December 18, 2025 - Edition No. 22

Hello, Southern Tier!

Not sure what to do this weekend? We have you covered with the latest holiday happenings, day-trip opportunities, events, news and much more below.  👇

In what year was the ice rink at Olean's William O. Smith Rec Center built?

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

🎅 Santa on the Rooftop Comes to Olean Saturday

Santa is making one final stop in Olean before Christmas!

Stop by 660 Main St. on Saturday, December 20, starting at 6:30 p.m., for a festive rooftop visit featuring an interactive show where Santa greets children and shares some North Pole wisdom.

He’ll be joined by Buddy the Elf and even The Grinch — plus he’s bringing his famous list for a last check before the big day. Families are welcome, and hot cocoa will be served to keep everyone warm.

⛸️ 12 Days of Holiday Skating Begins Saturday

The City of Olean Youth Bureau & Recreation Department is spreading holiday cheer with the return of its 12 Days of Holiday Skating at the William O. Smith Recreation Center.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organizations, families can enjoy free admission for public skating from Dec. 20-31. Cost to rent skates is $4.

See the full skating schedule!

You can support the Hello Southern Tier newsletter plus add new local merch to your wardrobe. Please browse our growing selection of local clothing at our standalone store or on Etsy. Thank you!

NEWS BITS

🦅 Ellicottville Central has new school superintendent: The Ellicottville Board of Education 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.

🧑‍⚖️ Allegany County adopts animal abuser registry: Allegany County lawmakers unanimously adopted a local law establishing a county Animal Abuser Registry, which will identify individuals who have been convicted of animal abuse offenses. The Board of Legislators noted that those who abuse animals are more likely to commit violent acts against people.

👮 High School principal placed on administrative leave: An Olean City Schools administrator was arrested on charges stemming from an incident with a student at school recently. High School principal Jeffrey Andreano was issued appearance tickets by Olean Police for endangering the welfare of a minor, a class A misdemeanor, and harassment, a violation. 

🏥 Jones Memorial Noted as Top Hospital for 2026: The inaugural “Forbes Top Hospital 2026” list of 2026 was recently released, and Wellsville's Jones Memorial made the cut. Jones joins only 151 small hospitals nationwide that qualified for Forbes analysis by earning a CMS 4-star rating out of 754 hospitals that were evaluated.

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS

CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!

Friday, December 19

• Fish Fry with Santa at Friendship American Legion, 4 p.m.
• Carols, Crafts & Open Mic Dinner at Valley Bread and Bounty, 4 p.m.
• Parents Night Out at ABC: A Beautiful Child, 5:30 p.m.
• Basketball Winter Showcase at Salamanca High School, 6 p.m.
• Natural Remedies Workshop and Dinner at Lucky Day Homestead, 6 p.m.
• White Elephant Party at Little Valley Wesleyan Church, 6 p.m.
• Holiday Party w/ Fred Mascherino at Four Mile Brewing, 6:30 p.m.
• Christmas Party 2025 at Mount Zion in Olean, 6:30 p.m.
• Christmas Sleigh Paint Party at Eleve Studio, 6:30 p.m.
• Dirt Turtles at Tap-N-Pour, 7 p.m.
• Ugly Sweater Party at Genesee Pizzeria, 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 20

• Breakfast with Santa at Olean YMCA Early Learning Center, 9 a.m.
• Holiday Farmers Market at Miller’s Farm Market, 9 a.m.
• Mistletoe Market at Salamanca High School, 9 a.m.
• Santa is Coming to All Around Performance in Arcade, 9 a.m.
• Val-Dale Farms Dispersal Auction in Fillmore, 10 a.m.
• Basketball Winter Showcase at Salamanca High School, 6 p.m.
• Home for the Holidays with Santa at Bradford Zippo, noon
• Cocoa and Candles at Northern Lights, noon
• Free Community Luncheon in Friendship, 12:30 p.m.
• Santa’s Last Stop at Olean Public Library, 1 p.m.
• Santa at the Winery in Duke Center, 1 p.m.
• St. Bona men’s basketball vs. Le Moyne at Reilly Center, 1 p.m.
• Holly Jolly Christmas Holiday Recital at Expressions Performing Arts Center, 1:30 p.m.
• Winter Solstice Community Hike at Pfeiffer Nature Center, 2 p.m.
• MH3 at Chef Grill, 2 p.m.
• 12 Days of Christmas Skating in Olean, 2:30 p.m.
• Play Before the Parade at Main and Play, 5 p.m.
• Merry Christmas Party at Allegany American Legion, 6 p.m.
• Christmas Tractor Parade in Arcade, 6:30 p.m.
• Tuck N Pope at Arcade Lanes, 8 p.m.
• Acoustic Steve at the New Waverly, 8 p.m.
• Rave Night at Union Whiskey, 9 p.m.
• Sirens Echo at St. Stephen’s Club, 9 p.m.
• Afraid of Human at Randolph Brewing, 9 p.m.

Sunday, November 14

• December Breakfast Buffet at Little Valley VFW, 8 a.m.
• Junior Blizzard Brawl at Allegany Community Center, 9 a.m.
• Yule Wreath Making at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.
• Pizza and Wings with Santa at Friendship American Legion, noon
• December Pack Walk at Red House Beach, 1:30 p.m.
• Davey O at the Gin Mill, 2 p.m.
• Community Santa at Little Valley American Legion, 2 p.m.
• 12 Days of Christmas Skating in Olean, 2:30 p.m.
• Book Reading with Santa’s Elf at Untold Stories Bookstore, 3 p.m.
• Miranda Wilcox at the Hideaway, 6 p.m.

🛍️ DEAL OF THE WEEK

Thank you for being a loyal Hello Southern Tier subscriber! Because of your dedication and support of the newsletter, we're sharing an exclusive 25% off on select Nike items. Just use code STRONG here until Dec. 28!

DAY TRIP THIS WEEKEND

Looking for a unique holiday outing that is different from the usual activities like shopping and movie nights? Families in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties can enjoy magical Christmas train rides close to home.

From vintage steam engines to visits with Santa, these festive excursions provide fun for kids and a nostalgic experience for adults.

See what train rides you can hop on this weekend!

SOUTHERN TIER SPORTS

The Bonnies secured their second men's National Collegiate Rugby Division I Championship title with a dominant 55-19 victory over Queens University in Houston.

This win followed a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 title game, motivating the team to work harder.

Since refocusing after a league title game loss, the Bonnies showcased strong defense and kicking skills, outscoring opponents 202-51.

SBU topped Penn State, 19-18, in 2021 to win its first title.

Read more!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

 Introducing the ultimate cozy statement piece for all Olean locals - the

"Straight Outta Olean" Hoodie.

This vintage block logo pullover is the perfect blend of style and comfort, featuring a bold design that pays homage to your hometown pride.

Made with premium materials, this hoodie is built to last and will keep you warm and stylish all year round.

Grab yours today and show off your Olean spirit in style!

LOCAL HEROES!

The Allegany County Ancient Order of Hibernians made significant year round donations to support the local Catholic Charities Food Pantry as well as several other food pantries in Allegany County.

The group also sponsored several annual AOH $500 scholarships to graduating local high school seniors.

Much of the donation money was raised through major annual fundraisers, including Irish Road Bowling and AOH Park in the Park Car Show events.

Read more!

JOKE OF THE WEEK!

What is every parent's favorite Christmas song?

Silent Night, hahahaha! 😂

HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK

Roomy Rushford Farmhouse

This spacious two-story farmhouse sits on a picturesque 21.2-acre property with a peaceful pond, mostly open tillable land, a bordering stream, and a small wooded area.

Features a major 2023 addition offering a modern kitchen, sitting room, oversized laundry room, and grand entryway with cathedral ceilings, ceramic tile flooring, an electric fireplace, and generous cabinetry. The original farmhouse includes four bedrooms, one full bath, a formal dining room with stamped tin ceilings, a home office, and a large living room, plus space to add a second bath or first-floor bedroom.

Multiple outbuildings, including a pole barn with electric, hay storage, and machinery storage, make this property ideal for hobby farming, storage, or outdoor living.

See more details and pics!

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Lottie!

Lottie is a young, spayed Beagle with a short coat and big personality! Born in January 2024, and weighing about 25 pounds, Lottie is an adorable, fun-loving girl.

After a brief adjustment period, her true happy-go-lucky Beagle spirit has shined through, quickly making her the life of the party. She’s playful, curious, and would love a home with another fun dog to pal around with.

Like many Beagles, Lottie has a bit of wanderlust, so a secure, Beagle-proof fenced yard is a must.

Visit Joyful Rescues to adopt!

1979

THANK YOU!

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read the latest edition of Hello Southern Tier. Please forward this email to a friend who might be interested in staying up to date on things happening locally. If you haven't yet subscribed to our newsletter, sign up here!