Greetings,
I hope everyone is taking in all this nice weather. The mosquitoes are sure out! They are a sure sign summer is setting in, in the northeast. Also, I heard some people have been dealing with fly infestations and hanging fly paper inside their vehicles to deal with them. I sure hope that’s helping. If you have been fully vaccinated by now, you’re probably enjoying not wearing a mask as often as you had been. It’s good to see everyone’s face again, but I still keep one with me, just in case.
If you were around when our Highbanks Campground first opened, you may recall we had campsites 1-99, known as Old Town, which were opened and operating. Over time, and from wear and tear, all 99 sites had to be taken out of commission. Recently, Ron Kenjockety, Al E. George and others have been spear heading a renovation project to re-open those sites. All of the electric and plumbing infrastructure is being updated at each site. Of course, due to the large amount of work that needs to be done, the project will happen in phases. Judy Farmer, Highbanks Campground Director, reports that sites 1-26 could be open by July 4th weekend, with the next phase of sites 27-64 projected to open this fall. The remainder of the sites will be discussed in the spring. If you are interested in more details, please reach out to: Ashley King at (716) 354-2177, or by email at: ashley.king@sni.org.
As I reported in my last message, the Buffalo Creek One Stop held their grand opening on May 21st. I’m glad to report they served over 24,000 gas and convenience store customers in their first two weeks of operating. With this being our fifth fuel station and convenience store, we look forward to the future economic impact it will provide. Not only will the Seneca Nation’s economy benefit, but so will the economy of the City of Buffalo. As the city continues to lift all COVID restrictions and life returns to a new normal, it goes without saying that our sales will increase. Please remember that all enrolled Senecas in Buffalo and the surrounding areas, whom provide their Seneca Nation identification/enrollment card, are eligible for a 5% discount on fuel; and all purchases in the store are tax exempt. Thank you to our dedicated One Stop staff for all of your hard work and making the Buffalo Creek One Stop another thriving and successful Seneca Nation enterprise!
I understand we are doing a great job in our communities with this virus. President Pagels reported zero cases in Cattaraugus and only one in Allegany, in a recent update. Thank you to those whom have taken the initiative to get vaccinated, which helps to keep our communities as safe as possible!
Respectfully,
Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr.
