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Sneak PeekInside this Issue...
See “PeNGUIN” PaGe 11
Advertise All Your Upcoming Attractions &
Events Here Call: 716-699-2058
Email: [email protected]
Area Events
For more information on NY Parks visit parks.ny.gov
BLACK HISTORY MONTHFebruary 1st - February 28th
Across the United States
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESSFebruary 17th - February 22nd
Across the United States
LETCHWORTH STATE PARKOpen Daily • Till Dusk
Letchworth State Park, Castille
LONG POINT STATE PARKOpen Daily • Till Dusk
4459 NY-430, Bemus Point
KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARKOpen Daily • 8-4pm
296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett
ALLEGANY STATE PARKOpen Daily • 24 Hours
Allegany State Park, Salamanca
NANNEN ARBORETUMOpen Daily • Till Dusk
Town of Ellicottville, Ellicottville
EVL VILLAGE PARKOpen Daily • Till Dusk
Village of Ellicottville, Ellicottville
MIDWAY STATE PARKOpen Mon-Fri • 8-4:30pm4859 NY-430, Bemus
Point
GRIFFIS SCULPTURE PARKOpen Daily, Till Dusk
Mill Valley Rd, East Otto
AMERICAN HEART MONTHFebruary 1st - February 28th
Across the United States
SCOBY DAM PARKOpen Daily, Till Dusk
Scoby Hill Road, Springville
ROCK CITY PARKOpen Daily • 9-5pm505 NY-16, Olean
See “CCIDa” PaGe 14
See “SPORTS” PaGe 15 See “SLOPeSIDe” PaGe 14
Celebrating Valentine’s Day8 Types of Love to Embrace Including
Family & Pets
Frozen Feet Around Cassadaga Lake... Pg. 9
See “GROUNDHOG” PaGe 10See “VaLeNTINe” PaGe 8
2nd Annual 50K, This Saturday, Feb. 6 in Cassadaga
USPS, UPS or FedEx.. Pg. 12History of Differences Between
Available Shipping Methods
Holiday Valley’s Adaptive Ski Program FundraiserVirtual Penguin
Paddle 2021
How a Movie Made a Small Town Famous
February 4th - February 10th, 2021 Volume 16 ~ Issue 5A FREE
Weekly Publication Serving Ellicottville and Surrounding
Communities
Visit our website at: www.thevillagerny.comCHQ-CaTT CO’S
COmmUNITy NewSPaPeRFREE
BEAT ON THE STREET:.......PAGE 13
Groundhog Digs Up More Snow
Can-Am Boarder Predicted to Open in FallHoliday Valley Builds
New Lift
Many Activities Approved to Resume Feb. 1
Play On Western New York
Cassadaga will be hosting the 2nd annual 50K as part of the
Winter Festival on Saturday February 6th.
EVL Chamber Spotlight: SlopesideBar & BBQ, Long Line of
Family Business
Shipping and delivering to and from homes and businesses has
always been vital to daily life and operations. Packages, whether
care packages from family or large orders of merchandise, have to
be passed along somehow from their point of origin to their
intended final destination.
By carOL fishEr-Linn
Whether you are single, unattached, or very much into a
relationship, this is the day to celebrate. Please don’t forget to
love on your parents, your children and your faithful pets, too.
Tina Turner asked, “What’s love got to do with it?” Just ask Adam
and Eve who might have lived and loved forever had it not been for
that darned bite of apple - (think Eden 209,000 years ago,
according to Dr. Eran Elhaik from the University of Sheffield and
by Professor
Dan Grauer from the University of Houston and the Tel Aviv
University); Antony and Cleopatra (think the ultimate: dying for
love - one by sword and one by asp bite) 41BC to 30BC; Shah Jahan
and Mumtaz Mahal (think a wee memorial to their love called the Taj
Mahal - 1600’s); Romeo and Juliet (think star-crossed lovers caught
in a blood feud between the Montagues and the Capulets. Doesn’t end
well - 1600’s);
By shELBy TOTh
On Tuesday morning, February 2, 7:25am, Punxsutawney Phil
decreed that we will endure six more weeks of winter. This marked
the 135th celebration of Groundhog’s Day, and of course, the first
event with very few
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club makes regular appearances in The
Mardi Gras Day Parade in Ellicottville. They were sponsored by The
Villager Newspaper for many years. Pictured here in Ellicottville’s
2019 parade is the club’s former President Bill Deeley (far left)
and current handler.
Bottom terminal of New Yodeler Quad to be built this year. (See
full story page 5.)
spectators in the crowd. Thankfully for Phil and his handlers,
aka The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, virtual turnout for the event
was fantastic. The live YouTube feed garnered over 250,000 views,
and the Club’s
By JEssica schuLTz, sTaff WriTEr
Still living through the pandemic, a lot of regular events are
postponed or sitting in limbo, have no fear, Holiday Valley and the
Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program are still bringing the
By JEssica MiLLEr
Not so long-ago, most activities had to be postponed or modified
to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Workplaces, schools, and
hobbies adapted their practices when able and paused when they
couldn’t. Now that time has passed and more is understood about
coronavirus prevention, many pastimes can be safely resumed. Some
team sports have just been approved to resume in Cattaraugus and
Chautauqua counties, much to the delight of athletes and fans
alike. The Chautauqua County Health Department and the Cattaraugus
County Health Department will be
By shELBy TOTh
The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency held their
Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, February 2. The group had
multiple projects to discuss, with the last on the list taking up a
bulk of the meeting’s time. First on the agenda was a new proposal
for a new 5.0 MW
Community Solar Installation in Otto. The group proposing the
project is Dimension Energy, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. The IDA
Board from the Town of Otto has received a letter of support, and
the group voted to set a public hearing for this project in roughly
12 to 13 days. The Board then moved to passing a resolution for a
prior application.
By casEy BarBEr
Slopeside Bar & BBQ is a must stop at 6089 Route 219 in
Ellicottville! Located directly next to Holiday Valley Resort, you
will find delicious food and drinks with large screen TVs to watch
live sporting events. You can’t beat that! I recently caught up
with Katelyn Tekavec, who owns Slopeside with her husband, Bob
Tekavec. Check out the interview! The Villager (V): What inspired
you and your husband, Bob, to open Slopeside Bar & BBQ? Katelyn
Tekavec (K): Ultimately, I would say
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February 4 - February 10, 2021 ~ The Villager ~ ~ The Villager ~
February 4 - February 10, 2021 Page 2
Publisher’s Word“Great Things In Store!”
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Karen MockManager, RE Broker Cell: 716-818-3200
David Blanchard Associate RE Broker Cell: 716-474-7024
Caitlin Croft RE Salesperson
Cell: 716-440-7933
Margaret Kandefer RE Salesperson
Cell: 716-244-0608
James Pierce RE Salesperson
Cell: 716-904-0394
Brooke Szpaicher RE Salesperson
Cell: 716-244-7752
12 Monroe Street Ellicottville, NY 14731
Office: 716-699-8888
Happy BirthdayDrew Cerza “Wing King”... February 5th •
Katherine McIntosh... February 5th • Megan Merzac... February
6th •Sarah Bartz Smith... February 6th • Ryan Campbell... February
7th •
Annie Widger... February 7th • Bill Brown... February 7th •Jimmy
Curtis... February 7th • Sue O’Neil... February 8th •
Katie Jane Clark... February 8th • Cassandra Felt-Hawkins...
February 16th •Mary Vahl... February 17th • Laurie Dux... February
17th •Craig Hall... February 17th • Anna Solar... February 18th
•
Stacy McCarragher... February 18th • Luan Bobinchuck.. February
18th • Scott Campbell... February 19th • Laura Kohler... February
20th •Kathy Ahlstrom... February 20th • Bill Reading... February
22nd •
June Gatewood Zipp... February 22nd
2021/2022 Directory
(716) 699-91439 e. Washington St, Ellicottville NY
Open for cocktails & light foodFriday & Saturday
5-12pm
Featuring Cocktails • Lounge Village Seeks Applicants
Important Message
The Village of Ellicottville will be accepting applications for
a full time position in our Public Works Department. Please call
716-498-4140 for application information.
Town Board Meetings will not be open in person to the public
until further notice. You may join by telephone by calling:
978-990-5297 Passcode: 678680
34 Washington St., Ellicottville NY
716-699-4695howardhanna.com/communities/ellicottville-ny
Little Valley Cold SpringWooded 8.21 acres just outside
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3 bth Village home on 1/3 acre!MLS#B1307824...$360,000
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Jennifer GlatzLic. Real Estate Salesperson
Sandy GoodeLic. R.E. Assoc.
Broker, Mgr
Andree McRaeLic. Assoc. Real Estate Broker
Carol ThomasLic. Assoc. Real Estate Broker
Rick JacksonLic. Assoc. Real Estate Broker
Tina DillonLic. Real Estate Salesperson
Matthew LaRusch716-651-5626
Jan McHughLic. Real Estate Salesperson
Lyndon
This 3 bdrm ranch on just under 3 acres was only on the
market a short time! MLS#B1298704...$80,000
LeonBeautiful 4 bdrm 2.5 bth
farmhouse on 41+ acres! Home was on the market for 8 days!
MLS#B1306333...$329,900
Pay mortgage w/rental income from duplex! Easily converted back
to single-family home. MLS# B1287486...$51,900
FranklinvilleLovingly cared for home w/adequate space for a
group or
looking for Village living.MLS#B1303430...$285,000
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MUST SEE ! Beautiful, well kept, updated two story 4 bdrm
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Great Valley
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Open 7 Days a Week • Serving all of Western New York
Fitness & Wellness Center
5A Park Avenue, Ellicottville NY 14731 (off Rockwell Avenue)
716-699-1100
Healthier You. A Better You. Affordable Memberships • Classes •
Bootcamps • Personal Training • Massage Services • Chiropractic
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Nettie’s Beaded EarringsOnohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center Features
Beadwork of Nettie Hepner
Today, we continue to feature more work from Hodinöhsö:ni’
artists and craftspeople. For the next couple weeks we will be
sharing beautiful beadwork by Nettie Hepner, owner of Netties
Beaded Earrings. Nettie is Seneca, Wolf Clan from the Allegany
Territory. Nettie began beading around the age of 12, after
attending the Veteran’s Pow Wow in Salamanca, New York. During the
Pow Wow, she states, “I ran into my Seneca language teacher (Tom
Printup). He had a stand set up; he was selling beads. I was so
attracted to all the different sparkly colors, varieties and
textures of beads. I asked him if he could help me pick out some of
the basic materials I would need to get started. Although
beading proved to be much more challenging than I had
anticipated. I tried so hard for months. Still, I couldn’t finish a
single project!” After about a year of “becoming so good at making
knots”, her grandma Maxine Dowler told her about a class at the
Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. She continues, “I believe the
class was taught by a lady named Kathy Mitchell. It was a 3-day
class on barrette making. She was so encouraging! I FINISHED my
first beaded project! It was a little pink hair barrette! It was
far from perfect but I actually finished! I was so proud of that
barrette! I actually still have it today!” A year later Nettie
found herself back at the Veterans
Pow Wow where she purchased a pair of brick stitch earrings. She
explains, “I brought them home and studied them. I eventually
ripped them apart bead by bead. I figured out how to make my very
own pair”. Nettie began making earrings for family members and
started selling her work. After a few years she started getting
more confident. She tells us, “I started going to Charla Bach’s
beading group. I met a lot of talented ladies! Charla used to pick
on me all the time saying, “You didn’t make that!” she was a
character that lady! Before I knew it people would come from all
over asking for my work! I needed a business name. I had one very
loyal customer who always referred to her earrings as her
“Netties”. I absolutely loved that! That’s where I got my name
“Netties Beaded Earrings”…I have sold thousands of different pairs
of earrings and projects. There are people from all over the world
who own my jewelry. From Mexico to Alaska and so much more!” Today,
Nettie has a large display at Mongillo Jewelers 10x the size of
when she first started with much more than just earrings. You can
see more of her work on Facebook at facebook.com/nettiegretti
National Technical Honor SocietyCABOCES Announces Students
Inducted in 2021
Olean, NY – January 29, 2021 – Twelve Career and Technical
Education (CTE) students from the CA BOCES CTE Center at Olean were
inducted last week into the National Technical Honor Society in a
special ceremony. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)
exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in
Career & Technical Education. As the honor society for Career
& Technical Education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members
annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across
country. Since its founding in 1984, nearly 1 million students have
become NTHS alumni. NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE
students, provides close to $300,000 in scholarships annually, and
strives to help connect education and industry to build a highly
skilled workforce. CA BOCES Media Communications Technology
teacher, Amber Christensen, organized the event and said that year
after year it is a high point for students and their
families. “While we had to change our ceremony a bit due to
COVID-19 regulations, we wanted to make sure to honor these
students who work so hard to learn skills in their respective
fields and who look forward to this special event.” CA BOCES CTE
Center at Olean Principal, Cory Pecorella, said that he is proud of
the new inductees and the opportunities that come from membership
in the NTHS. “These students work so hard,” he said. “Their
induction tonight will allow them to be connected to an
organization that focuses specifically on helping students achieve
their goals in future CTE education and careers.” New inductees
included: Kaidyn West, Media Communications Technology, Olean
Damien Sorvillo, Media Communications Technology, Portville Destiny
Rung, Audio Visual Productions, Portville Lucas Smith, Criminal
Justice, Portville Jordyn Harasta, Medical Professions,
Franklinville
Maria DeGiglio, Medical Professions, Allegany-Limestone Brooke
DeYoe, Early Childhood Education and Human Services, Portville
Haylee Jozwiak, Criminal Justice, Hinsdale Cheyenne Herrick,
Cosmetology, Hinsdale Hannah DeArmitt, Criminal Justice, Olean
Nathan Armstrong, Audio Visual Productions, Hinsdale Alyssa
Bushnell, Early Childhood Education and Human Services, Portville
As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers
state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as
well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school
districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum
potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and
support that include special education, career and technical
education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and
instructional support services. To learn more, caboces.org.
Drug Free Communities GrantSpringville Reg. Service Coalition
Gets $600K for Substance Abuse Prevention
Springville, NY—The Springville Regional Service Coalition has
been awarded a five-year, $600,000 federal grant provided through
the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. Collaboratively,
coalition partners from The John R. Oishei Foundation’s Mobile
Safety-Net Team, WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse, the
National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Prevention Resource
Center, the Rural Outreach Center and the Springville Griffith
Institute School District formed the grant writing sub-committee of
the coalition. “The Village of Springville is extremely fortunate
that the Drug Free Communities Grant was awarded to Springville
Regional Service Coalition,” said Village of Springville Mayor
William Krebs. “The Coalition working with the John R. Oishei
Foundation and other regional groups has identified local drug
problems, and now funded a program to target these problems in our
Village. This is a good example of how partnership improves a
Village. On behalf of the Village I extend our thanks to Community
Coordinator Annie Todd and the entire Springville Regional
Service
Coalition.” The Drug-Free Communities Support Program was
created in 1997 by the Drug-Free Communities Act to help
communities combat local youth substance abuse by providing them
with federal grants. The program is administered by the Office of
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and managed by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About the Springville
Regional Service Coalition (SRSC) The Springville Regional Service
Coalition unites human resource
providers, public service organizations and individuals to
improve the quality of life, including the prevention of substance
abuse for youth, for the greater Springville community by
facilitating cooperation, collaboration, communication and creation
of initiatives. For more information about the Drug Free
Communities grant or the Springville Regional Service Coalition,
please contact: Annie Todd, Community Impact Coordinator at the
Mobile Safety-Net Team, at (716) 553-7803 or [email protected].
Representatives from the Springville Regional Service Coalition
and the greater Springville community assemble for the announcement
of the $600,000 federal grant provided through the Drug Free
Communities (DFC) Support Program.
CRCF Scholarship ApplicationsStudents Can Apply for Catt. Region
Comm. Foundation Scholarships, Feb. 1st
OLEAN, N.Y., January 18, 2021 — The Cattaraugus Region Community
Foundation will open its scholarship application process to area
students February 1. Students can apply using the online
scholarship portal at cattfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarships.
Students can complete one common scholarship application to become
eligible for awards from some 65-scholarship funds. Scholarships
are available to students throughout the region (including,
depending on the criteria of each fund, Cattaraugus, Allegany,
Chautauqua and McKean (PA) counties) for a multitude of interests
and career/
educational goals. Awards are available to students at specific
high schools, students with different majors, students with
different career goals and more. New awards year include: Robert E.
Hull VMD Memorial Scholarship – first preference for minority or
female Olean High School students, Nelson M. Beard Memorial
Scholarship – for graduating Salamanca High School students, Tim
Bushnell Memorial Scholarship – for graduating Olean High and
Portville Central School Graduates, Ginger D. Schroder Legislative
Scholarship – for a graduating high school student residing in
Cattaraugus County Legislative District 3 who will
pursue a trade degree or 2-or 4-year college degree. Kathy
Jowsey Spirit Memorial Scholarship – for graduating Ten Broeck
Academy/Franklinville Central School graduating students who have
worked hard academically and embody school spirit. Applicants will
apply entirely online and submit supporting documentation such as
transcripts and recommendations from chosen references using the
online portal. Applications must be completed and submitted by
April 1. Students and parents may contact CRCF Database and Donor
Services Manager at [email protected] or 716-301-2723.
I’m looking forward to an extended winter season (Thanks
Punxsutawney Phil!) and the upcoming President’s Day long weekend
at the end of next week! It’s great that President’s Day coincides
with Valentine’s Day, leaving no room for excuse not to take the
time to
pamper yourself and the ones that you love. We have some
insightful information about the romantic Valentine’s holiday on
the cover this week, as well as of our neighboring furry friend
Phil.
The weekend upon us is staged to be a good one as well with
Super Bowl Sunday taking the stage. Whether you’re a Kansas City
Chiefs or (cough, cough) a Tom Brady fan, Super Bowl Sunday is a
day to celebrate! And don’t forget the best part of the game on
Sunday – THE COMMERCIALS! Speaking of commercials, The Villager
group offers a one-stop media shop for all your advertising needs
(shameless plug). If you are looking to get your name in clients’
hands, please feel free to drop me a line at
[email protected]. Until next week, enjoy the read and the big
game!… JCZ
http://kw.comhttp://teampritchard.comhttp://ellicottvillehomes.comhttp://www.dinas.comhttp://www.dinas.comhttp://www.ellicottvilledave.comhttp://www.tinadillon.nethttp://www.howardhanna.commailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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February 4 - February 10, 2021 Page 5
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Holiday Valley Patrol Spotlight:Don Meyer, 27 Years On the Ski
Patrol
Holiday Valley Weekly Update:New Yodeler Lift: COMING SOON
Get the Look at
Dry Goods
17 Washington Street, Ellicottville NY • 699-2293 •
www.daffevl.com
5 Monroe Street, Ellicottville • (716) 699-2054Open Daily.
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The
HoliMont UpdatesTeaching Tips for Terrific Tots
See “DON” PG 5
cOnT. frOM Pg 4
Don
By TraVis WiDgEr anD Dan BaLkin
Our HoliMont Snowsports Director, Travis Widger, is co-author of
this week’s column. Travis is the fourth generation of Widgers
skiing in Ellicottville. Great grandfather Jack helped clear
Ellicottville’s original ski slope, Greer Hill. His grandfather
Pete Widger was the Director of the Holiday Valley Ski School and
long-time GM at HoliMont. At one time, Travis’s dad Mike Widger ran
the Racing Program at Holiday Valley, and Travis’s cousin Jack
Widger was the Race Director at HoliMont. As you might surmise from
such a storied skiing history, running into a member of the Widger
clan at Tops and asking about skiing is akin to someone bumping
into DaVinci in Renaissance era Rome and saying “Leonardo, how’s it
going with those paintings?” Skiing runs in the Widger family’s
veins. Travis came up with the idea for an article about how to
teach toddlers how to ski. This is not a theoretical exercise for
Travis. He and his wife Laura
By hEaThEr canTiE “I was skiing with a friend and they mentioned
they were going to do it, and I decided to give it a try,” said Don
Meyer of his decision 27 years ago to join Holiday Valley Safety
Patrol. “Plus, my son was just about run over by a skier when he
was five, so that prompted me to go in that direction.” His son
made it through the near miss and became a HV ski instructor while
he was going to the University at Buffalo. Don relocated from
Connecticut to work in Olean at Dresser-Rand, and stayed there for
43 years before retiring in May. He has a degree in Mechanical
Engineering, and then got another in Information Technology. “I
graduated to the office eight or ten years ago. I take care of the
computers,” he said. “We were writing things down, like when we
come and go, and then putting it into an Excel spreadsheet.” So,
Don used his IT knowledge, wrote a program to keep track of all
things Safety Patrol. “There
are living it with their young ski family of Luty (2), Finn (4),
and Jack (6). Travis had great insights about the entire ski
experience for tots, not just how to get them turning. The ski
experience starts at home: The first pair of skis Travis acquired
for his kids were hand-me-downs from LL Bean. They were simple
plastic skis with a single strap on each ski that snow boots could
slide under to loosely secure the toddler to the skis. These skis
familiarize kids with the greatest of humankind’s inventions – snow
skis. The kids were set loose to clomp around the house and the
snowy back yard. Travis then acquired real (teeny tiny) ski boots
for his kids and just let them wear them around in the house. With
these experiences, kids feel more at ease when they come to the ski
area with real equipment for the first time. What age to start at
the ski area? Travis: “If they can walk, they can ski. Don’t give
the kids too many options – just go skiing. Even if it’s just one
run, make it happen.” At first, you can start by just
is a computer in the office and each patroller will log in and
log out and it spits out a report. The computer program keeps
tracks of their lockers, their coats, the National Ski Patrol
training requirements they have to complete, and the shifts they
work at the cook-outs. And HV gets a benefit from better record
keeping with a reduction in insurance!” Safety Patrol has been
using his program since 2007. “I make the schedule of everyone’s
shifts and the program tracks when they
holding the kids between your legs. The idea is to familiarize
the kids with the experience of sliding on skis. Travis: “For the
first experience, pick the day – the day matters – do it on a day
when the sun shines.” Travis is obviously saying to make sure you
have all the positive factors in play to turn your kids onto
skiing. Travis: “Give the kids some leeway, when they’re done,
they’re done.” The next part was also great, a philosophy of life,
not just skiing. Travis: “Let them struggle – put on their own
boots and ski clothes, carry their own skis, get up on their own.”
Music to Travis’s ears: “Let me do it on my own dad.” Nice. Travis
said to forget about teaching. Have the kids try to model what you
do (obviously skiing in a wedge, or what we call a “pizza” with the
kids at first, with the toes pointed in and the heels splayed out).
Travis also said, “Priority Number 1 – just have fun!” Travis
recalled that his dad would say to him, “Look at the bear on this
side of the woods, look at the deer on the other side of the
woods.” Kids will turn their skis in the direction they are
looking. Travis also said you can say to kids, “follow your mom,
follow your grandpa” – anything to make them turn. In the picture,
Travis is skiing with two aspiring expert skiers, his daughter Luty
(2) and family friend Easton Mcgee (3). They are using an ingenious
device built by HoliMont expert instructor Mark Vivian off a design
introduced to Snowsports by the Ulsrud family. Travis likes devices
that operate from the waist down for kids because they promote more
natural balance. Other devices one can purchase include the “Edgie
Wedgie” which helps kids control their ski tips and a vest that
slips over a toddler’s ski jacket with a strap to help a parent or
instructor get them on and off chairlifts. Have fun – let the tots
roam and ramble!
are supposed to be there,” said Don, who said that he just isn’t
bribable for prime patrol shifts. “This year we are trying to
spread the computer program to Ski Patrol as well.” Holiday Valley
has had to make some adjustments for this season. “We need to make
allowances for different things this year. We’re a lot laxer about
making your shifts because we have to be,” he said. “On Sunday
nights, we have eight people
on the roster, but right now two are out on medical issues, and
then there are people who have to quarantine. We are running
things, and we do what we can do with what we have available.”
Things have changed quite a bit since he began. “Safety is a whole
different animal than when I started. Back then, it was about
enforcement of policies. We’ve morphed more into a service
organization where education is the focus,” Don said. “A lot of
people with that rigid mentality are now retired, so most of the
people we have now know that it’s a service agency.” He is also
part of the training program. “One
focus is how we want to approach a customer these days. We give
them scenarios about different situations and talk about how to
handle it. But no matter how many we do, they will find something
new while they are out there! You can never anticipate everything.
We hope to teach them that there are a set of rules, but no black
and white,” he said. “You have to look at the situation you’re in
and make decisions. We want to give them the tools to handle that.
The office is there as a back-up. And we have a lot of years of
experience!” Since retiring, Don has kept busy skiing in the winter
with his wife and two sons - when they are in town and able to go -
and biking in the summer, logging 1,000 miles last year. He is on
the Olean Food Pantry Board of Directors
and is writing a new database for them to track their clients.
“I’m in demand!” he said. “But Safety Patrol takes a lot of time –
between training, and shifts and meetings. I am the NSP
representative so have to keep that roster up to date.” Safety
Patrol also takes care of lost and found, and stolen equipment.
“Lost and found is the big thing,” Don said. “Most of my night is
handling lost and found. Someone might lose a phone or lose their
keys, or they left their skis somewhere and want us to check on
them. They put their phone in their pocket and don’t zip it and
next thing you know; it ends up in the snow somewhere. Hopefully we
find it before the groomers do!” Mostly, Don wants people to know
that they’re there to help. “Don’t fear the yellow jackets!”
weekLy COLUmN By BROOke SPaIzCHeR
As most of us know, Holiday Valley is constantly updating and
keeping up with the times. Did you know this spring, a new
high-speed chair is coming to the hill!? Yodeler is going to
getting a completely new face “lift,” if you know what I mean! I
took some time to talk with Holiday Valley’s, Jane Eshbaugh and Jim
Curits, to learn more about the upcoming project that will begin
after the winter ski season and brings us into spring. “This summer
is going to be big; we are going to install a new Doppelmayr High
Speed Detachable Lift at Yodeler. We are one of a few ski areas in
the country that installs all our own lifts. It is a huge benefit
because when we are finished installing it, we will know that lift
inside and out. We have to remove the current Yodeler lift and get
it ready to ship to the new buyer. We have to get the slope ready
and regraded for new foundations for the new lift. We are changing
the locations for loading and unloading for the new lift, it will
load where the bottom lift hose is now and unload where the
Champagne mountain warming hut is now. The warming hut will be
moved to a new location. Along with the new lift, we must do all
the normal maintenance on lifts, snowmaking, slope lighting, mowing
slopes, grooming equipment, just to name a few.
We will be building two new lift houses and dealing with any
electrical infrastructure that must be changed. It is going to be
an extremely busy off season that starts the day we close!” Curtis
explained. Jane continued to explain the importance of a new lift
and how the Valley comes to the idea of purchasing and assembling
one. The Villager (V): What makes it necessary for a new lift? Jane
Eshbaugh (JE): It will be a better experience for the customer with
faster ride times and fewer stops. Yodeler is one of our slowest
traveling lifts except for Creekside, the beginner lift.(V): Who is
behind the planning of putting in a new lift?(JE): It is a group
effort from the Board of Directors, Holiday Management Team and
Mountain Operations(V): It was mentioned that Holiday Valley is one
of the few ski areas that installs their own lifts, why is this?
(JE): It saves money and when you have an experienced staff it
makes perfect sense. (V): What training goes into learning how to
do this? (JE): It is more of “on the job” training; we have always
installed all of our lifts and have a very experienced crew and
continue to teach the younger team members.(V): Do you strictly use
all Holiday Valley manpower, or do you have to contract out to
local builders as well?
(JE): We will use local contractors for the concrete work,
moving the Champagne Warming Hut, the construction of the new Lift
Houses, site work, trees and grading and the crane company.(V):
What are pros/cons of having your very own team build the lift?
(JE): The biggest Pro is once our crew installs the new lift, they
will know every part of that lift and its helps with the
maintenance of the lift.(V): Are there other lifts or lift changes
happening this spring for the upcoming 2021-2022 winter season?
(JE): We are at the planning stages of possibly adding 10 bike
carriers to the Spruce Lift for summer weekend operations. So,
mountain bikers can buy a lift pass to load their bikes on the
lift, then get off at the top of Spruce to ride the trails on the
ridge line.(V): How do you think this new lift is going to benefit
the upcoming winter seasons? (JE): It will help reduce the number
of stops for beginners because it will load like Mardi Gras,
Tannenbaum, and Morning Star (the other high-speed quads) at a
slower speed thus making it easier to get on the lift. It is pretty
exciting to see all the changes constantly happening at Holiday
Valley. Stay tuned to the website (www.holidayvalley.com) and their
social media accounts for updates of the upcoming project!
http://holidayvalley.com/realtyhttp://steelboundevl.comhttp://www.daffevl.comhttp://www.citygarageskishop.comhttp://www.holidayvalley.com
-
February 4 - February 10, 2021 ~ The Villager ~ ~ The Villager ~
February 4 - February 10, 2021 Page 7Page 6
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Contact Rick Jackson, Lic. Assoc. RE Broker at Howard Hanna Real
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SPCA Receives DonationSPCA of Cattaraugus County Auctioned Off
Piece of Bills Art
OLEAN – The SPCA of Cattaraugus County has just closed their
holiday store, Pawtique in the Olean Center Mall. It was a shop of
a wide variety of items with all sales benefiting the animal
shelter. Sheryl Anderson, a volunteer at SPCA had donated many
items to the store. One in particular was a framed art piece
towering height of 4’x5’ – it hung in the Anderson’s daughter’s
bedroom for years. This item just wouldn’t sell. Sheryl, a huge
Buffalo Bills fan as well as an avid painter/crafter, decided to
create a Bills painted art piece. Sheryl connected with the
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss ways of
selling this item. A silent auction was the best route. It was
placed on the Chamber’s Facebook site right before Christmas with
it ending (the auction) on New Year’s Eve. Many bids were turned in
such as a bid for $34 in honor of Bills Thurman Thomas. However,
the winning bid that came in and was accepted was $251 from Ray and
Jeanne Diffenderfer. Jeanne and Ray Diffenderfer, Olean residents,
are big Buffalo Bills fans AND huge supporters of the SPCA – so it
was a double win for
all! The funds donated from the Diffenderfers will to go towards
the SPCA medical funds. Although the physical store has closed,
their online store (https://spcapawtique.com/) continues to sell
items with pick up options for purchases. GOACC also has some
Buffalo Bills spirit items from the SPCA to sell at its office on
North Union Street. Jason Berube, SPCA Shelter manager stated, “We
thank all of our volunteers at the Pawtique and all you customers
who continue to support the shelter. Sheryl and Galvin (Sheryl’s
husband) are our jack of all trades volunteers – Galvin did the
carpentry work on the Bills piece with Sheryl doing the draw/paint
of it.” The SPCA has several ways that community folks can help:
fostering – take animals into your home and provide them with
nurturing and a comfy home until they get adopted; volunteering –
anything from dog walking, facility cleaning, painting, grooming,
etc.; donating – donations and fundraisers account for
approximately 70% of their yearly income. For more information on
the SPCA, please call Jason at 716-372-8492 or Sheryl at
716-244-1809. The SPCA In Cattaraugus County, is a private,
non-profit, no-kill charity animal shelter, and was founded in
1905. They are dedicated to saving the lives of animals, and
providing adoption services for homeless and neglected animals.
L to R: Jason Berube, Ray Diffenderfer, Sheryl Anderson
(kneeling), Jeanne Diffenderfer and Galvin Anderson
We Support Local BusinessesDon’t forget to visit our local
artisan shops
Career Exploration ProgramCABOCES Launches New Program Website
for Students
Olean, NY – February 1, 2021 - Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES (CA
BOCES) has announced a new program, with accompanying website, to
help middle and high school students explore career options in
technical fields – CTE Career Exploration. The new program and
website provide a comprehensive look at career exploration and,
with support of their home school guidance counselor, will allow
students to take an interest assessment, explore career clusters,
and view a variety of videos pertaining to program options at CA
BOCES CTE Centers in Belmont, Ellicottville, and Olean. CA BOCES
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Outreach Coordinator,
Thomasine Graf, said that the program idea was a direct result of
closures due to COVID-19. “In a normal year, students are able to
visit our centers, speak to our instructors, and get a
good feel for what each of our CTE programs looks like –
COVID-19 changed that,” she said. “CTE Career Exploration allows
students to explore career options and confidently decide if they
want to embark on a CTE education as a part of their high school
experience without physically entering a center or classroom.” In
addition to the career exploration assessments, students will also
have access to a professional discussion board with local
professionals in the career fields associated with their
preferences. “We are so fortunate to have both CTE alumni and
volunteers from local community organizations, in a variety of
fields, ready and willing to speak with our youth,” Graf said.
“These conversations will be invaluable to students as they decide
the potential paths they may want to pursue. We are grateful to
both Dream It Do It and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of
Commerce for collaborating with us in gathering our local
professionals for this venture.” Launched last week for sophomores
at local school districts, participation will begin in the near
future. When in-person tours resume, the website will be used for a
virtual experience for students unable to visit the CTE centers. As
the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers
state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as
well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school
districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum
potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and
support that include special education, career and technical
education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and
instructional support services. To learn more, visit:
www.caboces.org.
New Officer Added to the ForceJamestown Police Department Adds
Domestic Violence Comfort Dog to Team
The Jamestown Police Department is excited to announce the
newest member of the force, Hope, an 8 week-old yellow lab, will
serve as the department’s first comfort dog. Dogs can help victims
of domestic violence and other traumatic events in the therapeutic
process. Officer Emma Ward, JPD’s Domestic Violence Officer, said,
“I am so excited to get Hope started. I know she will be a huge
asset in our
work here. The connection between dogs and people is so great
that in really difficult moments, Hope will be able to bring a
sense of comfort to those who’ve experienced trauma.” Chief of
Police and Director of Public Safety Tim Jackson said of Hope,
“Seeing how other departments successfully utilized therapy dogs
led to us to trying to start a similar program here. The connection
between dogs
and people are so great and we are excited to have Hope
available to the community with Officer Ward. Mayor Eddie Sundquist
stated: “I am thrilled to have Hope join the City and know she will
do a great job in her role comforting those who have been through
so much. We are excited to introduce her to the community through
social media, and events once we get out of the pandemic.”
http://www.rhinoflooringofstmarys.comhttp://raffisplatterbyamber.comhttp://Villaggioevl.com
-
February 4 - February 10, 2021 ~ The Villager ~ ~ The Villager ~
February 4 - February 10, 2021
aLLEgany sTaTE Park: OPEn DaiLy : aLLEgany sTaTE Park,
saLaMancaEVL ViLLagE Park: OPEn DaiLy, TiLL Dusk : ViLLagE Of
ELLicOTTViLLE, ELLicOTTViLLE
Page 8 Page 9
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York & Northwest Pennsylvania
Roadways and the 1-86 Corridor!
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Nominate your favorite small business owner. (One entry per
person please) and if your recommendation is chosen, we will
feature that small business owner in a special feature article on
the cover of our publication. Deadline for this month is February
26th. All nominations can be made via e-mail to
[email protected] or to [email protected] or by
calling into the office at 716-699-2058. Vote and support your
favorite businesses today!!
Special Monthly Contest
NEW LOCATION!100 East 2nd StreetJamestown, NY 14701
Napoleon and Josephine (well, yes, she did have a tryst with
Hippolyte on the side, but .. you know … love) 1800’s;
In-for-the-long-haul, LGBTQ pioneers Stein and Toklas 1907-1946;
Bonnie and Clyde 1930-1934 (short-lived but a wild ride); Cash and
Carter 1968-2003 (turbulent but lasting). As you can figure out,
love has EVERYTHING to do with it! But, did you know that love just
isn’t just simply “love.” There are 8 types of love described in,
of all places, FTD (Florists’ Transworld Delivery) by design
(1/16/20): Philia (friends, family), Pragma (enduring love), Storge
(familiar-parental/child love), Eros (romantic, hormonal love),
Ludus (playful, flirtatious love), Mania (obsessive love – avoid
this one), Philautia (self-love, appreciation) and Agape (selfless,
unconditional love). Just as there are all kinds of love, there are
many ways to celebrate love. You’ve got a week or more to make a
plan.
Consider this article your little planning helper. Roses have
special meaning. Get as many as you have years or months together
and secretly scatter them all around, making a scavenger hunt out
of it. It’s more interesting than just a bunch of roses in a vase
to say, “be mine.” Of course, a tiny Sweetheart Conversation heart
can say that too, and you can spend your dollars on a box of
Watson’s chocolates, a fine dinner or a night/weekend at a B and B
with a lot of off-line cuddle time. Yes, please, whatever you do,
turn your phones off! Here’s a short list that you still have time
to plan for: Kids would love to explore a new town or the one you
are in, on foot, bike or snowshoes. Make a reservation at a museum,
or tour one virtually together. Louvre, anyone? Volunteer together
or stay in and bake bread, make fondue or create a romantic
French-themed dinner à deux. Practice saying, “T’es l’amour de ma
vie,” meaning, “You are the love of my life.” With so many
wonderful restaurants in town, try to reserve for a round robin:
have drinks in one, appetizers in another, salad,
entrée, coffee and dessert, etc. Might be difficult in these
Covid times but imagine how impressed your love interest would be
if you pulled it off! Raid a closet, grab her/his dress up clothes,
then kidnap and blindfold your person and deliver them to a spa,
even in sweats or jammies, and have them pampered, head to toe;
then pick them up and take them out for a wonderful evening. I had
this done for me 28 years ago and the memory still brings a grin to
my face and a tug to my heart. Make a personalized card, send a new
virtual card every day until the 14th, take a painting, welding (or
whatever) class together; spend a day outdoors: ski, hike,
snowshoe, ice skate, etc.; make a bonfire and have wine, s’mores
and popcorn while snuggling in a sleeping bag under the stars, then
breakfast in bed the following morning. Play a board game, give
mutual massages, share your dreams/vision, sing romantic duets…
propose? And finally, if you are so inclined, it’s a perfect day to
go to EARS or the SPCA and rescue an older dog, or kitty or two.
Whatever you do, we hope you all feel the love on Valentine’s
Day!
Frozen Feet Around Cassadaga Lake2nd Annual 50K, Part of Winter
Festival this Saturday, Feb. 6 in Cassadaga
Chautauqua Business Spotlight: GenresPop-Up Book Shop in
Westfield Evolves to Permanent Store in YWCA
By JuDy shuLEr
It started as a booth selling books by local authors at
Westfield farmers’ market, morphed into an indoor pop-up bookshop,
outlived pop-up status and evolved into Genres Bookshop.
Westfield’s newest bookshop offers gently used books in all genres
and continues to showcase the work of local authors. Genres found
its home in the Westfield YWCA, 58 S. Portage St. “The people at
the Y have been very supportive and happy to have us there,” says
author Shannon Reber, driving force behind the bookshop. “The fact
that the Y was the location of the first library in Westfield makes
it feel like the perfect place to
be.” She is staffing it with Ryan Bennett. “Ryan is one of my
best friends and has worked with me through the whole process,
helping me set the shop up, load books, rearrange the shop several
times, and now we’re inventorying the shop.” Bennett came up with
the bookshop’s name of Genres. Donations of books are always
welcome, she says. They have a wide variety of books, and there are
no discernible trends in what people are seeking. “People never buy
what you expect them to buy.” “I had one woman come in last month
who picked up at least five different books in the non-fiction
section and tell me that she knew the person
in each book! Knowing one person would have been pretty
amazing.” Genres’ on-line presence is via Facebook, at
BookshopInWestfieldNY. “If you contact us through Facebook, we’re
happy to even make deliveries, if you’re in the area.” Reber made
her first on-line sale, a 50th anniversary edition of The Hobbit,
through a Facebook posting of the shop on What’s Happening in
Westfield. A huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan, the buyer “saw the picture
and couldn’t resist.” Photographs by Karin Cockram on bookshop
walls are for sale, along with a few other items. “But we’re a
bookshop. My primary focus will always be on books.” Reber credits
the idea for the bookshop to a friend, Julie Travis, owner of
Jack’s Barcelona Drive-in. “I presented the idea to the local
authors whose books I was already selling at the Westfield Farmers’
and Artisans’ Market during the summer and they wholeheartedly
agreed. Once Ryan gave me the idea to also sell used books,
everything started falling into place.” Local authors currently
represented in the shop include Charles Freedom Long, Karin
Cockram, Judy Shuler (yours truly), Edward McClanahan, Melinda
Zook, Write Now Writers’ Group, Deb Madar, and Reber. Other local
authors are invited to contact her. “We’re always open to adding
more. So please, if you’re a local author, contact us and we’ll
sell your books in the shop.” Reber is among the most prolific of
writers. “I’ve honestly lost count of how many books I’ve
published. I
sTOry frOM LEfT
Books
See “BOOkS” RIGHT
THINK I’m working on my 54th title but I’m not sure at all. I
write fantasy. I take myths and legends and weave them into stories
about life, death, and everything in between.
In my opinion, books are an escape from reality, so I offer the
best escape I can come up with.”She doesn’t think post-COVID will
change how they do things “other than that (when COVID is no longer
an issue) we will be mask free and able to hug the people who buy
our books. I’m
running things but it’s not just my shop. Whatever our group
decides they’re up for, I’d love to try it.” Genres’ winter hours
are Saturday, 11am-4pm.; the first Sunday of the month, noon−3pm;
the third Thursday of the month, 4-7pm and by appointment through
Facebook.
By kaTE BarTLETT
Cassadaga will be hosting the 2nd annual 50K as part of the
Winter Festival on Saturday February 6th. This fun, no frills
ultra-running event invites you to walk or run the 5K loop around
beautiful lower Cassadaga lake up to 10 times, whatever you feel
like doing on that day. There is no cut off times and entrance is
only $10. Wilson Endurance Sports generously donates 100% of the
proceeds directly to the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department and
Fire Police. “They do so much for us all year that we love this
opportunity to give back”, says Coach Mike Wilson. He typically
runs one lap around the lake and then comes back to serve up
pancakes until the last runner finishes. Don’t worry about getting
cold, the warming hut has coffee and hot chocolate all day, whether
you stop to take a break, nap, or relax after completing all your
laps. Not many people complete the full 3.1-mile route, but it
attracts athletes from all over the state.
The three finishers of the first 50K in 2020; Mark Desaulniers
of Lily Dale, Milo Davis of NYC, and Bradley Poole of Little Valley
with Coach Mark Wilson of Wilson Endurance Sports.
Last years finishers included ultra-endurance athletes from New
York City. The event really is about getting out, having fun, being
active, and enjoying the beauty of winter in lovely Cassadaga. The
Villager spoke with Mike’s wife Tonia Wilson of Wilson Endurance
Sports about this event: V: What was your inspiration behind it and
how did you get involved? T: Wilson Endurance Sports started our
events in Cassadaga in 2017 with the Southern Tier Tri Club Summer
Tri Series. We fell in love with Cassadaga; grew from those first 4
events of the summer tri series, added a Kids Triathlon, a
Kayak/Bike/Run Triathlon, and then last year added CassadagaMan
which is the distance of a half ironman race. V: How many runners
do you typically have? T: Last year, our first year, we had 65
runners. Our “winner” (it’s not really a race) of the full 50K was
a young man that flew in from New York City the night before and
then flew home the morning after
the event. V: What is special about this race? T: The fact that
it’s fully a fundraiser as well as the option for anyone entering
to do a 5K up to the 50K. There is no time limit. It a very
“no-frills” event, no timing, no planned finisher medals. We wait
all day for the last runners to finish. We make pancakes and offer
Southern Tier Brewing Company brews. It is also the kick off event
for the Cassadaga Winter Festival. V: What areas of the village
does the route highlight? T: The roadways that circle the lake are
a perfect 5K, 3.1 miles. So, most of the way you can see Cassadaga
Lake. V: How is running different in the winter than during the
summer months? T: Runners usually run much slower in the cold due
to the contracting effect of their muscles in the cold weather.
Dehydration is also very common in the winter due to the athletes
not realizing how much they are exerting and sweating in the cold.
Also, footing is quite different, as you have to deal with slush,
ice, black ice, etc. so safety and speed are affected. V: What do
you enjoy about it? T: The beauty of the surrounding nature in the
winter is completely different than the same course in the summer.
The Village of Cassadaga is such a fabulous place all four seasons.
We loved this event so much in February 2020 that we added the
Frickin’ Hot 50K in August. Same route, same ideas just a whole lot
hotter! For more information on parking, race route, directions and
how to register visit https://coachmarkwilson.com
2021 Teacher Fellowship WeekRobert H. Jackson Center Now
Accepting Applictions Until February 15th
JAMESTOWN, NY–The Robert H. Jackson Center is calling all
educators to design creative ways to educate students on the legacy
of Robert H. Jackson. For the week of July 19-23, 2021, instructors
will work with the Jackson Center Archives and local institutions
to create meaningful and engaging educational experiences through
the relevance of Justice Jackson’s body of work. Participants will
be encouraged to empower and inspire students to discuss and
reflect on the universal principles of equality, fairness, and
justice. “2020 gave us the opportunity to test-drive our Teacher
Fellow program in a hybrid format,” says Jackson Center President
Kristan McMahon. “We’re excited to offer the fellowship week this
year with options for in-person or virtual participation, expanding
this program to educators nationally.” To be accepted into the
program, educators must demonstrate excellence in the classroom and
participation in community and professional organizations, as well
as knowledge of the importance of Justice Jackson and his
contributions to issues of civil liberty. The ‘immersion week’ is
under the direction of the Jackson Center educational advisor,
Michael Baronich. Fellows will be introduced to the Center’s
archival collection of Jackson material, and lectures on Jackson’s
relevance to the academic disciplines in which the teachers
specialize. During the week, Fellows will develop their educational
projects using research material available at the Center, through
the Library of Congress, and various other resources. The Jackson
Center
also invites leading scholars to speak with the Fellows to
supplement their research. Fellows will have access to relevant
programs and seminars provided by nearby Chautauqua Institution.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a $1,000
stipend, half at the conclusion of the Fellowship Week (Friday,
July 23, 2021) and the remainder tied to providing feedback on the
implementation of the developed educational resources. Educators
will be asked to implement Jackson-related resources into their
school settings during the 2021-2022 school year and provide a
detailed reflection on its success. The Center will integrate the
materials created on its website to share with educators across the
world, and the projects will be available for use in schools,
colleges, communities, or professional organizations. All work
produced by the Fellows will become the property of the Robert H.
Jackson Center.
Any certified elementary or secondary level educator, including
building and district administrators, with at least three years of
classroom experience, and who are scheduled to teach or
administrate during the 2021-2022 school year are encouraged to
apply. Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest,
resume, and a short essay responding to one of these prompts: List
and discuss two units of study in which the life and
accomplishments of Robert H. Jackson can be integrated into your
current curriculum. In what ways could your local community benefit
from Robert H. Jackson’s legacy? Submit applications to i n f o @ r
o b e r t h j a c k s o n .org. Applications must be submitted by
close of business Monday, February 15, 2021. Incomplete
applications will not be considered. Additional information on the
application process can be found at
https://www.roberthjackson.org/teacher-fellows/.
(From L to R) Michael Baronich, RHJC Educational Advisor, 2020
Teacher Fellows Ryan Barrett, Amy Thompson, Robert Fenster, Anne
Walker (on screen), and RHJC President Kristan McMahon.
http://www.resourcecenter.orghttp://www.themainlanding.comhttp://www.ubortho.com
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February 4 - February 10, 2021 ~ The Villager ~ ~ The Villager ~
February 4 - February 10, 2021 Page 10 Page 11
aLLEgany sTaTE Park: OPEn DaiLy : aLLEgany sTaTE Park, saLaManca
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For groups of 5 or more please call ahead to make arrangements,
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Ellicottville Memorial Library The Ellicottville Memorial
Library is currently open (while wearing a mask and maintaining
proper social distances) with our regular hours of operation for
patrons to come in and browse our shelves. In addition,
interlibrary loan is now available among the 38 libraries in our
system. Appointments are suggested for computer use in order to
guarantee availability due to social distancing requirements. All
of our normal services are available such as photocopying, fax,
printing, etc. For complete programs call (716) 699-2842.
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website crashed from all the activity. Those watching online
were treated to plenty of entertainment, including a video montage
of all the club members and celebrity guest video appearances, such
as Blake Shelton. And of course the star of the show was present,
declaring an extended winter yet again. While the country watches
Phil one day a year, being a member of The Punxsutawney Groundhog
Club is a year-round commitment. Bill Deeley was the President of
the Inner Circle for 11 years before retiring in 2020. Before that,
he worked as Phil’s handler for 16 years.“[I was] the guy who took
care of him, cleaned up after him,” Deeley said. “The guy who
pulled him out of the stump that morning and held
him aloft for the world to see.” Originally invited to the Inner
Circle in 1986, Deeley recalled a time when Groundhog’s Day was a
much more hyperlocal event. “What happened was we were a Tristate
ceremony here until the movie hit in 1993,” Deeley explained. “And
with that, it just went international, it was very popular, the
movie itself overseas. We had a couple of weekends, and then off to
the races, I mean we were just overwhelmed.” As Deeley mentioned,
the film kick-started a growth for both the town of Punxsutawney
and the Groundhog Club. The small Pennsylvanian town has grown into
a multi-season tourist area, and the Club has enjoyed parades,
school presentations, and TV show appearances. “I’ve done The Oprah
Winfrey Show, ‘Small Towns That Became Famous’, I did that with
her,” Deeley said. “I met Bill Murray. I met Harold Ramis, the guy
who basically wrote the movie Groundhog
Day. One thing I did with Bill Murray that I totally regret
today – he and I were there and I gave him my top hat to wear. And
he was in a ski coat, ballcap, and I took his ball cap. And there I
was with tuxedo, Bill Murray’s baseball cap on when he came to
visit us here and just observe how we how we would do things. And
one of the dumbest things I ever did, at the end of the day I gave
back the ballcap he gave me back my top hat. I could have had the
Bill Murray’s baseball cap if I was really truly thinking!”
Hopefully next Mardi Gras in Ellicottville, we can welcome back The
Punxsutawney Groundhog Club as a parade float once again. Until
then, take a trip down to Punxsutawney to meet the locals and enjoy
everything else the town has to offer, like distilleries,
historical sights, and outdoor activity. Of course, it might be a
good idea to wait until our six more weeks of winter are up.
sTOry frOM cOVEr
PenguinPenguin Paddle to 2021. It’s just a little different this
year. The Villager got the chance to speak to Bill Bredenberg in
regards to the newly modified event. The Villager (V): How did you
decide to move forward with the Penguin Paddle this year? Bill (B):
“With the COVID social distancing and crowd gathering restrictions,
we reimagined the Penguin Paddle to be a week-long online event
running Saturday, February 20 – 27, 2021 at LounsburyAdaptive.org.
The traditional Raffle and Silent Auction will move forward as in
years’ past, only virtually. The beloved Penguin Slide has been
modified this year with a socially distant and family-friendly
“Penguin Challenge.” V: What precautions will you be taking against
Covid-19? B: “The annual event is now a virtual fundraiser, rather
than in-person. We encourage our supporters to engage with us on
social media to show their support and build awareness of the
virtual 2021 Penguin
Paddle.” V: Do you feel that this event will be good for the
community to participate in? B: “Absolutely. While the Penguin
Paddle is virtual this year, the event relies completely on
community participation to make it successful. As always, our
generous local merchants have donated raffle prizes and auction
items. We invite the local and Western New York communities to get
involved by bidding on items such as Groomer Rides, Gift baskets,
Ski Gear, Private Ski Lessons, Home Decor and more! Raffle prizes
include a Holiday Valley season’s pass, high performance skis from
The City Garage and $100 gift card to Lowe’s Home Improvement.
Children (and those who are a child at heart), are encouraged to
join the Penguin Challenge on social media.” V: Do you have any
other events in the works? B: “Veterans Ski Day.” V: Anything else
to add? B: “The money raised from the Penguin Paddle finances
scholarships, specialized adaptive equipment for sit-down and
stand-up skiers as well as training and certification to improve
the skills of our pool of 100% volunteer
ski instructors. This year has been challenging for everyone
involved and there is no doubt that we have had to adapt our
fundraising to match the changing climate of the pandemic. We would
like to thank Holiday Valley for their amazing amount of support in
making this virtual event possible.” Here’s how to do the Penguin
Challenge: 1. Make like a penguin and slide down a hill, slide,
snow, or sand. Be creative and have fun! 2. Take a picture, share
it on social media with #LASP #penguinpaddle #penguinchallenge. Tag
“@LounsburyAdaptive” on Facebook & Instagram 3. Make a Penguin
Challenge donation on the Lounsbury site or send a check to:
Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, Holiday Valley Resort, PO Box 370,
Ellicottville, NY 14731 Follow @LounsburyAdaptive on Facebook and
Instagram for more information and updates. Thank you, Bill, for
taking the time to speak with us and thank you to both Holiday
Valley and the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program for helping keep the
winter season fun for the community during this ongoing
situation.
“Medieval to Metal” Exhibit
Winter Wonderland 2021
Buffalo Museum of Science Welcomes Traveling Exhibit, February
13th
Ice Farm Presents at Hamburg Fairgrounds, Starting February
11th
Opening to the public February 13, 2021! Tickets on sale now at
sciencebuff.org! We are excited to announce the Buffalo Museum of
Science will welcome a new traveling exhibition on February 13!
Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution Of The GUITAR celebrates
the technological advancements
Coming to the Hamburg Fairgrounds for 5 days only, The Ice Farm
presents I.S.M. ( Winter Wonderland ) an all new drive thru display
incorporating 150,000 pounds of crystal clear ice blocks. Join us
starting February 11 from 5-10pm. Over 90 lit individual hand
and artistic developments of the guitar. Developed by The
National GUITAR Museum, the exhibition features forty instruments,
ranging from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and
innovative. Exhibit entry is included with Museum Admission and
free for Members. Upon the exhibition’s opening we will expand our
operating hours to
carved ice sculptures! Some of the best ice sculptors in the
world are coming to sculpt these amazing larger than life displays
that will celebrate Valentine’s Day, various classic sculpture
styles and a tribute to our first responders. We invite you &
your family to enjoy this drive thru
five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. To learn more about
the newest exhibit visiting WNY and to reserve your tickets, visit
https://www.sciencebuff.org/medievaltometal. While operating at 25%
capacity we will continue to require admission to be reserved in
advance online or by calling 716.896.5200.
attraction from the safety of your car. Enter at the main gate
on South Park Avenue! NOTE: We are limiting tickets available for
each night to try to keep the lines reasonable. Reminder No Busses
or Larger Group Vans. Only 1 ticket needed per vehicle. Due to
COVID-19 this is a drive thru experience only. Please make sure
everyone uses the restroom before getting in line, as we do not
want to interrupt the flow of traffic to allow cars to exit. Thanks
so much for helping us make this event a success. All Sales Are
Final / No Refund Unless Event is Cancelled / We Plan to Move
Forward Rain or Shine
Micheal A. Sirianni HonoredChautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
Inductee #4
Following one’s father into his profession is one thing.
Following one’s father into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame is
quite another. Micheal A. Sirianni joins his father, Fran, in the
Hall of Honor as an inductee of the CSHOF’s Class of 2021. Born in
1972, Mike Sirianni attended Southwestern Central School where his
dad was a successful and well-respected coach. The Fran Sirianni
Athletic Complex was dedicated at the Hunt Road School in 2015.
Mike Sirianni earned 4 varsity letters in track and field, 3
letters in basketball and 2 letters in football as a Trojan.
Following his 1990 graduation from SWCS, he enrolled at Mount Union
College in Alliance, Ohio. He was a 3-year starter at wide-receiver
for the Purple Raiders including being a member of the 1993 NCAA
Division III National Championship squad led by legendary MUC coach
Larry Kehres. Sirianni was a two-time Ohio Athletic Conference
All-Star player. He also was a four-year member of the Mount Union
track and field teams, both outdoors and indoors. He was a
four-time Ohio Athletic Conference Triple Jump Champion as he won
that event in ‘93 and ‘94, both outdoors and indoors.
After graduating from Mount Union in 1994, he went to Ithaca
College to earn a Master’s Degree. At Ithaca, Mike had his first
taste of being a coach, like his father, when he served as a
graduate assistant in the Bombers’ football program. He next
returned to Mount Union as an assistant to his former coach,
Kehres, in 1996 and 1997. The Purple Raiders were NCAA Division 3
National Champions both years. Sirianni then moved to Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania where he served as offensive coordination at Wilkes
University in 1998. Washington & Jefferson College then offered
the offense coordinator and quarterbacks coach position to Mike. He
worked in the role for the Presidents from 1999-2002. When W&J
head football coach, John Banaszak, left after the 1992 season,
Sirianni was hired to replace the former Pittsburgh Steeler great
beginning in the 1993 season – he’s still there. His record in 17
years is 156-36. His spectacular 81% winning percentage ranks fifth
among all active NCAA football coaches with at least 10 years of
experience. His teams have won 9 Presidents Athletic Conference
titles and he has been named PAC Coach of the Year 7 times. In
2012, D3football.com selected Mike as South Coach of the Year and
in 2017 the American Football Coaches Association named him Region
2 Coach of the Year. Not only did Mike follow his father Fran into
coaching, so did his two younger brothers. Jay Sirianni won New
York State Class C Football Championships for his alma mater
Southwestern in 2008 and 2009. Nick Sirianni has been a coach in
the National Football League since 2009. He was with the Kansas
City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts before
taking his present position as the head coach for the Philadelphia
Eagles in 2021. Michael A. Sirianni and his family reside in
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
Safe Paint N’ Fun EventAudubon Community Nature Center, February
17th, 5:30pm
Jamestown, N.Y. – Beginner to advanced artists are invited to
enjoy a socially distant Paint n’ Fun Art Night at Audubon
Community Nature Center on Wednesday, February 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Though the world is sleepy, it is still beautiful. As winter pulls
us deep into reflection, join instructor Emily Rechin for a
delightful evening. Rechin was a seasonal nature educator at
Audubon and has experience painting with all mediums. She will
provide step-by-step instructions on how to create your very own
acrylic painting as well as information on the nature subject to be
painted. Audubon’s COVID-19 safety precautions require face
coverings for all visitors ages 3 and up for indoor programs. Since
COVID guidelines recommend no indoor dining, food and drinks are
not permitted. Each person will be seated at their own table placed
six feet from other participants. All materials will already be at
the table.
You will want to wear clothes you would not mind getting paint
on and to bring a face covering, as they will not be
provided.Tuition for the class is $30, $22.50 for Nature Center
members. All materials are provided. Enrollment is limited.
Reservations are required by Friday, February 12. You can register
by calling (716) 569-2345 during
business hours or going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking on
“Register for Upcoming Programs.” Walk-ins may be accepted if there
is room; call for availability after the deadline. Audubon
Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road,
one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and
Warren, Pa.
No experience is necessary to participate in a Socially Distant
Paint ‘n’ Fun Art Night at Audubon Community Nature Center,
Wednesday, February 17. Step-by-step instructions, information on
the nature subject to be painted, and everything needed to create
your own nature-inspired masterpiece will be provided.
“The Fan Connection” Virtual PremiereThe 1891 Fredonia Opera
House Hosts, February 12th, 8:45pm
BUFFALO – After winning the Audience Award at the 2019 Buffalo
International Film Festival (BIFF) and moving audiences to laughter
and tears in both Buffalo and Pittsburgh, The Fan Connection
launches its virtual run with the 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Performing Arts Center Feb. 12-25. The Fan Connection is an
intimate look at life in Buffalo told through the lens
of three die-hard Sabres fans. Join the director, Mary Wall, and
producer, Eric Wojtanik, for an opening night virtual Q&A at
8:45PM on Fri., Feb. 12, hosted by Rick Davis of the Opera House.
“The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a cultural landmark in the
Southern Tier. I am thrilled that they have added the Opera House
Screening Room to their program line-up and have included
The Fan Connection. I have missed the audience interaction at
screenings and am very excited to engage with audiences during the
Q&A,” said director Mary Wall. Tickets are $12 and are on sale
through the third-party event site, Show&Tell. Dates and Times:
Watch the film Feb. 12-25; join the Q&A at 8:45PM EST on
Friday, Feb. 12.
http://www.dimarcoveincenter.comhttp://www.dimarcoveincenter.comhttp://www.burkecontracting.comhttp://www.senecamuseum.orghttp://www.thechautauquaharborhotel.comhttp://www.wineryofellicottville.com
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February 4 - February 10, 2021 ~ The Villager ~ ~ The Villager ~
February 4 - February 10, 2021
Beat on the Street:What was a Great Turning Point in Your
Life?
Whether Outside or In, Ellicottville is the Place to Be In
Page 12 Page 13
EVL ViLLagE Park: OPEn DaiLy, TiLL Dusk : ViLLagE Of
ELLicOTTViLLE, ELLicOTTViLLE aLLEgany sTaTE Park: OPEn DaiLy :
aLLEgany sTaTE Park, saLaManca
215 Broad Street, Salamanca NY 14779 • www.wgwefm.com •
Sales/(716) 945-5801 • Requests/(716) 945-3124
Classic Hits with a Native Twist • Music, News &
Community
Must Wear Face Mask.
Open Wed-Sat • Bar Opens at 4:30pm • Dinner Begins at 5pm •
www.TheSilverFoxRestaurant.com • Call 716-699-4672 for Take Out
Orders
Thursday Night is Date NightChoose a four course meal from our
date night
menu including 2 glasses of wine! TWO CAN DINE FOR $46
23 Hughey Alley, Ellicottville NY
ellicottville’s
only steakhouse
By chaD nEaL
We as intelligent beings often ponder on our memories and how
we’ve come to the point we currently are at in our lives. Like most
stories we are told - there is a point where the perceived timeline
turns for the better or worse depending on the tale or person. As
one can look back at the way their life has
Pat M. - Moving away from my wild party friends.
Jillian V. - My first would be moving to Ellicottville at the
age of 10 and being introduced to the sport of skiing. This was a
HUGE turning point in my life.
Jeanine Z. - Moving to Ellicottville was also a huge turning
point in my life. What a wonderful and supportive community.
Campbell D. - Meeting Twan and The Gobbler the same week that I
moved into my first place fresh outta high school. “Soup” was born!
A wild ride Ellicottville was!
Matt G - 100% when I broke my knee. The consequence of that
changed how I approach a lot of things
taken shape there is a story whether boring or grandiose that is
a turning point. Life does a 90-degree turn good or bad and that
switch-up is now the fate behind the life lived in the present.
Controlling the point of turn is often the wonderful happy ending
story we all love to romanticize on. What was a great turning point
in your life?
Send Us Your Snapshots of You Reading The Villager:
[email protected]
What’s Shakin’ in E’VL
Kara M. - Finally finding mental health treatment that works!
Freedom from suicidal ideation and other grueling emotions my
bipolar brings on.
Discover your unique personal history! Ellicottville Memorial
Library has a new resource that uses technology to make tracing
family trees easier. Ancestry Library Edition, a Web-based
reference tool distributed by ProQuest, will allow you to start
exploring your roots by searching a surname. Anyone can come into
the library to dig into Ancestry Library Edition‘s millions of
records — as far back as the 1400s.
Ancestry Library Edition
CDC Says Schools are Not Areas of High Covid Transmission
This Week in Health & Science: Back to School
sEE “schOOLs” Pg. 15
By: MOuThsayTOnguE
This has been a great year for winter weather and both ski areas
have excellent conditions along with great cross-country. snow
shoeing and snowmobiling at Allegheny State Park or the miles of
single-track trails around the village. The shops and restaurants
are bustling and there’s music in the air. Let’s see who’s playing
where. Rafi’s starts the never-ending weekend with Randy the
Guitarist from 4:30-8:30pm. Randy plays a folk/Rock/pop set of
covers to accompany a magnificent Mediterranean menu that will
delight. Balloons will host Michael Nowak from 6-9pm. Michael plays
a rock/pop/alt/prog set of covers and welcomes requests. Thursday
is also Burger and Brew night, any burger, any draft beer, $10.
Villaggio continues their Save Our Music Series from 6-9pm. $60 per
person or $200 for a table for four gets you a four-course dinner,
one cocktail and a 3-hour music show. This week features Tui
Osborne and Chris Maloney. They’ll play a multi genre set of covers
while you dine on the southern tiers finest Italian cuisine.
Reservations required, call 716-699-2199 or online at
SAVEOURMUSIC.VILLAGGIOEVL.COM FRIDAY: Rafi’s is first up
By cara BirriTTiEri
Halfway through the school year, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) have come to the conclusion that it is safe
for kids to return to the classroom. Here in Western New York, most
students have had this option since the beginning of the school
year, mostly using a hybrid model of attending every other day.
School systems in our region worked diligently over last summer to
put state and federal required protocols in place to keep students
and teachers safe. Other districts across the country have followed
the same guidelines, and according to the CDC report, these efforts
are working to keep transmission inside schools minimal. The CDC
report finds there has been barely any spread of COVID-19 inside
schools that opened this fall for in-person learning. According to
the JAMA Network report, “There has been little evidence that
schools have contributed meaningfully to increased community
transmission.” The report highlights several U.S. school districts.
These school systems found cases of Covid-19 were more often
contracted outside of school rather than inside. Eleven districts
totaling over 90,000 students and staff in North Carolina, were
open for in-person learning for nine weeks this fall and the CDC
says, “During this time, within-school transmissions were very rare
(32 infections acquired in schools; 773 c o m m u n i t y - a c q u
i r e d infections) and there were no cases of student-to-staff
transmission.” Despite these latest
again with Tui Osborne from 4:30-8:30pm. Tui plays a
pop/reggae/alt set of covers while you dine. All the kebobs are
delicious but the tenderloin is my favorite. Balloons joins the
party with my buddy Owen Eichensehr from 6-9pm. Owen plays a
folk/pop/roots/country set of covers and originals and tells some
good anecdotes while you dine on a fine pub food menu. The mahi
taco is my fave and a nice selection of craft beers. The Gin Mill
joins the fun with Ron K fro 6-9pm. Ron is half of Two Guys
Drinking Beer so, One Guy Drinking Beer. Ron plays a
folk/pop/rock/country set of covers. If your hungry try the pot
roast, homemade and there’s always 26 beers on tap to add to your
après experience. SATURDAY: Rafi’s kicks it off again with Randy
the Guitarist from 4:30-8:30pm. Randy will play some background
music to enhance your dining experience. The Paki Platter is a
great way to familiarize yourself with Pakistani food and it comes
with several, in house made sauces, my favorite of which is the
chutney. We’re back at Balloons with The Girls of Grosh from 6-9pm.
These ladies are two of Buffalo’s finest
singer/songwriter/musicians you could hope to hear. This gets
findings some districts remain completely closed to in-person
learning. Buffalo public schools have opened to only a small group
of students as of February 1st. Students in pre-K to 2nd grade, and
high school seniors will now be attending a hybrid model. That
decision was challenged by the Buffalo Teachers Federation, which
filed a restraining order to block the February 1st limited opening
claiming the schools were not safe enough. A New York State Supreme
Court judge promptly denied the request. Teachers unions elsewhere
have been more successful in keeping schools closed and forcing
students and families into remote-only learning. In Chicago, the
teachers union and school district are in the midst of tense
negotiations following threats of a teacher strike. After more than
70 negotiating sessions, one of the main sticking points is a plan
for teachers and staff to access the Covid-19 vaccine. Most states
have no mandate around school openings leaving the decision to the
local districts to best mitigate the virus’ spread. This local
control, while expeditious in some places, leaves others subject to
conflict and
my, if you can only see one show, recommendation. Monday is wing
night at Balloons from 3-10pm. 50-cent wings and the Sabres on the
flat screens. They have a lot of craft beers on tap and the
bartenders can whip up one of those umbrella drinks if you want
one. Monday is also Asian night at Finnerty’s from 4-10pm. Chef
Freddie whips up some sushi and Asian specials and there’s a great
selection of NYS craft beers to wash it down. It’s Eville’s only
sports bar with lots of TV’s for watching. We end it all with a Gin
Mill tradition. Wings and Wagner, Wednesday from 6-9pm. Joe Wagner
has been holding down this gig for 35 years. He plays a
folk/Americana/blues/country set of covers while you chow down on
some 75 cent wings and wash them down with 26 beers on tap. All
venues offer music for its medicinal and educational benefits
incidental to their food and beverages. The village requires
wearing masks and social distancing as per state regulations; your
cooperation is appreciated. Get outdoors and enjoy this wonderful
winter and come back year-round with your family and friends but
wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, PLEASE, ALWAYS SUPPORT
LIVE MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!! All you have to do is listen.
indecision regarding safety measures. According to Education
Week, only four states, Iowa, Arkansas, Texas, and Florida, have
executive orders for schools to be open for at least partial
in-person learning. Seven months ago, the American Academy of
Pediatrics came out strongly in favor of opening schools for
in-person instruction for the current