Celebrate the holidays Saturday at Randolph’s Country Christmas
BY DEB EVERTS
RANDOLPH —
Join the community Saturday, Dec. 7 when they gather to celebrate the spirit of the season at Randolph’s Country Christmas for a full day of holiday activities downtown and at Randolph Central School.
The annual event kicks off with the popular Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, sponsored by the Randolph classes of 2027 and ’28. Promoted as one of the largest craft shows in the area, the free event will take place in both the high school and elementary school gymnasiums, cafeterias and even hallways from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With 109 vendors, the juried show will offer shoppers unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.
“We have a wide variety of amazing vendors from all over who have spent so much time getting ready to participate in shows.
They are hard workers and have beautiful items. There is something for everyone,” said organizer Sara Congdon. “I know people come from all over to attend our arts and crafts show,” she continued. “This highly successful event is always anticipated by many people in our community and all over the area. It’s a great day to showcase our school, students and our town.”
The Randolph Library, located at 26 Jamestown St., will host Cris Johnson’s “Christmas Magic” at 10 a.m. As part of the library’s efforts to encourage children to read more during the holiday season, the special Christmas-themed magic show is free and open to the community. Bring the kids to meet Santa and his elf at Raw Juice & More, 119 Main St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each child will receive a coloring book
File photo Randolph’s Country Christmas event is the place to be Dec. 7 when the community gathers together to celebrate the holiday season with an opportunity for kids to meet Santa, a magic show, parade and an arts and crafts show at the school campus. The elementary school gymnasium is shown packed full of vendors from a previous year.
from Santa. Enter the Gift Basket Raffle that will be drawn at 7 p.m., right before the parade. Countryside Wine & Spirits will offer wine tasting all day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Randolph’s Country Christmas event concludes at 7:30 p.m. with the annual “Light Up the Night” Christmas Parade. Presented by Expressions Performing Arts Center (EPAC) and Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), the parade will feature the jolly old elf himself, Santa. Parade units and floats will assemble at the town barn on Wadsworth Street
from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. The parade will proceed down Main Street and end at the municipal building. All area organizations and clubs, businesses, churches, sports and music groups, students and individuals are invited to participate free in the parade. Floats must be registered by submitting a form to EPAC from a link found on the group’s Facebook page.
New this year is the Cattaraugus County Bank’s People’s Choice Award. The winner in the parade will receive a $100 donation to a local non-profit organization or local youth organization of their choice from
the bank. Landpro Equipment has donated a $100 prize to be given to the winner of the bestdecorated tractor or farm equipment in the parade.
Other Randolph holiday events include the annual Downtown Business Window Decorating and House Decorating contests. For more information, rules and deadlines, visit the Enjoy Randolph Facebook page from where a registration form can be downloaded.
“For many of us, this weekend is full of nostalgia, and we want the same experiences we had for our children and grandchildren,” said RACDC Director Deb Miller. “The success of this event is not just the planning committee, but also the business owners, volunteers and attendees of the event. The Light Up the Night Parade is a prime example of how we all come together for the community. RACDC appreciates everyone that helps to make this event the success that it is.”
This year, the Memory Tree Lighting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. As the names of loved ones lost are read, Memory Ornaments will be placed on Randolph’s Christmas tree in Triangle Park where they will remain throughout the holiday season.
Randolph will also host Small Business Saturday. Miller said shoppers can pick up a Holiday Shopping Pass at seven businesses — Raw Juice & More, Randolph Retail, Things & Stuff Antiques, Countryside Wine & Spirits, Randolph Library, Jaggerz and Peaches & Cream.
“The pass is only good at the participating businesses, and it must be stamped by every business on the pass to be entered into the raffle drawing,” she said. “Passes must be turned in by 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 as the drawing is at 3 p.m. that day.”
Prizes include a $100 gift certificate to The Hide A Way Restaurant (two chances), a gift certificate to Raw Juice & More, a gift certificate to Randolph Retail, a gift basket from Countryside Wine & Spirits and a poinsettia from Peaches N Cream.
Another holiday event takes place Saturday, Dec. 14, when the East Randolph Methodist Church will feature its annual Living Nativity at 7 p.m. For one night only, members of the church will present a program to celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth with music and live animals, including a camel. The church is located at 122 Church St. in East Randolph.
How to organize a home’s interior
The dawn of a new year marks a convenient time to turn over a new leaf. Much attention is paid to individuals’ intentions to eat healthier and exercise more at the start of a new year, but those goals are not the only ways to embrace positive change come January.
A quick look around a home’s interior may lead some to conclude that their home environments could benefit from a little less clutter and some improved organization. A more organized home may be easier to navigate and can even have a positive impact on residents’ mental health. In fact, a 2021 study published in the journal Comprehensive Psychoneuroen-docrinology found that women who cared for infants in cluttered homes experienced higher levels of physical stress than those whose homes were more organized. That study suggests an organized home is a less stressful environment, which itself can pay numerous dividends, as the Mayo Clinic notes
chronic stress increases a person’s risk for various health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive issues, heart disease, and weight gain, among others.
With so much to gain from an organized home, individuals can consider these strategies to make interior spaces around the house less cluttered.
• Avoid procrastinating. A weekly, if not daily, routine that involves cleaning up spaces like the kitchen and living room can ensure a home is not overtaken by clutter before residents even realize it. Each day, go through the mail and discard papers like grocery store circulars and junk mail so they don’t pile up. Parents of school-aged children can organize papers kids return home with each day so all that homework and event announcements does not create clutter.
• Purchase an entryway shoe rack. It might seem simple, but an entryway shoe rack can set an organized tone in a home. Whether the primary entryway is through
the front door or a side door, a shoe rack just inside the door can ensure shoes are not strewn about and reduces the chances that floors are muddied.
• Consider furniture that doubles as storage. Many people utilize storage furniture so common spaces like living rooms are not overwhelmed by clutter. For example, a storage ottoman can hold blankets, pillows and other creature comforts so these rooms project a clutter-free vibe when not in use. Similarly, storage benches at the end of beds in each bedroom can help to establish a serene, clutterfree vibe, which can promote a better night’s sleep.
• Discard older items.
Clutter can pile up when storage areas like closets, dressers, nightstands, and home offices fill up with items people tend to accumulate over the years. For example, a linen closet can be overrun by bath towels that are rarely used, while nightstands can become junk drawers over the years. Periodically go through these areas and discard older items that are no longer used. These tasks won’t take long, but can free up ample space throughout the home.
These are just a handful of the many ways individuals can effectively organize their home interiors and reap all the rewards that such efforts produce.
POOR MAN’S REPAIR
Automotive problems are often best left to professionals. Though seasoned car enthusiasts may be capable of diagnosing and fixing car troubles without the assistance of a trusted mechanic, most drivers are better off letting the pros address issues under the hood.
But drivers can still play a vital role in vehicle maintenance. Learning to recognize warning signs of various problems that can affect cars can prevent breakdowns and potentially costly repairs. And in certain instances, such as when the brake system is not working properly, knowing how to spot problems before they escalate into something larger can make drivers and their passengers safer and potentially prevent accidents.
Television shows and movies have lent credence to the notion that brake problems are marked by the sudden cessation of a vehicle’s
ability to stop. Though that can happen, warning signs of fading brake systems tend to be more subtle.
• Noises: Much like a knocking sound typically indicates a problem with a vehicle’s airfuel ration mixture, certain noises also suggest there are problems with the brakes. The most noticeable such sign is a high-pitched squeal that occurs when drivers apply the brakes. But grinding sounds and noises like scratching and scraping also warrant a visit to a brake specialist.
• Increase in stopping distance: An increase in the distance a vehicle travels before it stops after the brakes are applied indicates that there’s an issue with the brakes. This issue may or may not require a brake replacement. In fact, it’s sometimes indicative that brake fluid levels are low, which can be remedied quickly and easily.
However, an increase in stopping distance is significant enough that it should be brought to the attention of a brake specialist immediately.
• Pulling upon stopping: Another warning sign of brake problems is when the vehicle noticeably pulls to one side as it comes to a stop. This indicates that one side of the brakes is malfunctioning while the other is working properly. Like other issues with brakes, this one requires immediate attention from an automotive professional.
Brake systems should be inspected during routine maintenance visits. But issues with brakes can arise even after such inspections, which underscores how important it is that drivers learn to recognize the warning signs of brake problems.
BY KELLEN QUIGLEY
RANDOLPH —
One of the best holiday traditions unique to the area, Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, is expected to put the community in the holiday season soon after Thanksgiving.
Taking place at 6 p.m. Friday at Ellicottville Brewing Company on Monroe Street, this fun event reflects the generosity and compassion of the tight-knit community as many turn out to support the cause.
Hosted by The Bob McCarthy Foundation, this free event serves to raise funds for the organization’s Christmas initiatives — Santa’s Workshop, Shop with a Cop and the Sheriffs’ Santa Program. Proceeds also provide funding for the foundation’s yearround family support services as we strive to level the playing field for those less fortunate in our community.
Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas celebrating 19th year in Ellicottville
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.
Event organizers say McCarthy always found a way to make the holidays magical — and this year should be no exception.
The fun starts at 6 o’clock with the Irishthemed and energetic live show from South Buffalo’s Crikwater. Their music conjures scenes of gritty smokey Irish pubs, whiskey, pints of stout and good craic. Enjoy the multi-part vocal harmonies, engaging fiddle tunes and intricate musicianship
Out & About
S eager Hill Archery & Sporting Supplies
5203 Myers Rd., Conewango Valley Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm CROSSBOW SUPPLIES
while browsing the Irish basket raffle, silent auction and live auction table. Grab great food as local restaurants are serving up some specialties for the “Taste of Ireland” where, for a small donation, attendees can enjoy fabulous food like The Silver Fox’s bangers and mash and Tom’s famous bread
pudding from Dina’s. Rumor has it that EBC brewmaster Dan Minner is brewing McCarthy’s Irish Red and a special brew to help the cause or a delicious wine from Sam and Beth Sheehy of the Winery of Ellicottville. Food and drink are only $5 each with all proceeds going to the cause.
To kick off the live auction hosted by
Brooks Lafeber at 7:30 p.m., the Winery of Ellicottville has donated champagne for a special champagne toast to McCarthy.
Asa will play his bagpipe, and the Irish dancers will perform.
year a custom stainless steel firepit donated by Barrett Price of Bear Metal Works is a highlight of the auction.
All auction items are accompanied by a homemade pie or baked item keeping with tradition — Pat Kurl’s skillet apple pie, Cupcaked’s cannoli cake and triple berry pie along with Tom Kneeland’s specialties get your mouth watering.
Organizers are excited to report the Irish basket raffle gets bigger and better this year, which means that most can participate with many lucky winners, taking home great gifts for a minimal donation. Silent and live auction items and the Irish basket raffle choices are being revealed weekly online at bobmccarthyfoundation. com.
The auction treasures include some of McCarthy’s woodworking originals with a special new find this year. Other special creations from Ed Frederickson and others, as well as a great Florida vacation donated by Sally and Mike Nickolson. Again, this
The McCarthy Foundation hopes Ellicottville’s unshakably generous community will open its heart again and donate through the website or the mail to McCarthy Foundation, PO Box 301, Ellicottville, NY 14731.
December Fun Facts About
December is arguably the most festive month of the year. The holiday season and all the gatherings with family and friends make the final month of the year a busy time. But a peek under the proverbial hood reveals that there’s more to December than the holiday season.
1. Armchair linguists might know that the Latin word “decem” means “ten,” which is a little curious given that December is the twelfth month of the year. So why isn’t December the tenth month of the year? Like other months on the modern calendar, including October and November, December once occupied a different place on the calendar, namely the Julian calendar that was used prior to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. Back then, December was the tenth month on the calendar. Though its position changed when the Gregorian calendar was adopted, its name remained the same.
2. It’s easy to overlook in a month populated by holidays like Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, but the winter solstice is a significant day on the calendar as well. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2023 winter solstice occurs on December 21 at 10:27 p.m. EST for the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice might not be sun worshippers’ favorite day of the year, as it’s the day with the least amount of sunlight all year long. However, one positive to keep in mind is that, once the winter solstice occurs, each day thereafter experiences a gradual increase in daylight. That should give anyone yet another reason to celebrate in December.
3. December has historically been a month of firsts, particularly for women and politicians. On December 1, 1919, Lady Nancy Astor became the first woman to serve in the British House of Commons. Exactly 69 years later, Benazir Bhutto was nominated for the role of prime minister of Pakistan. Bhutto ultimately became the first woman to be elected as head of a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country. Political firsts in December are not limited to events involving women. A year after Bhutto was nominated, Russia’s Mikhail Gorbachev became the first Soviet Russian leader to visit the Vatican and meet the Pope.
4. January might be the month people most associate with efforts to change their fortunes, but the birthstone of December also is considered a symbol of good fortune. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that one of the birthstones of December is turquoise, which some believe is symbolic of good fortune and success.
File photo Attendees of Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas from a previous year enjoy the festivities.
BY DEB EVERTS
Little Valley Holiday Cheer making the season brighter for children in need
LITTLE VALLEY
A small group of residents who call themselves Little Valley Holiday Cheer are set on making the season much brighter for local children in need.
Again this year, the group will be providing Christmas gifts for children of families who live in the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District.
Secretary Nell Fellows said the group purchased gifts for approximately 100 children of all ages in 2022, and last year they provided gifts for 47 families including about 110 children.
She said they are on par to do the same this season.
“We will provide sleepwear, socks, undergarments, at least one outfit and two to three toys per child. This is the minimum provided, but we are usually able to provide more,” she said.
“This year, we also aim to provide each family with a food box with items for a Christmas dinner.”
In addition, the group distributes “Blessing Bags” to senior citizens, those who do so much for others or people who just need a little pick-me-up. Fellows said the holiday bags include items such as small hams, jars of peanut butter and Amishhomemade jam, blankets,
socks and hats, personal care items and puzzle books. She said the bags will be personally delivered doorto-door in early December. Fellows said some families are “adopted” by other members of the community, and all are anonymous. She said members of the committee and volunteers shop for those families who are not adopted out.
Several local organizations, businesses and churches have joined the Holiday Cheer group to buy gifts for some of the families. Fellows said the Little Valley branch of Cattaraugus County Bank, the county clerk’s office and county courts as well as Rock City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram have adopted families. She said the churches include the First Congregational Church, Grace Bible Baptist, Wesleyan and Bridge of Hope, all in Little Valley, along with the Brooklyn Free Methodist Church of East Otto. Little Valley Holiday Cheer was founded in 1985 by a small group of dedicated Little Valley residents who saw there were local people in need during the holiday season. Today, the non-profit group includes committee members Ann Paschen Poole, President; Nell Fellows, Secretary; Kristina Charlesworth Golden,
cash donations from individuals, service clubs and businesses in the area.
To help the Holiday Cheer group with its mission, M&T Bank in Ellicottville is currently collecting toys for children newborn to age 10, diapers/pull-ups and gift cards for preteens and teens. Items may be dropped off during regular business hours until Nov. 30. The non-profit organization also provides aid — usually in the form of clothing and hygiene products — in emergencies such as a fire.
Treasurer; along with Karel Hamilton, Gretchen Taft, Rita Harper, Martha Memmott, Laura Cudney, Debbie Gordon, Linda Gordon and Teri Parker.
THE GROUP has been busy with several fundraising events this year, Fellows said. They held their firstever bake sale in midMarch at the Cattaraugus County Bank and the county building in Little Valley.
“About $600 was raised from this one event, and we look forward to doing it again next spring,” she said. In an effort to raise funds for their activities during the holiday season, the group held their biggest fundraiser of the year from early October until Nov. 5 — a chicken and biscuit dinner, along with a basket
raffle, at the Little Valley Fire Hall. Fellows said 180 dinners were sold for both dining onsite and takeout.
“This year, 95 baskets were generously donated for the raffle. Some were handmade gifts, some were goods or services and almost all had a theme,” she said.
Fellows said they are also assisted by generous
Qualifying people may apply for assistance for their children during the holiday season. The simple, straightforward application asks for gender, child’s age, likes and dislikes. This year’s deadline is Nov. 30 because adopting families need time to shop. However, anyone in need will not be turned away after this date. Applications were mailed to those who received assistance last season. Anyone interested in receiving an application may call Ann Poole at (716) 244-3170 or Karel Hamilton at (716) 581-3066. More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page — Little Valley Holiday Cheer — or email lvholidaycheer@gmail.com.
Photo provided The Little Valley Holiday Cheer group is providing Christmas gifts for children of families in need, who live in the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District. Shown are a few Holiday Cheer elves (from left) Ann Paschen-Poole, Martha Memmott, Gretchen Taft and Karel Hamilton.
