Hello Southern Tier
Archives
Local Hero Honored, New Dog Park Opens, and Colt 45 Strong Scholarships Awarded - See It All Here!
Local Hero Honored, New Dog Park Opens, and Colt 45 Strong Scholarships Awarded - See It All Here!
Local Hero Honored, New Dog Park Opens, and Colt 45 Strong Scholarships Awarded - See It All Here!
Don't miss out on this week's exciting stories including a retired Army Brigadier honored in Cuba, a new dog park in Salamanca, and Colt 45 Strong Scholarships awarded to students in healthcare! Discover more in our latest newsletter.
Hello Southern Tier
Aug 27, 2025
VIDEO OF THE WEEK |
Trivia Question❓What city in Southern Tier, NY is known as the "Carousel Capital of the World" due to its collection of historic carousels? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
LOCAL NEWS |
 |
Senator George Borrello joined retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin Jr., along with his family, friends, fellow veterans, and local leaders in Cuba, to honor him as the 57th Senate District’s 2025 inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
The program celebrated a life of service that began nearly five decades ago and has continued well beyond General Austin’s military retirement. The ceremony concluded with a luncheon highlighting cuisines from the regions where he served -- including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Louisiana, Japan, and the Middle East -- a nod to his diverse deployments and the cultures he experienced in uniform.
“Arthur Austin has worn our nation’s uniform with distinction and, in retirement, has continued to wear the mantle of service with the same pride and purpose,” Senator Borrello said. “From commanding troops in wartime to mentoring veterans here at home, his life’s work reflects an unwavering devotion to others. Today is about saying ‘thank you’ for his courage, his leadership, and the example he sets for all of us.” |
 |
Exciting news for all the furry friends and their humans!
Finn’s Dog Park celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Aug. 22. Thanks to a successful collaboration between the City of Salamanca and the Seneca Nation, the new park located on Sycamore Avenue is ready for visitors.
Officials and community members joined for day of fun, community spirit, and tail-wagging excitement as residents celebrated this fantastic addition to the Seneca Nation territory. |
LOCAL HEROES! |
 |
The Colt 45 Strong Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior each from Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville pursuing careers in the medical field to help bring hope and healing to patients like Colt.
Since the scholarships were started in 2024, Colt 45 Strong has awarded nine total. This year, recipients are Aaron Samuel of Olean, Ipshita Patra of Allegany-Limestone and Brielle Fidurko of Portville.
For more info on Colt 45 Strong, the scholarships, and how you can support the mission, go to Colt45Strong.org. |
 |
Located in the heart of Olean, Beat City Music is an independent music store proudly owned and operated by local musicians. Their team brings true passion to everything they do, helping you pick up your first instrument or fine-tuning your sound. Dedicated to musicians of all skill levels, they love helping the community discover and share the joy of music.
📍 Address: 217 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760 |
LOCAL SPORTS |
 |
The Olean football team ended the 2023 season at 2-6 but made a strong comeback in 2024 with a 6-3 record, qualifying for the postseason. Head coach Phil Vecchio praised the team's resilience and leadership. Quarterback Joe Mest, Domonick Hirliman, and Austin Miles are key players returning this season. Vecchio emphasized the importance of teamwork and praised the dedication of linemen Finn Caya, Calvin Williams, and Michael Ellman. The team is optimistic but acknowledges the need for improvement in certain positions. Excitement is high for the upcoming season, focusing on taking it one game at a time. The team faces a tough opener against Salamanca. |
JOKE OF THE WEEK! |
Why did the customer bring a ladder to Walmart? Because they heard the prices were through the roof! |
THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS |
CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS!
August 29 Stuff Your Truck Beer Sale in Little Valley Family Friday Food Truck Series at the Olean YMCA Lonestar & Montgomery Gentry at Seneca Allegany Casino Porcelain Bus Drivers band in Salamanca Music at the Triangle in Randolph
August 30 MH3 trio at Randy's Fireside JCC 75th Anniversary Fair at Jamestown Campus Carpie's End of Summer Bash at Cuba Lake Native Plant Day at Pfeiffer Nature Center Henry's Summer Kitchen band in Ellicottville Grateful Dead Tribute in Salamanca Tri-County Art Show in Ellicottville Sunflowers and Sunsets at Songin Farm One Act Festival at St. Bonaventure Garrett Theatre Farm Fest 2025 in Andover Labor Day Celebration in Rushford
August 31 Sunday BBQ in Salamanca Chillbillys band at Ellicottville Distillery UBR band at Zoar Valley Tavern Silent Film Series at Gowanda Hollywood Theater
|
RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK |
 |
Grand Slam Grill in Olean
This week’s Restaurant of the Week is Grand Slam Grill in Olean, NY, a local favorite that combines the charm of a family-friendly diner with the excitement of a sports bar. Since opening in 2017, Grand Slam has built a reputation for hearty American classics served with a welcoming smile. Guests rave about the juicy burgers, perfectly cooked steaks, and house specialties like homemade chicken parmesan, pasta and meatballs, and Sparky’s famous Buffalo wings. The menu also features fresh seafood, wraps, and crisp salads topped with their signature house-made dressings. With attentive service, fair prices, and consistently delicious food, Grand Slam Grill delives a dining experience that’s nothing short of a home run.
📍 3132 NYS Route 417, Olean, NY 14760 |
SPCA PET OF THE WEEK |
 |
Meet Onyx Jr.!
Onyx Jr. is a sweet 1.5-year-old tuxedo cat looking for his forever home. Friendly, affectionate, and playful, he gets along wonderfully with kids, dogs, and other cats. Originally adopted after arriving at the shelter in June 2022, Onyx Jr. was later returned through no fault of his own and is now hoping for a second chance. He is neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, and negative for FIV/FELV. Onyx Jr. does have special dietary needs and takes daily medication, but that doesn’t slow him down from being a gentle, loving companion.
|
HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK |
 |
Hillside Retreat Near Ellicottville
Discover this stunning three-story hillside retreat with panoramic views of Cattaraugus County. Just four miles from Ellicottville, this home features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile first-floor family room that can double as an office or bunk room. The main level boasts a spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and a double-sided fireplace, flowing into a formal dining room and a modern kitchen with access to both the back patio and front deck. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a walk-in closet, soaking tub, and full bath, alongside a loft and second bedroom. Outdoor highlights include a stamped-concrete patio and fire pit, ideal for entertaining or relaxing year-round. Combining modern convenience with serene hillside living, this property is the perfect balance of comfort and location.
|
IMPACTFUL IMAGE OF THE WEEK |
 |
FOUND ON AMAZON |
 |
'Bitch, Please. I'm from Olean' Notebook
Add some humor and hometown pride to your writing with the “Bitch, Please. I’m From Olean” lined journal. This 6x9 softcover notebook includes 110 pages of lined paper — perfect for jotting down notes, to-do lists, or daily reflections. With its playful cover design and practical size, it’s a fun and functional gift that’s sure to stand out.
|
QUOTE OF THE WEEK |
"Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth." 😁 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Binghamton |