, and benefits and protections are afforded to promote the continuation of farms and the preservation of agricultural land. This should not be confused with the agricultural assessment program, which allows eligible farmland to be taxed at its agricultural assessment. Landowners should see their local assessor to find out more information on agricultural assessment for their parcels.
Photo provided Preston Marshall, an assistant public defender in Cattaraugus County, announced his intent to run for district attorney in 2025.
Cipolla appointed as new superintendent of Randolph Academy
RANDOLPH
The Randolph Academy, Union Free School District Board of Education announces the appointment of Michael F. Cipolla as its new Superintendent of Schools.
Cipolla, who brings over 20 years of experience in education to Randolph Academy, will officially assume his new role on Feb. 1.
“The members of the Board of Education and I are looking forward to having Mike on our team as we move forward in our endeavors to provide the best possible environment for our students and staff here at Randolph Academy,” said Mary Myers, board president.
Since January 2020, Cipolla has served as Superintendent of Schools for the Westfield Academy and Central School District, where he
oversaw the education of more than 600 students in grades K-12 across three buildings.
Prior to his current role, Cipolla held leadership positions that have enriched his expertise in fostering student achievement and school development. These include serving as Director of Instruction and Operations at Randolph Central School for two-and-a-half years and as High School Principal at Southwestern Central School District for nine years.
“I am honored to be joining Randolph Academy as the next superintendent,” Cipolla said, expressing his enthusiasm for the role.
“I am both excited and humbled to be working alongside such a talented team of educators who demonstrate the
highest commitment to their students each and every day.”
Cipolla’s extensive educational background includes multiple degrees and certifications from St. Bonaventure University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Science and master’s degrees in School Counseling Education and Educational Leadership. Additionally, he possesses
certifications in School District Leadership, School Administration and Supervision, and an Advanced Certificate in Specialization in Community Counseling for School Counseling.
“The opportunity to join Randolph Academy
is very special to me,” Cipolla added. “I believe that every child deserves the support needed to guide their success and development. This is such a special opportunity.”
The Board of Education and the Randolph Academy community expressed confidence that Cipolla’s leadership will further the district’s mission of enhancing student achievement through developing caring relationships and providing meaningful opportunities for students to succeed.
Larry Ljungberg, retired Hinsdale superintendent of schools, had been serving as the district’s interim superintendent since July 1, 2024. Prior superintendent Danielle Cook departed Randolph Academy in June 2024 after accepting an offer to become superintendent of the Frewsburg Central School District.
Even with the best intentions and services of qualified contractors and crews, timelines for home renovation projects can be prolonged due to various circumstances. Each project is unique and contractors cannot predict the circumstances they will encounter once work is started. Various factors can affect the overall timeline of a project.
• Weather can impact the ability to pour foundations, do housing framing, install Belgium block pavers, or tend to roofing projects.
What delays project timelines?
• The temperature outdoors and inside can affect paint drying times or how long it takes asphalt to cure.
• Getting a permit for work isn’t always cut and dry. There may be delays at the permit office that can affect the remodeling process. Also, inspectors have to check that work is being done correctly, and contractors can be at the mercy of inspectors’ schedules.
• Mold, water damage, insect infestation, and other issues
may only become apparent once demolition begins. These issues often cannot be ignored and must be addressed before work on the actual remodel can continue.
• Changes in design after an initial plan has been established can throw off the timeline, as it may require ordering
new supplies or getting new architectural drawings.
• Supply chain issues became commonplace during the global pandemic, and building materials still may be affected. A project can be delayed by certain materials being backordered or no longer available.
• Some homeowners have to interview and hire new contractors if theirs fails to deliver on promises or is a noshow altogether.
• Homeowners whose loans or other funding fall through may have to delay further work until they are able to pay for the work at hand.
These are a few situations that can waylay a home renovation project. Individuals need to remain patient whenever they begin a remodeling project.
Photo courtesy Randolph Academy
Michael F. Cipolla (center) has been named the new Superintendent of Schools at Randolph Academy. He’s joined by his wife, Elizabeth (left), and Board of Education president Mary Myers.
