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Deb Fenn Ellen Januszkiewicz The love of railroads runs deep for Ellen Januszkiewicz, a regular, enthusiastic ECRT volunteer from Orchard Park. Her father, Leon, was a track maintenance mechanic whose career brought Ellen’s family from Scranton, PA to rail yards of Lackawanna, NY. Ellen was born in Scranton, once an active, vital railroad hub. Today it is home to Steamtown , a national industrial heritage site, dedicated to preserving the history of the steam railroad and the role its workforce played during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Leon began what would be his lifelong career there, learning the skills needed to maintain the machinery that in turn was used to maintain the integrity of the tracks. Recognizing an intelligent, skilled mechanic, the railroad paid for Leon‘s further training in Chicago. He then earned a promotion that moved the family to Lackawanna and a job on the William Street train yard with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. His work made it possible for the family to travel frequently by train for family visits and for pleasure. Later, Leon would continue to advance his career back in Scranton as the regional maintenance manager for Conrail. “Getting to travel by train was always exciting for my brother, Frank, and I as kids,” Ellen recalls. “The most exciting, thrilling rides always involved being allowed to dine in the Phoebe Snow Club Car.” (‘Phoebe’ was a fictitious, high society character the railroad used to advertise this exclusive dining amenity, along with this catchy motto, ‘A cozy seat, a dainty treat, makes Phoebe’s happiness complete; with linen white and silver bright, upon the road of anthracite .’) “Everyone, including us kids, had to really dress for the occasion. I know we learned our table manners in the Phoebe.” Ellen and Frank were the first in their family to graduate from college. Ellen attended UB and earned a Masters in Nursing. She enjoyed a successful career as a public health nurse, working for the Erie County Health Department and for Roswell Park Memorial Institute. She eventually became a professor of nursing at Erie Community College. She married husband Martin in 1972. The couple lived for a time in Syracuse where Martin attended SU and played for the Syracuse University Orange Men. Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Martin never got to play professionally, but used his education to achieve is MS in Special Education. Upon returning to Buffalo, he pursued his career at the WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center. Ellen got interested in volunteering for ECRT when she saw the organization’s efforts to maintain and preserve the corridor. She walks the Orchard Park section frequently and happily offers her help at tabling events in Orchard Park and Springville. “I see people on the trail all the time. My son Jason and his wife Amy walk here pretty regularly as well, with their dog, Asoka. My grandsons Jonas and Myles bike here and really enjoy it.” “When I’m on the trail, I think of my dad and how hard he worked. He loved being a ‘railroader’. He would be thrilled to see how the rail beds are being used now as a trail for the community to use and enjoy.” June 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Deb Fenn Laura Lisitsky Apart from a 12-year hiatus in Seattle, Laura Lisitsky is a life-long Western New Yorker and a dedicated lover of the outdoors. She grew up in Elma, attended Iroquois Central School and now teaches K-4 Physical Education there. When she’s not encouraging children to participate in structured physical activity, she indulges in some of her own. Favorites include hiking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. Laura is always up for another great outdoor adventure. Her love of the outdoors has deep roots, stemming from time spent at her grandparents’ home in the Catskills. The youngest of five, her grandparents would treat each child — one at a time — to a few weeks with them on their 23-acre homestead in Saugerties. Here, Laura spent many memorable hours exploring nearby woodlands, fields and streams. “Locally, I belong to an informal hiking group, formed during the pandemic by a group of former high school friends. We call ourselves the ‘Silver Lining Hiking Group’. Lots of our outings are spur-of–the-moment and always fun." “During my time in Seattle, hiking and biking trails were everywhere. I was surrounded by them, but couldn’t afford to live near them. They’re a very popular amenity, and housing prices are higher the closer you live to a trail.” Laura recently traveled to Norway with her partner, Steve. Here, again, hiking trails were numerous and considered an integral, defining part of the Norwegian lifestyle. Through her travels, chosen lifestyle and profession, Laura truly understands the value of trails. “People need to get outdoors for their mental and physical health. In my volunteer efforts with trail clean-up and the Fondo bike event, I’ve found pleasure working with like-minded people for such a great cause. We’re working to create something that will mean so much for so many. Trails are such an asset to any community. Why not ours?” April 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. < Back Come and see us at WNY Equifest 2024! Mar 16, 2024 Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. ECRT Board Member and Equestrian liaison, Lisa Rood, and other ECRT volunteers would love to see you! Be sure to purchase one of the great reusable bags that Lisa makes from repurposed feed bags - super durable and unique! https://www.the-fairgrounds.com/p/calendar/wny-equifest Previous Next

Lisa, a former Town of Boston Supervisor and horsewoman, became involved with ECRT over 5 years ago to support the equestrian use of the rail trail. You'll most often find her at events, staffing the ECRT outreach table and sharing the progress of the trail with visitors. < Back Lisa Rood Lisa, a former Town of Boston Supervisor and horsewoman, became involved with ECRT over 5 years ago to support the equestrian use of the rail trail. You'll most often find her at events, staffing the ECRT outreach table and sharing the progress of the trail with visitors. Previous Next

Deb Fenn Robin Frey Robin Frey grew up in Alden, NY, next to the old Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) rail line, built in 1883 and abandoned in 1963. “We lived in the old hotel across the street from the North Alden Station,” she noted. “We were all homeschooled and television wasn’t allowed, so we had time to get creative (or get into trouble) outdoors, mostly along that old rail line.” Hours on end spent exploring the tracks led to her love of “all things outdoors and all things railroad.” Robin credits her grandmother for her creativity and her father for her entrepreneurial spirit. Her dad “bought an old station wagon, painted Ken’s Handyman Wagon along its side panel, and Voila! He was in business!” She helped him make flyers and spread them all over the community, even door-to-door. Robin’s eccentric grandmother exhibited her own creative flair. Like Robin, she loved the outdoors and loved to paint, using “crazy, bright colors to interpret the natural world around her.” Self-sufficiency was a rule of thumb in Robin’s family, and Robin would hold a series of odd jobs starting at age 14. By 17, she was out on her own. “I attended GCC and took a course in advertising and design. But I was already earning a living at that time, and I just wanted to work with my hands – like my dad.” She soon landed a job with Ingersoll Painting & Construction, painting and doing intricate plaster work on some of Buffalo’s most historic homes and businesses. “I really enjoyed doing my small part to preserve and restore some of these magnificent buildings.” ‘Tired hands’ led her to retire the paint brush for less physical marketing and advertising, first with Joe Basil Chevrolet and later as the Marketing Manager for the entire Basil Automotive Group. “I became adept using a variety of Internet marketing platforms. I produced advertising materials and managed the advertising budget for the Group.” Some years later, moving to Ashford, NY, Robin again found herself living near a rail line. “I started walking the corridor regularly. It was so beautiful! I got involved with the Pop Warner section of the trail and started taking lots of pictures in the area – mostly of the trail. I showed them to the owner of Vanover Fine Arts, one of Springville’s local galleries at the time”, and they were so impressed that they “invited me to do a show of my own there, featuring many photos of the trail. I called it Beauty In Our Backyard.” During a brief move to Las Vegas, Robin secured a marketing management role with Goodnature, a commercial juicing equipment manufacturer which, oddly enough, was based in Buffalo. Her work focused on increasing brand awareness through industry trade shows and required frequent travel to promote the company. Goodnature moved her back to their Buffalo headquarters to expand their social media presence and produce the company’s annual JuiceCon convention. Robin’s recent corporate projects include developing a new company website, overseeing a rebranding effort and producing the firm’s popular hardcover publication, The Juicing Companion. “It’s a growing company with lots of opportunities. I’m really happy there.” Both a cyclist and hiker, Robin rode in the 2021 EA2EVL Fondo, the fundraising bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville benefitting Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. There she reconnected with ECRT, and since then she’s become a key player on the Communications Team, leading its Social Media focus group and developing branding guidelines. “I look forward to helping with the website and building greater brand awareness for the trail. Personally, rail corridors have played an important part in my development as a child. They were, and still are, places to explore, enjoy nature and spark creativity. I really want to see a safe, accessible trail for everyone to use and enjoy. This trail can make a huge difference in the quality of life for so many. The possibilities are endless!” March 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

A fillable form for volunteers to complete and agree to before they can do volunteer activities for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail organization.

Fifth annual EA2EVL 42-mile ride benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail < Back 2025 EA2EVL CHARITY BIKE RIDE OCTOBER 4 Deborah Stellrecht Jul 20, 2025 Fifth annual EA2EVL 42-mile ride benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Register now for Western New York’s premier fall bike ride, the EA2EVL Fondo to be held on Saturday, October 4. This 42-mile non-competitive charity bike ride kicks off at 10 a.m. in East Aurora, winds south through rolling hills and fall foliage and ends in Ellicottville with a finish line party at Holiday Valley. All proceeds from EA2EVL support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT), a 27-mile trail that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. Register to ride or volunteer here . “The popularity of the EA2EVL Fondo has surpassed all expectations in terms of attendance and support for the trail,” said event sponsor John Cimperman, Founder of 42 North Brewery. “In addition to supporting a great cause, this ride delivers beautiful views and camaraderie for riders of any skill level.” The bike event starts in East Aurora at 42 North Brewery and travels south down scenic Route 240, riding on the road parallel to the ECRT trail from West Falls into Concord. The course continues to Route 242 into the town of Ellicottville. The event ends at a finish line party at Holiday Valley which is open to the public, featuring food, drinks and live music. Transportation will be offered to bring riders back to East Aurora, or riders can get special rates for lodging at Holiday Valley. In addition to the registration fee, riders who fundraise an additional $100 for ECRT will receive a commemorative shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the post-event party. Participants who raise $500 or more receive an EA2EVL bike jersey. The top fundraiser is awarded the coveted EA2EVL “yellow jersey” and a $500 gift certificate from Tom’s Pro Bikes. “We celebrate more trail construction activity in 2025 with our fifth EA2EVL charity bike ride”, announced Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President. “The Fondo continues to be hugely helpful in making Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail the Southtowns jewel we envision, and we look forward to riding and partying together on October 4!” National Fuel, 42 North Brewing, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and The Small Law firm are sponsors of the 2025 event. John V. Ellmore P.C. and Excelsior Orthopedics are the road sign sponsors, and Tom’s Pro Bikes will provide tech support to riders on the course. Register for the ride at www.ea2evlfondo.com . A very special thank you to our Event Sponsors, without whom we could not host this event! Previous Next

Nicole has lived in NYS for almost 20 years - first for 10 years during undergraduate studies, then graduate studies in microbiology, followed later by 10 years in Orchard Park. She then lived in the Boston/Cambridge area for 20 years, pursuing postdoctoral training at Harvard and then working in research in various biotechnology companies in Cambridge. There Nicole met her husband Rory, and they started a family. The family moved to Orchard Park at the end of 2015, where Nicole became active in PTO, daughter Zoë’s science projects, Girls on the Run, and the High School Marching Band. She learned about ECRT in the fall of 2018 and began to take an active interest in developing the trail. Nicole’s passion for outdoor activities, such as walking, running and biking, led her to coach the girls running program, Girls on the Run, for 8 years at 2 different elementary schools and at the Orchard Park Middle School. She feels strongly that walking and hiking together gives families opportunities to talk, bond, form memories and grow closer, in addition to getting some exercise. Nicole’s trail experiences have instilled in her a desire to share these resources with people. She believes they made a positive difference in her life, and she wants contribute to making them accessible for others. She’s been impressed by the progress the ECRT has made since she first began supporting it, and she is honored to be able to contribute to its continued progress. < Back Nicole Avitahl-Curtis Nicole has lived in NYS for almost 20 years - first for 10 years during undergraduate studies, then graduate studies in microbiology, followed later by 10 years in Orchard Park. She then lived in the Boston/Cambridge area for 20 years, pursuing postdoctoral training at Harvard and then working in research in various biotechnology companies in Cambridge. There Nicole met her husband Rory, and they started a family. The family moved to Orchard Park at the end of 2015, where Nicole became active in PTO, daughter Zoë’s science projects, Girls on the Run, and the High School Marching Band. She learned about ECRT in the fall of 2018 and began to take an active interest in developing the trail. Nicole’s passion for outdoor activities, such as walking, running and biking, led her to coach the girls running program, Girls on the Run, for 8 years at 2 different elementary schools and at the Orchard Park Middle School. She feels strongly that walking and hiking together gives families opportunities to talk, bond, form memories and grow closer, in addition to getting some exercise. Nicole’s trail experiences have instilled in her a desire to share these resources with people. She believes they made a positive difference in her life, and she wants contribute to making them accessible for others. She’s been impressed by the progress the ECRT has made since she first began supporting it, and she is honored to be able to contribute to its continued progress. Previous Next

Accomplished engineer and manager of teams of engineers and project managers for major industrial gas company. Project management included interfacing with many agencies, local governments and stakeholders for routing and permitting of pipeline systems. Now enjoying using these skills for non profit work in Western New York. Gary is an avid skier in winter; sails, golfs and cycles in summer; and enjoys keeping up with 5+ grandchildren in addition to his non-profit work. < Back Gary Koeppel Accomplished engineer and manager of teams of engineers and project managers for major industrial gas company. Project management included interfacing with many agencies, local governments and stakeholders for routing and permitting of pipeline systems. Now enjoying using these skills for non profit work in Western New York. Gary is an avid skier in winter; sails, golfs and cycles in summer; and enjoys keeping up with 5+ grandchildren in addition to his non-profit work. 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

Beth Lasky Jason Engel Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has enjoyed the benefits of partnering with a variety of community and regional organizations. Biking, hiking, scouting groups, snowmobile clubs, local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and adjacent municipalities have supported the trail in a variety of ways and have, in turn, enjoyed positive community recognition and economic benefits. Most recently, a new, exciting partnership is in the works between ECRT and the Springville Community Trout Pond . Eight years ago, Jason Engel took on a leadership role with Springville Field and Stream . His background in landscape architecture, business ownership and special projects work with the Amherst Planning Department made him an ideal candidate for the position. The heart of the project required significant dredging from a 1997 “100-year flood” that overwhelmed the popular trout pond, which sits adjacent to the trail, and created major erosion issues. The fish hatchery located at the pond’s north end was rendered inoperable. As Engel explained, “We want to reclaim this popular and ecologically significant resource. To do so, we adopted a 3-phase project. Phase one includes dredging the pond, re-establishing the shoreline, and improving the fish habitat. Phase two , at the south end of the pond, will create an important connection to the adjacent ECRT trail. The new destination trail head is to include a pavilion, parking area, bike rack and an ingress and egress ramp for wheelchair accessibility to a fishing pier. In preparation for this phase, ECRT provided funds for a culvert which sits beneath the trail and connects the pond to Spring Brook, an important outlet for occasional flooding.” Spring Brook, he went on to explain, travels north to East Concord and is one of the few streams in Erie County that is home to native brook trout – a rare find. It also was once an important water source for Springville – ergo, the town’s name. “Phase three of the project includes reconstructing the trout hatchery at the north end of the Pond, with a small classroom where children and adults can learn more about aquaculture and fish habitat – a nice education stop for bikers and hikers along the trail. “It is such an important partnership, and we know so many people, locally and regionally, will enjoy and benefit from the trail, the trout pond, and the unique recreational opportunities our collaboration will bring.” March 1, 2022 Written by: Beth Lasky Previous Next < Back

Register now for EA2EVL Fondo 2026! < Back EA2EVL Fondo 2026 Deborah Stellrecht Oct 3, 2026 Register now for EA2EVL Fondo 2026! 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Here we roll again! Register NOW for the sixth annual EA2EVL Fondo. The EA2EVL Fondo is a non-competitive charity ride for cyclists of all skill levels. The ride starts in East Aurora at 42 North Brewery and travels south down scenic Route 240, riding parallel to the ECRT trail from West Falls into Concord. With water stops along the way, the course continues south to the intersection of Route 242, where it heads west into the town of Ellicottville, culminating at a finish line party at the Holiday Valley, which is open to the public. Times: 10 AM: Fondo start at 42 North Brewing Company (25 Pine Street, East Aurora, NY) 1 – 4 PM: Aprés Bike Party with craft beer, food, vendors, and live music TBD. Paid bus transportation back to ride start is available. Thanks to our sponsors, and the funds raised by our riders, the past five years' rides have raised over $200,000 to help us open, build, improve and maintain the 27-mile ECRT Trail that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. We’re making so much progress because of YOUR SUPPORT! So REGISTER TODAY , and be sure to invite your friends! Watch this aerial tour video for a taste of the ride! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyOcwe1ypmg Here's how YOU can help! RIDE ON: If you are a bicyclist, register (starting May 13th)! YOU are the secret to the success of this major source of funds needed to build the rail trail - so we ask you to FUNDRAISE as well! NEW FOR 2026 - We are including a food and drink ticket with your entry fee! In addition to your registration fee, participants are encouraged to raise additional dollars to support ECRT and, by doing so, earn the following rewards: ● $100 - Commemorative event t-shirt. (T-shirts will be ordered September 23rd - riders meeting fundraising goal after this date may not receive T-shirt on ride day and they will be mailed.) ● $500- Above PLUS: EA2EVL bike jersey (Jerseys will be ordered September 13th - riders meeting fundraising goal after this date may not receive jersey on ride day and they will be mailed. The top fundraiser will be awarded the coveted EA2EVL Fondo yellow jersey! While fundraising is not mandatory to participate, we encourage you to raise some funds to help support the continued expansion and improvements to the Erie Cattaraugus rail to trail. So sign up, ask your friends, family and coworkers to donate ( here ), and enjoy a great fall ride! Don't forget to register for the bus shuttle back if you and your bike need a lift back to East Aurora. (2:30 and 4:15 pm departures from Holiday Valley Resort.) REGISTER HERE . VOLUNTEER: We will need volunteers for the start line at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora, three water stops (Colden, Concord and West Valley), course pointers and traffic control on the route, and at the finish line party at Holiday Valley. Volunteers sign up HERE . We’ll be in touch closer to the race date with more specific instructions for your role. DONATE: If you can't join us, you can still help by supporting one of the riders on our registration site here . SPREAD THE WORD! Invite others to join in the fun. Post this link to your social media: givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo , or share this QR code: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo See you on October 3rd! Previous Next