400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail < Back 2023 EA2EVL FONDO IS ANOTHER SELL OUT EVENT Beth Lasky Oct 2, 2023 400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail On Saturday, September 30, over 400 bikers gathered at the start line of the EA2EVL Fondo, a charity bike ride that kicked off at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora. Under clear blue skies, the riders followed a police escort through the Village of East Aurora, winding their way south along the rolling hills and fall foliage on Route 240 into the Village of Ellicottville. The event ended with a lively finish-line celebration at Holiday Valley. Launched in 2021, the EA2EVL Fondo—or non-competitive ride—raises awareness and funds to help open, build and maintain the 27-mile multi-use, recreational Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. For three consecutive years, this event has reached maximum capacity, this year selling out at 400+ riders and netting close to $50,000 for the rail trail. “We keep raising the bar for this event,“ said Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President, “and we keep exceeding all expectations! I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this epic ride, including our loyal riders and sponsors, along with our dedicated volunteers. Your support of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail truly matters.” The 2021 and 2022 EA2EVL events raised over $100,000 in donations, which were used to clear and open the first 1.3 miles of the rail trail in Orchard Park. The funds raised from this year’s event will help to push the trail south, improving sections in the town of Aurora into West Falls. The 2023 event was sponsored by National Fuel, 42 North Brewing Company, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Phillips Lytle and Craig Small Law with tech support provided by Tom’s Pro Bikes. You can see all of the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/pFM2fTKVLw9oC4bh7 . Image of bicycle riders emerging through the Start gate of the EA2EVL Fondo, a fundraising bicycle ride. Previous Next

Step out in nature to nurture your mental health < Back May is Mental Health Awareness Month Deborah Stellrecht May 1, 2024 Step out in nature to nurture your mental health More and more, research is uncovering the significant benefits of getting outside in nature for our mental health. This is especially vital for the 1 in 5 people who suffer from anxiety or depression. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and Mental Health America have excellent resources for you to help yourself and the people you care about to enjoy better mental health. Take time this month to assess your mental health and take action to improve it. (Hint: Walking, running or riding on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a great way to start!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn7xfk7oF_I Previous Next

ECRT Members enjoy a special evening outing on the trail. < Back Members Full Moon Walk Mary Brummer Apr 17, 2025 ECRT Members enjoy a special evening outing on the trail. Our first ECRT Members event, a Sunset/Full Moon Walk on the Orchard Park trail section, was a success despite the cloudy skies. Walking eastward from the OP Train Depot, we looked back to marvel at the rosy sunset, and to appreciate the fiery torches placed along the trail. At the Jewett Holmwood end of the trail, Paul and Irene Ziarnowski had their telescopes set up and a moon chart available to view the rising moon and planets. Alas, the cloud cover obstructed our view of the night sky, but as we headed back in the dark, the tiki torches and red headlamps made the return trip more spectacular. The refreshments back at the Orchard Park Depot putting the finishing touch to a great evening with our trail supporters. Thank you! ECRT is grateful to Jeff Sweet for opening the Depot for us for this special event, and to Murray Covello for the photos! Not a Member yet? Check out all the benefits of membership at https://ecattrail.org/join . Previous Next

We would love to work with you!  < Back ECRT Needs YOU! Mary Brummer, ECRT President Mar 10, 2024 We would love to work with you! Photo by Amer Mughawish on Unsplash ECRT is a vibrant, energetic group of volunteers on a mission to build a Southtowns recreational trail for all to enjoy. Do you see yourself in a leadership role as this project proceeds? We would love to work with you! We're especially interested in people who want to volunteer their skills in these areas: Communications: Photography, especially at events. Social media and newsletter content creation. Community Engagement: Hold m eetings to update the public and to receive feedback. Development Director: Seek funding to build the trail. Event Planner: Plan and prepare fundraising events. Grant Writer: We have a great team in place, but we're happy to have helping hands. Membership/CRM Assistant: A newer initiative for ECRT - help us build and engage our membership and maintain a Membership management program. Construction Project Manager: Segments of the trail are built as funding is acquired. If any one of these roles appeals to you and you have the skills to offer, please contact us at 716-771-2453 or email info@ecattrail.org and let's discuss it in more detail. We'll provide you with excellent mentorship. Come join us on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Previous Next

A story about Karen Parysek, volunteer grant writer for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail organization. Karen Parysek Karen Parysek has been an active volunteer with ECRT for over 10 years and the author of several successful grant applications as exemplified in Concord’s redecked bridges, an accessible ramp to the historic Springville Trout Pond, and our efforts to connect an elementary school bike path to our trail in Colden. Raised on a farm in Eden, NY, Karen grew up with three siblings, as well as four children from Buffalo, fostered by her parents during her childhood years. She attended Eden Central School where she excelled in math and science. Karen was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Rochester, majoring in chemical and engineering. After graduating, she joined Linde-Praxair where she used her problem-solving skills in a wide variety of positions: energy systems engineering, market development for materials, procurement, Six Sigma, marketing and sales. She finished her career in R&D, where she developed collaborations for emerging clean energy technologies with universities, startups and national labs, learning about the grant making ecosystem in the process. It was this experience that she has been able to directly transfer to the benefit of ECRT. Karen raised two sons, now in their 30’s, both of whom found success following in their mother’s engineering footsteps. Back-country canoe camping and wildflowers are among her outdoor passions. Throughout her adult life, she has been a dedicated and active volunteer, supporting a number of worthy non-profits, most significantly Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley where she volunteers as an adaptive ski instructor. “My philosophy of life has always involved making the world a better place, and working with like-minded friends on projects we enjoy.” And that, gratefully, includes Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! More volunteers

Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to its progress. < Back Help build Your Trail Mary Brummer Jul 9, 2024 Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to its progress. Dear Rail Trail Friends, Neighborhoods come to life during a Western New York summer. Kids are outside, their calls echoing all around. Everyone is actively enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and many are using trails. When fully completed, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail will serve as a 27-mile multiuse trail connecting many neighborhoods. Following the successful opening of the Orchard Park Village trail in June 2023, ECRT plans the next step: to resurface the trail “Depot to Depot” by improving another several miles of trail in Orchard Park and Aurora to the historic West Falls Train Depot. West Falls Historic Train Depot Imagine beginning a ride at the Orchard Park Train Depot, and enjoying six miles of level, comfortable trail surface all the way into West Falls, arriving at the historic Depot there. While in the neighborhood, you might visit the Blueberry Treehouse Farm for a beverage or take in an event at the West Falls Center for the Arts. Or - start your trip in West Falls and spend the day in Orchard Park at Green Lake Park, enjoying lunch, or celebrating Quaker Days. Orchard Park Historic Train Depot Meanwhile, at the southern end of the trail, several more sculptures are joining Springville’s unique “Sculpture Alley”, and plans are advancing to resurface two more miles of trail south of the Village of Springville. The trail connects neighborhoods throughout the Town of Concord, beckoning trail users through picturesque town and country settings. Sculpture artist J. Brian Pfeiffer and an assistant. Trails connect people and places, and trail use enhances physical and mental well-being. We are working passionately to develop our trail into the Southtowns jewel we envision. Your support of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is crucial to our progress. Please donate today and help propel this worthy effort. And may your neighborhood ring with the sounds of birds and children this summer. Happy trails, Mary Brummer, President Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! Prefer to send a check? Please write “ July Appeal ” in the memo area and mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with New York State and dedicated to building and maintaining a 27-mile multi-use recreational trail from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY on the railbanked Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail corridor. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained by request from ECRT at www.ecrailtrail.org or from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau's Website - www.charitiesnys.com . Information about charities may be obtained from the Attorney General at (212) 416-8686. Previous Next

42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. < Back EA2EVL Pale Ale is here! Beth Lasky Jul 12, 2023 42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. 42 North Brewing Company & Ellicottville Brewing Company have collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo , the 42-mile bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville which benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. each year. ECRT board members helped out with the packaging in mid-July at 42 North in East Aurora, and had a great time! Get yours today in the taproom and look for this collab at local bars and on shelves at craft beer retailers from EA2EVL! Sign up to ride, volunteer or donate at https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo ! Previous Next

We’ve made it easy – just 2 clicks – to send a letter of support to our elected officials: Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation working to construct a multi-use recreation trail on the 27-mile inactive Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad rail line in Western New York. In August of 2018, ECRT and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year railbanking agreement. The agreement allows the ECRT, by federal statute, to construct the trail. The trail will begin in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park and follow the inactive rail line South, connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations, and individuals for design and construction. We are actively encouraging Orchard Park to take an active role in the planning and support of this project. We believe it will benefit the vibrancy and quality of life in Orchard Park. It will connect neighborhoods and the village and provide safe biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. And it will honor Orchard Park’s connection to railroad history, provide recreation opportunities for all residents and restore and improve the natural environment along the corridor. Please take 2 minutes to share your support, enthusiasm, and thoughts with Orchard Park’s elected officials and encourage them to get involved in supporting this project for our community . Together we can ensure they hear from the majority of residents who support this project and not just a few vocal opponents. Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Thank you in advance for your support!

Mary Brummer, DVM Mary Brummer got involved with ECRT not long after her retirement in 2017 from 33 fulfilling years as a small animal veterinarian in Orchard Park. She finally had time to pursue her varied and numerous interests, but she carefully considered where she wanted to commit her newfound free time. Mary was aware that there was an effort underway to get the rail trail developed as a multi use recreational trail, but she could not find any news about the endeavor, so she approached the OP Recreation department, and discovered that a Rail Trail group was meeting every month in the basement of the Municipal building. Mary attended her first Board meeting there in January 2018 and she was impressed by the energy of that initial group of 10 people actively seeking ways to make the trail a reality. Everyone there had creative ideas, as well as the vision and attitude that they were going to “make this happen”, and Mary decided that she wanted to be a part of that. One of the Board members organized an overnight trip to the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Coudersport, PA. Mary and then-president Anne Bergantz rode the trail for two and a half hours, talking about the organization and its history, and Anne really brought Mary “into the fold”. The group of 12 spent a day riding, visiting, eating and relaxing on the trail. Many small businesses had popped up along the trail’s path, especially in the village centers, and it made a huge impression upon her. The Pine Creek Rail Trail embodies for Mary what she envisions the ECRT Cattaraugus Rail Trail being someday. Mary was asked to be the group’s secretary. She also worked on the group’s Governance Team with the intent to firm up the Board’s structure, define best practices, develop standard operating procedures for a land trust, avoid conflicts of interest, improve record-keeping, and set parameters for elections and term limits of Board members. Mary grew up in Snyder, the “middle” daughter surrounded by five brothers. She attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and studied Biology at UB. No career path “lit her up” until she browsed through a catalog of careers in the school Guidance office and “Veterinarian” really appealed to her. She visited a veterinary hospital to learn more about the field, eventually working part-time at the Amherst Animal Hospital, where she learned to love the “small business family” way of operating. She graduated as a general veterinary practitioner from Cornell University, which is where she met her husband, David. David is more recently retired, too, from his career as a specialist in veterinary internal medicine. David and Mary have two grown children, and two grandchildren. Mary loves to garden and has been in the Orchard Park Garden Club for many years. She learned the intricacies of being a flower show judge, going on to become President of the Judges Council. This was a huge commitment of time that required her to combine her creativity, science and horticultural skills as well as a fair bit of engineering to not only design floral pieces, but Floral Design workshops as well. Active in her church for the past 30 years, she chairs the Worship team, with the goal of making services more creative and engaging. Mary played the flute during her school years but set it aside until an aunt’s passing, when she was encouraged to play the flute at her aunt’s funeral service. That special experience led her to resume taking lessons, and forming a flute quartet that plays in public several times a year. “A day that I can play just feels like it has more value,” Mary says. Mary shares her husband’s goal to be always curious about the world, feeling that it is a life force that provides us opportunities to grow, create and explore until life’s end. She feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward. She’s inspired to make it a reality to one day take her grandchildren for a bike ride on the trail in Orchard Park, and perhaps enjoy a “sculpture alley” or a “pollinator garden” along the way. More volunteers

Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Long-time Lancaster residents, both are active cyclists. Jim retired from Calspan in 2018. During his last few years with the company (a time when all four daughters were grown and on their own), he took to riding to work and back every day from March through November “It was a 25 mile round trip. One year I estimated that I rode around 3,000 miles to work and other outings." Cynthia, meanwhile, who grew up in Amherst, recalls biking to college in all kinds of weather, starting on a big, heavy bicycle and eventually graduating to a 10-speed. She biked frequently in her neighborhood, often with family members. “Jim and I met at Calspan. We had a lot in common. An important, enjoyable part of many of our days was spent outdoors, often on bikes.” Their interest in biking even influenced their choice of neighborhoods. “We bought a home with access to bikeable roads,” said Cynthia. “There were no bike trails back then. And if you’re raising a family, it’s important for children to have a safe place to ride.” Both Jim and Cynthia are members of GOBike, where Jim volunteers repairing and renovating bikes for kids, an activity he thoroughly enjoys. They also support the notion of a regional trail – one that will someday incorporate the ECRT, the Southern Tier, and the Genesee Valley Greenway. Jim was one of several volunteers who helped improve and mulch the berm at the Orchard Park Depot. He has also participated in clearing portions of the West Falls section of the trail from Ellicott Road south on National Trails Day last June. Most recently, Jim helped clear debris adjacent to Jewett Holmwood Road in preparation for the opening of the new trail segment. “We are so impressed with this new section of trail. It was remarkable how quickly and professionally the stone dust surfacing of the trail was completed. It’s beautiful and a real asset for the community.” “The people on the ECRT board and volunteers are great to work with,” Jim reflected. “There’s a positive, engaging exchange of ideas and information along with the hard work demonstrated by these people. It’s extraordinary. “We look forward to future rides on the trail, especially as it continues to build to its full potential, linking communities for transportation, pleasure, and commerce. It will be an immeasurable asset to the south towns, not just for the people who live along the route. We are definitely looking forward to helping where we can.” More volunteers

Deb Fenn Harry James Over the past year or more, Harry James has played an integral role in ECRT’s successful bridge redecking and restoration efforts in the Town of Concord. He was named, he tells me, after his father, Harry James, and not in homage to the famous jazz trumpeter and big band leader, Harry James. Both Harrys, however — ours and the jazz legend — share a common key to their shared success on the job: They can improvise! According to ECRT Board member Kathleen McCrone, his improvisational skills and talent as an on-the-spot problem-solver came in handy more than once when critical adjustments in materials and measurements were needed to resolve unforeseen construction problems. “It was amazing watching Harry tackle a problem. First, his eyes would light up, he’d take a step or two back and we could almost see the gears turning in his brain. After a few moments of contemplation, he’d grab some tools, lumber, and a few volunteers and confidently get busy creating a perfect solution.” Harry grew up in Saranac Lake, where his mom ran the corner store and his selfemployed dad had both winter and summer jobs. “When you live in the Adirondacks year-round, you need to be versatile,” he noted, obviously an inherited skill. As a young man, Harry enjoyed venturing on foot or by bike to places not always on any map and sometimes considerable distances from home — “wherever a bike or my feet could take me” — Harry recalls. He loved to fish and was snowmobiling by the age of 14. “And I was always busy building or making things. To this day, I consider ‘creating’ my strongest interest and skill.” Harry attended SUNY@ Canton where he studied engineering. During the course of his career, he applied his skills working for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Carrier Corporation, Corning Glass Company, and Budweiser. He retired in 2021 after 30 years with the West Valley Nuclear Demonstration Project. Harry is a 30-year member of the Western New York Snowmobile Club of Boston and the organization’s current vice president. Here he met fellow bridge-building partner John Baronich, a former principal and shop teacher. Together, with the able assistance of other retired regulars interested in construction, they were able to successfully redeck and restore a total of seven bridges. “The new decking is basically an even floor with no gaps. The goal was to make these bridges usable for everybody — not just snowmobiles.” Today, Harry remains an avid builder/creator and bicyclist. He owns bikes for every season and surface. To his credit and for pleasure, he participated in both the 2021 and 2022 EA2EVL Fondo events, the non-competitive fundraising bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville to benefit the ECRT trail. As far as the trail is concerned, Harry believes, “If you build it, they will come. There are lots of places to explore and enjoy here. It’s great when you see businesses interested and involved in the trial. I think you help communities grow by building and supporting cottage industries. You know, people will drive (or bike) to go to breakfast if the food is good!” February 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Other ways you can give to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More Ways to Give Now you can donate your Car, Boat, Trailer, or RV! Click here to learn how it works. Legacy Donations There are several ways that through your legacy you can help with ECRT’s vision to develop and connect a network of safe and accessible trails from Orchard Park to Ashford, for all families and visitors to the area. A Bequest in Your Will The simplest way to include the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in your planned giving is to write us into your will. The following is sample language that you can use: I give and bequeath to the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127, _____% of my estate (or the sum of $_____, a specific piece of property, or asset) to be used as advised by the board of directors. IRA, 401K, or Life Insurance Policy Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets, and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. If you’d like to do this on your own, simply include our full name and address when filling out your beneficiaries: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Donor-Advised Fund If you are using a donor-advised fund for your annual giving, consider directing your fund administrator to designate Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as the beneficiary of any remainder. As a Contingent Beneficiary If you have family members or friends that you plan on leaving your assets to, consider including the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as a contingent beneficiary. This ensures that, no matter what happens, your assets will end up protected and designated. Let Us Know! Have you already included a gift to us in your will or trust? We would love to thank you for your generosity! Please let us know by contacting us to ensure that we know your vision and goals. Thank you. Without supporters like you, our miles of trails would not be possible! Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! Prefer to send a check? Please mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures ECRT is an all-volunteer charitable organization. All funds received are dedicated to promotion, design, and construction of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained from the NYS Attorney General's Charities Bureau website at www.charitiesnys.com , or by written request to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Information about charities may be obtained by calling the NYS Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.