Greetings,
I understand Punxatawney Phil and Dunkirk Dave may have had a difference of opinion recently, about how much more winter we can expect. Phil predicted six more weeks of winter; and Dave predicted an early spring. Either way, keep enjoying your outdoor winter activities and stay safe!
For those looking for indoor activities, the ACC and CCC opened back up to Seneca Nation members and other natives on Monday, February 3rd, after having been closed for about two months. Access to use of the facility, including the fitness room, is by appointment only. For the time being, they will be open Monday through Thursday, from 7am to 8pm; and on Fridays they will be open from 9am to 5:30pm. For Allegany, please call Kingsley Nephew at (716) 945-8119; and for Cattaraugus, call Brad John at (716) 532-8450.
In another bit of good news, the Salamanca School District has recently received interim guidance from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association to begin playing basketball for varsity, junior varsity and modified levels and high school bowling. In order to receive this interim guidance, approval was received from a consortium of area county health departments; and the school district agreed to abide by their well-established COVID-19 safety plan. The entire process was a collaborative effort between administrators, athletes, coaches and parents. Unfortunately, spectators will not be allowed to attend any of the games or matches; but will be able to view them via Facebook live and other media outlets. The first games are scheduled for February 10th (see the Sports section). In addition, the Salamanca School District also participates in wrestling, cheer leading, unified basketball and unified bowling, which is designed for children with special needs, assisted by general education students; but those activities won’t begin until a later date.
Over the coming months, little by little, our lives will be returning to normal. Maintain social distance, keep putting one foot in front of the other and remember to check in on our elders to see if they need anything.
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
Salamanca JV Basketball 2019
