December 26, 2025 - Edition No. 23

Hello, Southern Tier!

We hope you had an amazing holiday with friends and family. In this edition we look forward to the new year, weekend happenings, and much more. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy 👇

What two former U.S. Congressmen lived in Angelica, NY?

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

🥂 Celebrate the New Year in the Southern Tier!

Don’t have New Year’s Eve plans yet? There’s a handful of live entertainment events throughout the region to celebrate the end of 2025 and ring in 2026.

• New Year’s Eve Dinner & Music in Belmont, 4 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Celebration at Seneca Allegany Resort, 7 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve at The Palmer, 8 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Celebration at St. Stephen’s Club, 8 p.m.
• Squeeze Play New Year’s Eve Party at Wellsville VFW, 8 p.m.
• County Lines New Year’s Eve Show at Balloons, 8 p.m.
• Timmy & the Kidz at Union Whiskey, 8 p.m.
• New Year's Eve Celebration & Parade at Holiday Valley, 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Party at Genesee Pizzeria, 9 p.m.
• Dark Water Duo New Year’s Eve Party at Mill St Sports Pub 10 p.m.

🥾 First Day Hikes & Bikes

Start off 2026 on the right foot! Enjoy the outdoors and get started shedding holiday pounds by joining first day outings in the region.

• First Day Hike at Allegany State Park, 10 a.m.
• First Day Bike 2026 at Allegany State Park, 11 a.m.
• First Day Hike at Pfeiffer Nature Center, 2 p.m.

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

👩🏻‍🎓 Witte Health Care Scholarship Established: In honor of the Witte family and their contributions to medical care in the region, the new Gilbert and Linda Witte Health Care Scholarship at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will give back to students seeking a profession in the medical field.

🚑 Free EMT Training for Local Students: Genesee Valley Central School, in collaboration with the Allegany County Office of Emergency Management, will offer a free EMT certification course for students 17 and older from across Allegany County.  The course begins Jan. 12. For more information or to register, contact Bonnie VanHousen at 585-268-5290 or bonnie.vanhousen@alleganyco.gov.

🍽️ Credit Union Makes Big Donation to Area Food Pantries: High Point FCU continued its commitment to fighting food insecurity this year by donating a total of $11,000 to support local food pantries throughout its field of membership. 

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS

CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!

Friday, December 26

• Honey Sourdough Bread at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.
• Free Basilica Tour at St. Mary of the Angels, 1 p.m.
• Western Hat & Cap Burning at Lucky Day Homestead, 1 p.m.
• 12 Days of Christmas Skating in Olean, 5 p.m.
• Line Dancing with Ciara & DJ Slim at Balloons, 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 27

• Year End Consignment Auction in Fillmore, 9:30 a.m.
• Natural Remedies at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.
• Medicinal Herbs Apothecary at Lucky Day Homestead, 1 p.m.
• 12 Days of Christmas Skating in Olean, 1 p.m.
• JB Aaron at Balloons, 6:30 p.m.
• Grinch Fest at Wing Bar & Grill, 7 p.m.
• Alyssa Trahan at Seneca Allegany Resort Casino, 7 p.m.
• Henry’s Summer Kitchen 4 at Mill Street Sports Pub, 8 p.m.
• Post Boxing Day Blowout at Randolph Brewing, 9 p.m.

Sunday, December 28

• 12 Days of Christmas Skating in Olean, 1 p.m.
• Yule Wreath Making at Lucky Day Homestead, 1 p.m.
• New Years Eve Bash at Seneca Gaming, 2 p.m.

FEATURED WEEKEND EVENT

Joe DeCerbo Holiday Showcase

Check out some of the region's finest basketball players and teams during the 50th IAABO/Joe DeCerbo Holiday Showcase on Dec. 27 and 28 at Allegany-Limestone High School. 

Girls teams include Allegany-Limestone, East Aurora, Ellicottville, Olean, Otto-Eldred, Portville, Port Allegany, and Salamanca.

Competing boys teams are Allegany-Limestone, Bradford, Cuba-Rushford, Olean, Otto-Eldred, Portville, Salamanca, and Warren.

See the full schedule of games!

🛍️ 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 60% off on select Adidas clothing and shoes. No code needed. Shop here!

SOUTHERN TIER SPORTS

Four standout honorees were recognized during the Big 30 All-Star Testimonial Banquet. The annual event highlights local high school football players and coaches who made a lasting impact on and off the field during the season.

Among the award recipients was Ty Kosinski of Portville/Cuba-Rushford/Bolivar-Richburg, who received the E.B. Fitzpatrick–James Russell Memorial Award as Big 30 Lineman of the Year. Phil Vecchio of Olean was honored as Big 30 Coach of the Year, earning the Alfred Joe Bunnell–Rod Rohl Memorial Award for his leadership and contributions to the game.

Also recognized were Aiden Bliss of Port Allegany, named Big 30 Player of the Year with the Gary Sage Memorial Award, and Nick Wilfong, also of Port Allegany, who earned the Lou Foy Memorial Award as Big 30 Defensive Player of the Year.

See the complete list of all-stars with photos!

🐊 Allegany-Limestone Honors Longtime Former AD

NOSTALGIA OF THE WEEK

McDonald's advertisement from December 1972. Join the Olean Memories Facebook group for more content like this.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

NEW BIZ OF THE WEEK

Rustique by Ashley, a popular ladies' boutique, opened its second location in Downtown Ellicottville at 26 Monroe Street.

Owner Ashley Hoelscher, known for her flagship store in Hamburg, expressed excitement to be part of the Ellicottville community.

The inspiration behind the name came from her mother and stepfather.

The boutique offers a variety of apparel, accessories, jewelry, and unique Buffalo gear.

Additionally, local vendors' handmade items are available in the store.

Read more!

Get ready to hit the slopes in style with our Ellicottville NY Ski Sweatshirt!

This vintage-inspired design features a charming mountain and chalet motif, perfect for showcasing your love for retro ski fashion.

Embrace the charm of a ski resort town with this unique and trendy sweatshirt that is sure to turn heads on and off the mountain.

Buy it now!

LOCAL HEROES!

Operation Warm Hearts, established in 2020, is dedicated to serving children and families in need.

Volunteers like Karen McFarland, Ann Marie Sitter-Tompkins, Laura Whitford, Michele Phelps, and Molly Higgins have been instrumental in this mission.

The organization's efforts have made a significant impact on the local community, providing clothing and essential items, including dental care products, books, pillows, blankets, and other comfort necessities.

Read more!

JOKE OF THE WEEK!

What’s an elf’s favorite musical genre?

Wrap music, hahahaha! 😂

HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK

Timeless in Olean

This timeless Olean home blends classic character with modern comfort. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, it offers generous space for everyday living and entertaining.

Highlights include hardwood floors throughout, marble flooring in the foyer and formal dining room, an open kitchen and living area, and a versatile walk-out basement perfect for a rec room, home gym, or extra living space.

Upstairs, you’ll find three bedrooms — including a spacious primary suite with a private bath and built-in fireplace.

Outside, enjoy a 3-car attached garage, partially fenced yard, and stunning views of rolling hills from the back deck.

See more details and pics!

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Emma!

Emma is a young, medium-sized Husky mix with a cloud-soft coat and a big personality to match. Born around May 2025, she’s expected to grow to about 50 pounds and is as smart as she is stunning.

Emma is great with other dogs, cats, and even young children, rides well in the car, and walks nicely on a leash.

A playful puppy with a fun, quiet “talk,” Emma would thrive in a home with another energetic dog to romp with. Sweet, unique, and lovingly nicknamed “Poof Girl,” Emma is ready to charm her way into her forever home. 

Visit Joyful Rescues to adopt!

William B. Rochester and Judson W. Sherman

THANK YOU!

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