Contents

4 Chamber Benefits

6 Welcome

7 Meet the Chamber

8 BurchFest

10 Chamber Gives Back

11 Demographics

12 West Seneca Exchange

14 Industrial Park News

16 Important Phone Numbers

18 Schools

20 Town Parks

22 Worship

24 Sports Roundup

26 West Seneca Town Band

28 Directory

33 Member Search

Chamber Benefits

The West Seneca Chamber of Commerce:Very busy, extremely affordable

With two to three events scheduled every month and a membership rate that has not increased in more than a decade, the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, is one of the busiest and least expensive chambers in all of Western New York!

In addition to ribbon-cutting events and behind-the-scenes community development work, the West Seneca Chamber hosts multiple networking, educational and vendor opportunities. Then, there are the major annual events the Chamber is involved with, including the Community Awards Dinner, Women In Business Breakfast, Farmers' Market, Golf Tournament, Vendor Showcase, BurchFest, holiday events and more.

Located in the busy West Seneca Community Center & Library at 1300 Union Road, the Chamber also serves as West Seneca's unofficial visitor/information center, Monday through Friday. The business organization is also committed to the community as a whole, supporting other nonprofit organizations annually and sponsoring food and blood drives throughout the year.

Open to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations, Chamber membership carries with it a plethora of benefits, including:

» Increased media exposure

» Exclusive access to weekly e-Newsletter

» Business cards and brochures displayed in Chamber office

» Networking mixers

» Educational meetings

» Informative webinars

» Vendor opportunities

» Business referrals

» Sponsorship opportunities

» Business counseling and start-up assistance

» Economic development assistance

» Annual Community Guide

» Small business advocacy

For more information on the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, please call (716) 674-4900, email [email protected], visit visit westseneca.org or stop by the office, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays.

Welcome

Welcome to the 2025-26 West Seneca Community Guide

What a difference a year makes! There’s been so much going on in West Seneca since our last Community Guide published that I’m not sure where to begin.

First, I’d like to thank our new partners at Town Square Publications for helping us take our Community Guide to the next level. For the first time, they helped us sell ads in this publication and took on design and printing responsibilities as well, and we couldn’t be happier with the final product. Not only is the print version larger than ever in terms of page count, but we now have an online version as well!

Now, let’s talk about our town.

The big news, of course, is the sale of the former Seneca Mall site. While the mall was a great family destination during its lifespan, the property has sat hugely underdeveloped in the more than three decades since the mall was demolished. While many potential development plans were sent to the owners over the years, their response, for whatever reason, was always no.

While Town and Chamber officials could have simply given up, we kept at it and finally saw the “for sale” signs go up on the property late last year. The new owners spent tens of millions of dollars on the property and who knows how much more on traffic studies, environmental studies, etc. They purchased the property with the intent to develop, and multiple stores and restaurants are said to be in the mix.

Property directly across Slade Avenue will also see further development, including the creation of brand new apartments and perhaps some additional commercial offerings.

On the other side of town sits the old Developmental Center property owned by the State of New York. It took a while, but the Chamber earned a seat at the table so that we could offer input on the property that best reflects the wants and needs of our residents. So far, we’ve been pleased with the discussions, but much work remains.

All across town you can see work being done to improve our parks; the addition of new houses, townhouses and apartments; and investment into long-vacant buildings. It’s a great trend, and stay tuned for more.

In a nutshell, people want to move to West Seneca, and developers are taking notice.

Joe Kirchmyer

Executive Director

West Seneca Chamber of Commerce

Meet the Chamber

The West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, is led by an elected, volunteer 11-member board of directors and a staff of two part-time employees. The Chamber currently represents about 310 members made up of local businesses, organizations and individuals.

Executive Board

Tracey McCormick

Chamber President and
owner of NRT Sales

Scott Kaltman

Chamber Vice President and owner of the Scott Kaltman Agency (DBA GEICO)

Paul Tyrpak

Chamber Treasurer and owner of Paul Tyrpak Tax Preparation & Accounting

Janelle Acenowr

Chamber Secretary and Marketing Specialist at Western New York Federal Credit Union 

Board Members

Tony Ando

Chamber Board Member and Vice President/Senior Branch Manager at M&T Bank Southgate Plaza

Allen Dembski

Chamber Board Member and Managing Partner & COO of Buffalo First Wealth Management, LLC

Tim Hartman

Chamber Board Member and owner of Horizon Martial Arts

Maralynn Johnson

Chamber Board Member and owner of Maralynn Johnson Massage Therapy  

Meichle Latham

Chamber Board Member and owner of Meichle Latham, LCSW, PLLC & Meichle Latham, LCSW-R, LLC

Cherie Messore

Chamber Board Member; Executive Manager of Community, Government and Development Relations for Spectrum Health & Human Services; and wordsmith for Write for You Public Relations

Raymond M. Nowicki

Chamber Board Member and former Board President, and owner of Nowicki Special Services Group Inc.

Staff

Joe Kirchmyer

Chamber Executive Director and owner of Kirchmyer Media & Memorabilia LLC

Cheri Forsythe

Community Development Coordinator and owner of Brand Impressions, Inc. 

Burchfest

Arts & Community: BurchFest celebrates life, legacy of artist Charles Burchfield and family

By Joe Kirchmyer

First came Burchfield Park and the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center. Just a few years ago, we built on the legacy left behind by the world-renowned artist and his family by establishing the Charles Burchfield Gardenville District, a walkable arts-tourism corridor consisting of several artistic, historic and educational destinations. Then came BurchFest, a now-annual event that will take place this year on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.

In its third year, BurchFest happens at multiple locations. See what’s at BurchFest 2025:

Charles Burchfield Home & Studio, 3574 Clinton St.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tour the renovated studio of Charles Burchfield, as well as part of the home where he once lived. Multiple prints of his work will also be on display.

Charles Burchfield Nature & Art Center (BNAC) & Burchfield Park
2001 Union Road

BNAC 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., park open dawn until dusk

The Nature & Art Center and surrounding park have several BurchFest offerings planned, including exhibits, displays, hands-on activities, crafts and more.

Christian Metz House, 12 School Street

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

West Seneca’s oldest building will host an informal open house with multiple historic pieces on display.

Fourteen Holy Helpers Church, 1345 Indian Church Road

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteers will give tours of the church and answer questions about the history and displayed artifacts. The church parking lot will also be available for BurchFest attendees. The West Seneca Town Band will perform, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Martha Burchfield Richter Atrium, 1300 Union Road

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Watercolors and Drawings by Martha Burchfield Richter: Works from the Schoene Family,” an exhibition by Burchfield’s daughter Martha, will be on display during BurchFest. It is guest curated by Dr. Gerald Mead.

Painting With A Twist,
1054 Union Road

1 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Burchfield-inspired painting sessions for all ages at the Southgate Plaza, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. An adult class (18+) will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fees apply. Contact the venue to reserve seats.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3512 Clinton Street

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local artists and crafters will participate in a vendor fair, both inside and on the lawn. Plus, food trucks and additional parking for BurchFest attendees.

West Seneca Art Society

Multiple locations and hours

Artists will teach kids, ages 4-10, on how to design a Burchfield-inspired fidget spinner. This class will take place in the Makerspace area of West Seneca Library, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call the library at (716) 674-2928 or stop in to register. Plein air artists from the Art Society and other organizations will be on the BNAC grounds and Buffalo Creek. 

West Seneca Public Library,
1300 Union Road

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The West Seneca Art Society will run a program in the library’s Makerspace area from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 11 a.m., the community room will feature a presentation — Another Look at Charles Burchfield: Stories, Memories and Observations of Charles Burchfield From His Lifelong Neighbors — with Jackie and Joan Albarella. Space is limited and registration is required. Call the library at (716) 674-2928 or stop in to register.

West Seneca Town Band, Fourteen Holy Helpers Church, 1345 Indian Church Road

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The West Seneca Town Band will perform at Fourteen Holy Helpers Church during BurchFest from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

West Seneca Youth & Recreation Department, 1300 Union Road

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Decorate a tree to represent the four seasons using crayons, markers, paint or even recycled materials to bring your vision to life!

WNY Federal Credit Union,
1937 Union Road

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The credit union will showcase a special art exhibit, “Uncovered Treasures: Art from West Seneca's Past.” Parking is available.

For more information, visit westseneca.org. The event is sponsored, in part, by WNY Federal Credit Union and Kloc’s Grove.

“Naturally, it is this community I choose to serve. I was born and raised right here in West Seneca. We have history and a bright future together.”

Brian D. Wirth

Director of Business Development,
Licensed Representative
Clarity Group of NY Inc.

Chamber Gives Back

Did you know that when you support the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, you’re supporting the entire community? Here are just some of the nonprofit organizations that the Chamber partnered with or helped this past year:

» Amana Garden Club

» American Field Service

» American Heart Association

» American Red Cross

» Awesome Paws

» Better Business Bureau

» Be Your Own Hero

» Boy Scouts of America

» Buffalo City Mission

» ConnectLife

» Dog Ears Bookstore

» Ebenezer United Church of Christ

» Erie County Department of Health

» Firemen’s Memorial Exhibit Center

» Fourteen Holy Helpers Church

» Friends of the Burchfield

» Friends of the West Seneca Public Library

» Girl Scouts

» Grace Guest House

» Hearts for the Homeless

» Junior Achievement

» Kids Escaping Drugs

» NYS Department of Veterans Services

»  NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

» Nickel City Canine Rescue

» Parachute Credit Counseling

» Plymouth Crossroads

» Sadie’s Safe Harbor Canine Rescue

» Spectrum Health & Human Services

» St. David’s Episcopal Church

» St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

» St. Peter’s United Church of Christ

» Ten Lives Club

» Veterans Food Pantry

» Vigilant Fire Company

» West Seneca Art Society

» West Seneca Central School District

» West Seneca Christian School

»  West Seneca Civic & Patriotic Commission

» West Seneca Community Food Pantry

» West Seneca Farmers’ Market

» West Seneca Historical Society

» West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee

» West Seneca Kiwanis Club

» West Seneca Lions Club

»  West Seneca Police Benevolent Association

»  West Seneca Recreation Committee

»  West Seneca Rotary Club

»  West Seneca Town Band

»  West Seneca West Sports Boosters

»  West Seneca Woman’s Club

»  WNY Valor

For more information about joining or supporting the Chamber, please call (716) 674-4900, visit westseneca.org, email [email protected] or stop by our office in the West Seneca
Community Center & Library.

Demographics

Population:

West Seneca 45.3k

Erie County 950k

New York State 19.9M

Median Age: 44.3 years

Median Household Income: $75,465

Median Property Value: $215,000

Data from 2023. Source: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/west-seneca-ny

Cost of Living:

West Seneca Index

Cost of living 93

Goods & Services 94

Groceries 97

Health care 101

Housing 87

Transportation 95

Utilities 94

The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. An amount below 100 means West Seneca is cheaper than the U.S. average. A cost of living index above 100 means West Seneca is more expensive. Data from 2023, released Jan 2024

Source: https://www.areavibes.com/west+seneca-ny/cost-of-living/

Distance to Major Cities (by car in miles):

Buffalo 11 mi

Niagara Falls, NY 29 mi

Rochester 75 mi

Toronto, ON 108 mi

Albany 290 mi

New York City 364 mi

Source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/West+Seneca,+NY/@42.839318,-78.7492634,11967m/

West Seneca Exchange:
A Development Decades in the Making

By Cheri Forsythe

The former Seneca Mall site has finally been sold to Benchmark Development Corporation, and the new developer has plans for the long-vacant property, which has been named West Seneca Exchange. Although the details of the plans have not been publicized as of this publication, there are confirmed reports of letters of intent from a large, national retail tenant along with other retailers. This spring, the town board approved the necessary zoning changes, and the owner began finalizing the plans. Now, everyone in town is “patiently” waiting to find out more, and for work to get started. (We know about patience since we’ve been waiting for more than 30 years for this.)

Seneca Mall, at one time a thriving local destination, was demolished in 1994. At the time, the owner planned to redevelop the property, but the plans never materialized, and it has been an eyesore for our town. At the Chamber of Commerce, we have been pushing for that to change. For years, we worked with town officials to present various development opportunities to the management group. Chamber Executive Director Joe Kirchmyer also began contacting the firm on a regular basis regarding the deteriorating state of the property. He emphasized the need for immediate maintenance and future development, eventually including media and town, county, state and federal officials in the correspondence. These efforts paid off when the property was listed for sale last summer.

The area to be developed encompasses 55 acres. A seven-acre portion that features a Tops Friendly Market was recently sold as well and will continue to be leased by the supermarket. Moreover, the former bank building at this site was purchased by Community Bank and opened in June 2025. We look forward to new beginnings at this prominent location in our town.

Cheri Forsythe is community development coordinator at the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce.

Manufacturing Growth In the Industrial Park and Beyond

By Cheri Forsythe

The North America Center, West Seneca’s industrial park located off Union Road just north of the entrance to Route 400, is home to various manufacturing and warehousing operations. The park has seen many updates and expansions recently, with more in the works.

Recent Improvements
»  Raine Logistics constructed its building a few years ago. It is a specialty trucking and transportation company that handles shipments that most trucking companies cannot handle.

»  Palmer Food Services opened a small kitchen operation in the Conway Beam Truck Group building. This locally-based broadline foodservice company has offices in Rochester and Utica, N.Y.

»  CPI Process Systems, an industrial equipment supplier, completed a recent expansion in 2024.

»  Worksport, manufacturer of truck tonneau covers, opened its West Seneca facility in 2022, and moved its headquarters here (from Ontario, Canada) in 2023. The company is currently developing solar covers to generate portable power on demand.

»  Generate Upcycle (formerly Quasar) operates waste-to-value facilities for food waste, compost and wastewater across North America and Europe. The company is an organic waste recycling company that transforms waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizers. Its West Seneca facility just underwent major upgrades, including a change-out of all equipment.

Coming Soon

»  UNC Dairy (formerly Upstate Niagara Cooperative) purchased the parcel behind its current facility, with plans for an expansion that will add 100+ jobs.

»  Erie County Water Authority will be moving all of its operations to the large parcel that it owns in the industrial park.

»  Sonwil has been approved to build a new warehouse on a large parcel it owns. This property is to the east of the company’s current distribution center on North America Drive.

Of course, the North America Center is not the only location seeing manufacturing growth in town. Another example can be found on Clinton Street, where Rosina Food Products is expanding again and Agile Cold Storage is building next door. Rosina opened its meatball facility here in December 2021, and is planning a $30 million expansion to meet demand for its product line. When Agile completes its facility later this year, Rosina will be its main tenant.

It is exciting to see so much industrial growth in West Seneca. This creates jobs and adds to our tax base to provide services to residents. West Seneca truly is a great place to live and work!

Cheri Forsythe is community development coordinator for the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce.

"We enjoy doing business in West Seneca because it is full of people who truly care about others and their surrounding communities. We also enjoy the support from our fellow West Seneca businesses, and building relationships throughout our community."

Dr. Mohamed Munassar

Chiropractor

Chiro First Wellness Center

Important Phone Numbers

Town of West Seneca (716)

Assessors Office 558-3210

Code Enforcement 558-3242

Dog Control 823-2988

Engineering Department 558-3220

Finance Department 558-3208

Highway Department 674-4850

Historical Society Museum 674-4283

Police Department 674-2280

Recreation Department 674-6086

Senior Services 675-9288

Supervisor's Office 558-3202

Town Attorney 558-3240

Town Clerk/Receiver of Taxes 558-3215

Town Justices 558-3246

Web westseneca.net

Erie County (716)

Erie County Auto Bureau 858-7450

Erie County Clerk 858-8785

Erie County Comptroller 858-8400

Erie County District Attorney 858-2400

Erie County Executive 858-8500

Erie County Sheriff 858-7618

General Information 858-6000

Legislator Lindsay Lorigo 858-8922

Web erie.gov

New York State (716)

Assemblyman Patrick Burke 608-6099

Senator Patrick Gallivan 656-8544

Federal (716)

Congressman Tim Kennedy 852-3501

Congressman Nick Langworthy 547-6844

Emergency 911

Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Miscellaneous (716)

West Seneca Art Society [email protected]

West Seneca Central School District 677-3100

West Seneca Chamber of Commerce 674-4900

westseneca.org

West Seneca Civic & Patriotic Commission 472-2018

West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee 867-4220

West Seneca Kiwanis Club 771-0799

West Seneca Lions Club 608-5364

West Seneca PBA 308-6026

West Seneca Post Office 675-3672

West Seneca Public Library 674-2928

West Seneca Rotary Club (585) 329-1198

West Seneca Woman’s Club 825-2069

Schools

Outstanding Educational Opportunities in West Seneca

From Pre-K through high school, West Seneca’s schools offer educational opportunities that are among the very best in Western New York! Our community has a variety of high-achieving schools that will provide an excellent education while molding your children to become West Seneca’s future homeowners, businesspeople and community leaders.

WEST SENECA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The mission of the West Seneca Central School District is to provide a diversified educational program which will produce literate, caring, ethical, responsible and productive citizens who are capable of adapting to change.

School District Office

900 Mill Road

(716) 677-3100

wscschools.org

Elementary Schools

Allendale Elementary School

1399 Orchard Park Road

677-3660

Clinton Street Elementary School

4100 Clinton Street

677-3620

Northwood Elementary School

250 Northwood Avenue

677-3640

West Elementary School

1397 Orchard Park Road

677-3250

Winchester-Potters Elementary School

675 Potters Road

677-3580

Middle Schools

East Middle School

1445 Center Road

677-3530

West Middle School

395 Center Road

677-3500

High Schools

East Senior High School

4760 Seneca Street

677-3300

West Senior High School

3330 Seneca Street

677-3350

ERIE 1 BOCES

355 Harlem Road

821-7000

WEST SENECA AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Center Road Christian Academy

412 Center Road

675-6545

Queen of Heaven School

839 Mill Road

674-5206

Trinity Christian School

146 Reserve Road

674-5353

West Seneca Christian School

511 Union Road

674-1820

Town Parks

Spend the Day in West Seneca’s Beautiful Parks

West Seneca continues to invest in its incredible parks system, making them even more accessible to residents and visitors alike!

Following is a list of the many parks conveniently located throughout our town. Please note that parks are open from dawn to dusk, and that alcohol is not permitted in any park. To reserve a shelter, baseball/softball diamond, soccer field, etc., please call the Youth & Recreation Department at 674-6086 for information.

Black Bridge Park (aka Boy Scout Park)

644 Indian Church Road

Amenities: Fishing

Burchfield Park

2001 Union Road

Amenities: Playground, restrooms, walking path, United Way Born Learning Trail, fishing, dog mitts

Carriage Park

W. Carriage Park

Amenities: Playground

Children’s Memorial Park

End of Briarhill Drive

Amenities: Playground, shelter, ball diamond, basketball, dog mitts

Dirkson Playground

Dirkson Avenue & Harlem Road
Neighborhood

Amenities: Inclusive Playground,
basketball, multi-sport court, ball diamond, shelter, dog mitts

Dorrance Playground

Dorrance Avenue

Amenities: Playground, shelter, ball diamond, basketball, dog mitts

Firemen’s Park

1190 East & West Road

Amenities: Inclusive playground, restrooms, shelter, ball diamonds, basketball, tennis courts, pickleball, street hockey, dog mitts

Fisher Road Park

499 Fisher Road

Amenities: Inclusive playground, shelter, basketball

Harlem Road Park

211 Harlem Road

Amenities: Playground, bike pump track, restrooms, walking path, ball diamonds, basketball, disc golf, dog mitts

Mill Road Park

733 Mill Road

Amenities: Shelter, fishing, dog mitts

Soccer Complex

3745 Seneca St.

Amenities: Playground, restrooms, walking path, shelter, soccer fields, basketball, dog mitts, Fitness Court

Sunshine Park

1750 East & West Road

Amenities: Inclusive playground, restrooms, walking path, shelter, ball diamonds, basketball, sledding hill,
dog mitts

Switzer Park

Knox Avenue

Amenities: Playground, shelter, ball diamonds, basketball, exercise stations, walking path, dog mitts

Tim Russert Park

324 Indian Church Road

Amenities: Playground, walking path, United Way Born Learning Trail, shelter, dog mitts

Veterans Park

1250 Union Road

Amenities: Inclusive playground, restrooms, shelter, ball diamonds, basketball, library, ice rink, community center, pool, splash pad, band shell, Walkway of Freedom, seasonal farmers’ market

Westgate Playground

Chippewa Court

Amenities: Playground, shelter, basketball

For more information on our parks, please visit https://westsenecany.myrec.com/info/facilities/default.aspx.

"Our consistent growth in West Seneca has been enabled by the business-friendly local government, and the community which has embraced our mission of on-demand dental care!"

Dr. Thomas Sansone

Founder

Urgent Dental Care

Worship

Churches & Places of Worship

Agape United Methodist Church

2846 Seneca St.

(716) 825-8745

Blessed Hope Baptist Church

33 Mill Road

(716) 449-0590

blessedhopebc.com

Center Road Baptist Church

412 Center Road

(716) 675-6545

centerroadbaptist.com

Ebenezer United Church of Christ

630 Main St.

(716) 674-4566

ebenezerucc.church

Fellowship Wesleyan Church

1645 Southwestern Blvd.

(716) 675-9245

fellowshipwesleyan.org

First Baptist Church of West Seneca

511 Union Road

(716) 674-1816

fbws.org

Fourteen Holy Helpers Church

1345 Indian Church Road

(716) 674-2374

14hh.org

Life Church Buffalo

4928 Seneca St.

(716) 675-5433

lifechurchbuffalo.com

Northpoint Free Will Baptist Church

3615 Seneca St.

(716) 671-2331

npchurchdepew.com

Queen of Heaven R.C. Church

4220 Seneca St.

(716) 674-3468

qofhchurch.org

Springbrook Bible Chapel

390 Center Road

(716) 675-6375

springbrookbiblechapel.com

St. David’s Episcopal Church

3951 Seneca St.

(716) 674-4670

stdavidepiscopalchurch.org

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

3512 Clinton St.

(716) 668-2152

saintjohnsws.org

St. John XXIII Church

1 Arcade St.

(716) 823-1090

stjohn23.com 

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ

1475 Orchard Park Road

(716) 674-1233

st-petersucc.org 

The Well Buffalo

2784 Seneca St.

(716) 404-9355

thewellbuffalo.com

Trinity Lutheran Church

146 Reserve Road

(716) 674-9188

trinitywestseneca.com

Winchester Community Church

909 Harlem Road

(716) 824-2900

wincc.org

“West Seneca, specifically North America Drive, is very convenient and is a nice setting. It’s different than many industrial parks. Being right off the 400 near the intersection of the 90 makes the commute simple for our employees. We have a handful of customers who visit us every year and they are always impressed with the friendly atmosphere.
I know my family enjoys it too!”

Andy Christie

President

CPI Process Systems

Sports Roundup

Meet West Seneca’s Olympic Medalist, All-American football player, and three-time NLL champion

Matt Anderson

USAVolleyball

Olympian 2012, 2016, 2021, 2024

Team: Men’s National Team

Position: Opposite/Outside Hitter

Height: 6-10

Jersey Number: 1

Hometown: West Seneca

High School: West Seneca West, Class of 2005

College: Penn State

Career Highlight: 2-time Olympic Bronze Medalist

Up Next: A gold medal at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles?

Shaun Dolac

UB Bulls Football, signed by the Los Angeles Rams

Position: Linebacker

College Jersey Number: 52

Hometown: West Seneca

High School: West Seneca East, Class of 2019

College: University at Buffalo

College Highlight: Program’s first Consensus All-American

Up Next: Hopefully a long NFL career!

Lauren (Kirchmyer) Harvey

Buffalo Bandettes/Buffalo Bandits

Position: Buffalo Bandettes
Coordinator/Coach/Choreographer

Hometown: West Seneca

High School: West Seneca West, Class of 2009

College: Buffalo State

Career Highlight: 3-time National Lacrosse League Champion/three championship rings

Up Next: A championship ring for every finger?

West Seneca Town Band

Music to our ears for over 100 years

By Daniel Schroeder

It was July 4, 1962, at West Seneca’s Independence Day parade. Leading the parade, the Town Band was nearing my vantage point on Seneca Street near Harlem Road (just across from Russ’s Delicatessen). At the forefront of the band, the drum major marched purposefully, swinging his mace from his shoulder to the top of his bearskin hat in time with the music. I was surprised that I recognized him. It was Byron Schottin, whom I had known as the principal of West Seneca High School (aka West Seneca West), from which I had recently graduated.

While I was surprised to see my principal leading the parade, as I thought about it, Mr. Schottin’s leadership within the academic community was completely compatible with his position in West Seneca’s official band. Both were positions of civic responsibility. The realization came to me that the services that people like Mr. Schottin perform are the glue that melds the discrete parts of a community – its history, education, arts, commerce and government – into a distinctive whole, a place where people are proud to live.

According to a short history that long-time Music Director Clarence Hopper composed for the West Seneca Historical Society, the Town Band originated as The Citizens Band of Gardenville about the time of the Civil War. By the turn of the century, Clarence’s uncles Louis and William were playing trumpet, and about 1912, his father “Hap” Hopper, at age 15, joined them on baritone horn. In the 1920s the band, now known as the Columbia Concert Band, performed at the Columbia Race Track in the Seneca Street/city line area. During the 1920s, the band, now-led by “Hap” Hopper, cycled through various names according to its sponsorship: The Oddfellows Band, Orioles Band, American Legion Band and Vigilant Fire Company Band.

Upon his father's retirement in the 1950s, Clarence assumed the band's leadership. By the time Clarence reluctantly retired at age 92, he had become synonymous with what was now-called The Band of West Seneca.

I joined as a tuba player in 1990. By then, the band was still performing at many park concerts, church lawn fetes and patriotic events in West Seneca and all over the county. Old stalwarts like Mr. Schottin had long passed on, but we continued to perform in parades, riding on a 35-foot trailer built by one of our members (which, we found out later, Clarence had never bothered to register with the DMV). We rehearsed in a modified barn in the rear of the Hopper residence on Union Road near Clinton Street.

Hopper not only served as our conductor, booking agent, treasurer, librarian and personnel manager, but he also held similar positions with the Shriners Band, which was the same group of musicians wearing different colored shirts. His resolve remained strong, but as Clarence’s health and abilities declined, so did our membership and number of performances. After our last parade under Clarence’s baton at the Erie County Fair Firemen's Day in 2014, it was clear that changes were needed if the band was to survive.

We found a temporary rehearsal space and an interim conductor, West Seneca West Band Director John Blickwedehl. We began the slow process of increasing our membership, improving our musicianship, seeking more performance opportunities and purchasing new equipment (aided by a significant bequest from Clarence's estate). Under the musical direction of Angela Antersol for several years, we made great strides in all of those areas. This season we are welcoming a new leader, Myles Kifner, who we believe will lead us farther along the path to becoming a band worthy of its name, the West Seneca Town Band.

Although probably impossible to confirm, the West Seneca Town Band is certainly one of the oldest continuously performing community bands in the country! The band holds Monday evening rehearsals at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 630 Main St., West Seneca. instrumentalists of all skill levels are welcomed. For information, see our website (https://westseneca.org/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WestSenecaChamberofCommerce/).