Year In Review

It’s a wrap! Peace out 2024! It was nice knowing you! Although… before we dive deep into 2025, let us reflect on the moments of growth and connection that have defined our small community over the past year. In a world where headlines often focus on challenges, it’s important to pause and appreciate the positive changes and accomplishments that have brought us closer together. Here’s a recap of the highlights that have made 2024 a year to remember in our neck of the woods.

A COMMUNITY BOND

One of the most uplifting aspects of the year has been the continued effort to bring people together through events and gatherings. From outdoor festivals to public art projects to grassroots fundraisers, these occasions have been more than just social events - they’ve served as reminders of the importance of banding together as a community for the betterment of all. Whether it’s organizing a charitable event, learning about one another in a unique setting, or simply sharing a special meal, this is what strengthens the fabric of any small town.

After a year of planning, the Bob McCarthy Foundation established a seniors help program in Ellicottville - things like medical equipment needs, internet access, transportation service, and support for hearing and sight impaired. Partnering with Interfaith Caregivers Inc. and with support from Ellicottville Mayor John Burrell and the Village Board, the Ellicottville Medical Loan Center officially opened in March in what was previously a vacant room in the DPW building on Mill Street. Now senior citizens in need of various services and medical equipment - such as wheelchairs, walkers, diabetic socks, crutches, cleaning/wound care supplies, even a home hospital bed - can access these items locally free of charge. The center also offers financial support for those who need glasses, eye exams, and hearing aids. And it can provide telephone reassurance and advocacy referrals for lonely and/or homebound residents in the community not otherwise served. Learn more about the program including eligibility at bobmccarthyfoundation.com or call 585-376-4488.

It’s been inspiring to see the rise of grassroots initiatives aimed at improving life in our community. One such initiative, the Ellicottville Playground Project, has built up great momentum over this last year. Its committee is comprised of local moms and dads who have made it their mission to raise the necessary funds needed to replace the current playground at the Ellicottville Village Park with a brand new inclusive playground. From a community indoor garage sale in March to a Pinewood Derby in August, a Japanese-inspired golf tournament in September to a pumpkin carving auction in October, the creativity in raising funds for such a special initiative is nothing short of heartwarming. With a price tag of $500,000 and with the support of local businesses and residents, the project aims to reach its fundraising goal in 2025, with construction in 2026. Search “Ellicottville Playground” on Facebook.

Laura Flanagan, librarian of 17 years at our beautiful Ellicottville Memorial Library, received a call one day from the Springville Library, asking her to pick up some books. As she drove around the back of the Springville Library to park, she spotted beautiful paintings on the library fence. She took photos and came back to the Ellicottville Library Board, pitching the idea to do something similar here on our library campus. Enter local artists Barbara Fox and Cathy Lacy, who put their heads together and came up with a vision fit for a library - a showcase of book spines on the fence around the recycling bin outside. With assistance from the Elisa B. Hughey Foundation for the Arts to cover the cost of materials, these artists (along with a few local teen recruits), stepped up to the plate, ready to paint. The end result: A beautiful representation of the fun and powerful stories within the walls of our library. See it for yourself at 6499 Maples Road.

NOTABLE EVENTS

In January, HoliMont welcomed Steve Beattie, a certified Wim Hof Method instructor who led the charge for those ready to embark on a transformative journey in what he calls the “Breath and Ice Challenge." The one-day event guided participants in using breath and cold exposure disciplines to hike to the top of Exhibition slope and then plunge into the icy cold Saddle Pond. The workshop brought like-minded individuals together to discover not only their willpower and determination in remaining calm and relaxed, but also to connect, and learn about the many physical and mental health benefits. The workshop was so well received that Beattie returned to HoliMont in March for another round, bringing even more people together.

The Great North American Eclipse… Was there anything else in 2024 that brought more people together in awe in a single moment? The path of totality stretched from Mexico to Texas to Maine and into Canada, and here in our corner of Western New York, we had the opportunity of a lifetime to witness it. Individuals and businesses across the nation organized viewing parties. Health departments in every county campaigned to provide the public with education and ensure our safety. And on April 8th at approximately 3:20pm, with our special eclipse glasses on, we experienced daylight change to darkness in a matter of minutes. The view: pure astonishment. The feeling: surreal, dream-like. It was the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States… until 2044.

Long known as the epicenter of early American knife manufacturing, “The Village of Knives” celebration made its debut at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in July. The knife show welcomed local, regional, and international vendors to display, educate, appraise, and sell knives of interest to dealers and collectors who traveled from all over the nation. Ellicottville Mayor John Burrell, whose family is deeply rooted in the knife-making industry (Burrell Cutlery, Case Knives), was truly a catalyst in bringing such a historical event to our area, 150 years in the making.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Our local go-to snowboard shop has carved a serious milestone for themselves. The Boardroom celebrated their 40th anniversary this fall - no small feat for any small business. Since opening its doors in 1984, this second-generation business continues to deliver premium product lines, top notch customer service, and the ultimate drive to give you a good time while standing sideways on the slopes. Embracing the unexpected over the years and adjusting to the current trends in shopping, The Boardroom proves its place and passion as a premier east coast snowboard shop. The Timkey family have welcomed some big changes, like the launch of their online shopping experience, giving you a real-time catalog to explore their current inventory. They’ve also released their very own 40th anniversary zine, and this year’s winter lineup includes The Boardroom FW25 Collection, highlighting branded apparel partnered with premium brands.

In 1974, as Americans watched Nixon’s resignation unfold and grooved to Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets,” a father and son were transforming an 1875 fur barn in Ellicottville into what would become a beloved dining institution: The Silver Fox. Current owner Michael Nickolson recalled, “When we opened, sirloin steak was 89 cents a pound!” While some things have definitely changed since then, others have not, and it’s this timelessness that has made The Silver Fox a mainstay in the Ellicottville community for so many years… 50 years, to be exact. The Silver Fox has maintained its reputation as Ellicottville’s only steakhouse, a vision that goes back many years, when Nickolson and his father transformed the barn at 23 Hughey Alley, which was originally purchased to house equipment for his father’s construction business, Nickolson Concrete. Gerry Nickolson, who passed away in 2001, was “a pretty straight shooter,” in his son’s words, and his high standards and personal involvement in the business are a legacy that Michael continues today.

HoliMont celebrated a landmark anniversary in March. The club marked their 60th Anniversary with an amazing party to celebrate its rich history and over 60 years of incredible support from their members. With a masquerade-theme (to coincide with Ellicottville’s Mardi Gras Weekend), members donned their finest clothes, festive beads and masks inside the HoliMont Lodge, where they shared memories, delighted in fine food, and had all the fun. HoliMont’s Sales Manager, Bill Rosenberry told ellicottvilleNOW, “The most memorable part of the event was simply the way nearly 600 folks ranging in age from 87 to 2-years-old came together and enjoyed dinner, camaraderie, and an evening of entertainment as one. This accomplishment of reaching the milestone of 60 years gives us an incredible feeling of pride. Some members would say that HoliMont has always been a family-focused social club with the benefit of skiing. Generations of members have raised their families here, and friendships that last a lifetime are common. We are looking forward to keeping this tradition alive and well as we move toward the next chapter of our bright future.”

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

This year, our community has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting local businesses. In a world that is increasingly dominated by larger corporations, it’s refreshing to see the collective effort to shop local, eat local, and promote small business. From the new bakery that quickly became a neighborhood favorite to the long-established health store that continues to thrive, the community’s support has been invaluable. Small businesses are the heart of our town, and we’ve shown that we understand the importance of sustaining them for years to come. Ellicottville has welcomed many fresh storefronts in 2024. Here’s a quick rundown of just a few of them:

Located at 5 E. Washington Street, Ellicottville Bake Shop promised to be a haven of delicious breads, sweet treats, and comforting classics. And boy did they deliver! The bakery sports a sleek, modern counter design, large windows and electronic menu boards. Simple tables and a comfortable seating area with a lovely little fireplace really bring home the European cafe vibe. It practically begs guests to grab a bite and sit down to chat with friends over a steaming cup of coffee. Offering fresh baked breads every day, the bake shop team takes pride in churning out items like their signature sourdough, Italian, farmhouse white, caraway rye, baguettes, English muffins, bialys and so much more. Then there’s the pastry case. Think Danish, muffins, scones, brownies, cinnamon rolls and sticky buns, cookies of all kinds like snickerdoodle, chocolate chip and more. They’re also making some of the tastiest croissants you can imagine, their famous pain au chocolat, and even butter tarts, with our Canadian visitors in mind.

In September, Dina DiPasquale and Kim Reading handed over the keys of The Tee Bar to Kay, Noelle, and Olivia Anzivine as the new owners. Located at 8 Washington Street, the Tee Bar was known for its delicious ice cream treats and logo wear, and the new owners, excited to add their own twist on these offerings as well as some new products, went into high gear to transform the space under a new name: Anzivino’s. In addition to a new interior, customers can also enjoy some pretty creative menu items. Yes, you can still treat yourself to one of the many flavors of ice cream, but the girls have added some seasonal items, such as cider slushies in fall, peppermint hot chocolate during the holiday season, and a coffee menu to boot. Plus, Bills fans will love all the Buffalo Bills apparel in stock. Go Bills!

Speaking of the Bills, few things are more exciting for local football fans than the final weeks of the NFL’s regular season, and adding to that excitement is a new place to enjoy the games. Just a few weeks ago, Brenda Smith and Audrey Snow opened the doors to Mill Street Sports Pub, located in the former Finnerty’s Tap Room at 1 Mill Street in Ellicottville. Bill Finnerty is pleased to see the pair open their own business in his former tap room, which he ran successfully for several years, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mill Street Sports Pub boasts 22 taps, a full liquor bar, beer, and cider. Patrons can look forward to delicious “pub grub” including home-cooked meals such as chicken and biscuits, shepherd’s pie, fish fry, chicken wings, burgers, and more. You can also expect to see Finnerty’s famous Reuben meatballs back on the menu, along with corned beef. And to top it all off, Bill Finnerty himself is returning to where it all started! Catch him behind the bar on Fridays, Sundays for all Bills games, and special occasions throughout the ski season!

Joining the above businesses making their debut in 2024: Good Vibez CBD & Wellness, Green Room Sports Lounge, Big Foot Park Golf, Lincoln Boutique Motel, and Pour Taproom. Now you can understand why a trip to Ellicottville requires more than just one day! There are so many new places to discover!

BIG SHOES TO FILL

In every small community, there are individuals whose presence and contributions become so deeply woven into the fabric of daily life that their eventual retirement leaves a void that’s hard to fill. These are the people who have spent years, if not decades, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with one another. Whether it’s the local teacher who inspired generations, the tireless volunteer who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, or the postman who knew everyone by name, their departure signals more than just a career change - it marks the end of an era. As these beloved figures step away from their long-held roles, it’s not just their expertise we’ll miss, but the sense of stability and familiarity they brought to our community. Lucky for Ellicottville, there’s always a great replacement waiting in the wings.

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Old timers may very well remember young Tim Woodin, the local high school kid who mowed everyone’s lawns. After graduation, he launched a 15-year career as the produce department manager at the old Quality Market. As fate would have it, he had a conversation with then Ellicottville postmaster, Ann Vogtli, who suggested he apply for a position at the postal service. An ambitious and industrious young man, Tim was hired with a promise of only ten hours. Vogtli encouraged this young lad to accept, knowing he would eventually be given more. And so, his new career with the USPS began twenty-nine years ago, first in Delevan and then, one year later, in Ellicottville. In February of 2024, Tim Woodin hung up his postman’s cap, and we can only assume he is enjoying a nice cold beer on a warm beach somewhere… (or sitting at the bar locally at the Gin Mill).

If we have a problem with our tax bill, a broken sidewalk, garbage in the street, or wish to see the head honcho in an organization, we generally present ourselves and our dilemma to the village/town clerk. We usually walk out with our problem solved, a clearer pathway towards a solution, or the appointment we seek to speak to someone in charge of rectifying the situation that is our concern. Regardless of the nature of the need, it is very often one person at the counter who must have all the answers or possible solutions. Rather than going to Google for information, the people in the Village of Ellicottville automatically go to Mary Klahn, our Village Clerk/Treasurer. “Mary will know the answer.” “Mary can solve this.” “Mary will get me in to see the Mayor.” “Talk to Mary, she’ll figure this out.” After 18 years serving as the steadying rudder for the ship called the Village of Ellicottville, Mary Klahn retired in March. A ‘Jane of all Trades’ and a self-starter, Mary handled her position with great attention to detail, but these days, she shares her love with her family and admiration for her grandchildren.

If you’ve been in the area for a bit or have any connection to Ellicottville Central School, then you have probably had some contact with the longtime Secretary to the Superintendent. Some know her as Melissa, others know her as Mrs. Sawicki. She’s been working at the school long enough to welcome kids of adults who were students when she started. On December 26, 2024 Melissa Sawicki officially retired… after 30 years and 4 months. In an interview last month, she expressed that she has truly enjoyed coming to work every day, and that working with amazing people made it easy. “Another really cool thing,” she told us, “is when I see parents drop their kids off at school or see them at events, I remember when they were in school. I’ve seen two generations of families come though the school. It’s been wonderful!”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Pizza… The quintessential food beloved the world over for its chewy crust, bubbling hot cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and flavorful toppings. However you toss it, it’s a staple for most people we know. It’s also a huge topic of contention. Who has the best pizza around? That’s a loaded question, but The New 96.1 Radio Station out of Buffalo, NY wasn’t afraid to share their picks in their Ultimate Pizza Trail Guide. Released in May of 2024, one pizza place in every single county of New York State took the cake (or should we say, pie?), based on reviews and popularity. Ellicottville’s own Monroe Street Brick and Brew laid claim to the Cattaraugus County spot. With their wood-fired wonders and extremely friendly service, they were a perfect pick. With traditional options like Cheese and Pepperoni and ever popular Buffalo Chicken or Garlic White, to build your own pie with an array of premium toppings, MSBB (as they are known locally) has something everyone in the family can enjoy. They even have a gluten free crust option. Owner Frank Maduri was extremely happy to hear that his team and himself were recognized, especially since it came as a total surprise. “This wasn’t something we had been preparing for. We didn’t even know it was happening. We were just doing business as usual - slinging pies, pouring brews, and making our customers happy as we always do.”

Also in May, USA Today listed the Village of Ellicottville as one of the Top 10 Main Streets in the United States. As quoted in the article, “Washington Street is the picturesque main street in the charming village of Ellicottville in western New York. Known for its historic architecture, the street is lined with boutique shops and restaurants, and it also serves as the focal point for festivals. The street’s quaint atmosphere and proximity to Holiday Valley Ski Resort make it a central hub for both locals and visitors.” The chatter the article has brought to the area is certainly one to be celebrated and was recognized by our local Chamber of Commerce and Village Board of Trustees. The news of Ellicottville’s Main Street success was also highlighted at the NYCOM Conference (New York Conference of Mayors), which focused around community and how to support and maintain local business.

Before the start of every ski season, SKI Magazine releases their Reader Survey Awards, ranking ski resorts in the East in a multitude of categories. In November, Holiday Valley was thrilled to announce its ranking as the #11 resort in the East for 2025. As one of only two New York resorts to make the top 20 list, and the only resort in Western New York to earn such honors, Holiday Valley’s achievements reinforce its reputation as a beloved destination for skiers, snowboarders, and families seeking an unforgettable winter experience. Notably, Holiday Valley took the #1 spot in the “Top Resorts for Quick Trips” category, a testament to the resort’s convenience, accessibility, and comprehensive amenities. Additionally, Holiday Valley ranked #2 out of all Eastern resorts for “Likelihood to Return,” solidifying its reputation for guest satisfaction and overall experience

As we close out 2024, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride for all that we’ve accomplished together. Our small community continues to grow and evolve, but at its core, it remains grounded in values of kindness, support, and unity. Moving into 2025, there’s a sense of excitement and we’re sure that the best is yet to come. Here’s to all the positive things that happened in 2024, and to the bright, promising future that lies ahead for our small but mighty Ellicottville!

Year in Review

2025 Main Events