A monthly newsletter from the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce July 2017 The Voice of Main Street Written by Todd J. Tranum, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier
This spring our Chamber team walked the streets of seven communities in Chautauqua County, including Dunkirk, Fredonia, Hanover, Jamestown, Lakewood, Mayville/Chautauqua and Westfield/Barcelona. We have had meetings with over one hundred small businesses. Our purpose was to hear the voices of our county’s small businesses, understand their challenges and gain perspective on what they see as their opportunities. Our Mornings on Main coffee hours created opportunities for our staff and volunteers to have meaningful engagement with local businesses to better understand how to best align the Chamber of Commerce services and resources with the needs of businesses. We sincerely appreciate the time that many business owners took out of their busy schedules to spend a few minutes with us. We have many dedicated and hard-working business owners in our county and our hats are off to them for their hard work day in and day out. We heard what our small businesses had to say and we are committed to doing everything in our power to take action on the issues that matter the most to them. The consistent themes we heard from small businesses across the county was the need for more foot traffic into their establishments with the hope of increased sales. Many small businesses are having challenges finding the workforce they need. Several small business voiced concerns regarding the costs of doing business, specifically worker’s compensation costs. Many communities continue to have store fronts that are available, this was a concern voiced by the small businesses that neighbor these properties. Across the board, these small business owners articulated that they see opportunity and potential within their businesses and their communities. It is clear that our organizational structure of having viable community chambers is imperative to helping facilitate foot traffic into main street businesses and main street conversations among businesses. We must continue to invest in technology that helps increase the visibility of our members on the internet and through social media platforms. We must continue to reinforce our ‘buy local, ShopTauqua’ message. We must continue to build upon and invest in promotional activities such as Small Business Saturday, Restaurant Week and National Small Business Week. Importantly we must continue to drive referrals to our local businesses. We remain committed to advocating for small business in an effort to reduce the structural costs of doing business. Our journey, which by the way never ends, was enlightening and insightful. Again, we thank our small businesses for their investment in the Chamber of Commerce and the work they do to make our communities even better.
Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events
7/3 - 6:30pm, Hanover Chamber presents the band Dark Horse Run with free music at Borrello Park, followed by fireworks at dusk 7/3 - 8pm, Bemus Bay Pops presents TIME TRAVELLER - Moody Blues Tribute 7/4 - Village of Lakewood 4th of July Summer Fest including the Firecracker Run, live music, food, vendors, and fireworks at 10pm 7/4 - Chautauqua County Independence Day Parade, 10am, Mayville, Fireworks at 10pm 7/6-9 - LECOM Health Challenge Web.com PGA Tour at Peek'n Peak 7/6 - 6:30pm, Jackson Rohm at Entertainment in the Park, Lakeside Park Mayville, by the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber 7/7 - LECOM Health Challenge Free Business Summit, Succession Planning for Family Run Businesses 7/7 - First Friday, sponsored by the WestfieldBarcelona Community Chamber of Commerce 7/15 - 1-4pm, 90th Anniversary Celebration, Cadwell's Cheese House, Dewittville 7/13 - Deadline for Early Bird Registration for the Chamber Annual Golf Tournament - Register Early and Save $25 per player! 7/13 - 6:30pm, Lutheran Best of Times event, Valkommen: The History of Swedish Immigration to Jamestown 7/20 - Experience Chautauqua Business After Hours at the County Fairgrounds 7/21 - Pink the Park, Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park, Jamestown Jammers game for breast cancer awareness 7/26 - 6:30-8:30pm, Wednesday Evening in Barker Common, The Fredonia Community Chamber and the Village of Fredonia will host local artists, vendors, and businesses to participate in conjunction with the band concerts in the gazebo
Chamber Welcomes 35 New Members Thirty five businesses joined the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce during our spring membership drive. We are happy to welcome them to our family of members and look forward to serving their businesses throughout their year. Our new members are: Sleepytime Anesthesia of Brocton; Ahold of Mold Environmental, AW Farrell & Son Inc., Central Station Restaurant, Chadwick Bay Financial Services, Dunkirk Historical Society, Just Like New Inc., and Manning's Fireside Manor Restaurant, all in Dunkirk; Prime Steakhouse in Falconer; Sir PrintsAlot in Fredonia; Sunset Truck & Auto, Inc. in Irving; Bloomquist's Landscaping, Inc., Career Concepts, Craig's Landscaping & Snow Removal, Gleason Tax Advisory, and Tint Press, all in Jamestown; Appliance Service Company, Deppas Insurance, Edward Jones Investments, Marlinski Landscape & Stonework, Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, Ryders Cup, and Wells Hog Wild BBQ, all in Lakewood; Chautauqua Limousine Service/GiorGio's of Lancaster; Chautauqua's Gateway Graphics, Little Sprouts Consignment Boutique, Mayville Auto Parts, and Timeless Treasures, all in Mayville; Hurley Care Solutions in Rochester; A Cut Above the Rest, Able Home Inspections, Baubles & Togs, Can Kings Bottle & Can Redemption, and Nickels Redemption Center, all in Silver Creek; and Manes & Canes Farm in Westfield. Business people who joined during the drive were entered into a drawing for special prizes including a four pack of LECOM Health Challenge Web.com PGA tickets to attend all four days of the event, dinner for two at Webb’s Captain’s Table in Mayville, a one night stay at Chautauqua Suites including a continental breakfast, a second year Chamber membership for free, and a Stay & Golf Getaway package at Peek’n Peak valued at over $300. All prizes were generously donated. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is working year-round to promote local businesses and to reinforce the importance of supporting local business. Studies have consistently shown that shopping locally is good for our economy. A 2010 study by the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development shows that for every $100 in consumer spending with a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy and is dispersed through local wages, charitable donations, taxes that fund local services, and purchases of goods and services through other local businesses. And it’s not just shopping that makes a difference. When you work with local providers for professional services, real estate, healthcare, and finance, you are also contributing to gains in our local economy.
Sign Up Now and Save for the Chamber Golf Tournament! Local golfers can play where the pros play and save, by registering for the Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament by July 10th. Early Bird pricing is in effect now, allowing a savings of $25 per player for this fabulous event on the Upper Course at Peek’n Peak. Enjoy a tremendous day of golf and camaraderie, plus great prize packages and food! The Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is August 10 and is sponsored by: DFT Communications, Bush Industries, Community Bank, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Jamestown Mattress Company, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, Lynn Development, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, and the Shults Auto Group. To register or learn more call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 4841101 or visit www.chautauquachamber.org/events.
Chamber to Drive Jamestown Cruise-In Event The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce will present Jamestown Cruise-In, August 18 in Downtown Jamestown! This event will harken back to the roots of the original event, featuring classic cars, live music, and fun activities for all ages. Live classic music will take place on the corner of Main and Thirds Streets, along with a hula hoop contest, a bubble gum chewing contest, 50’s theme dress up contest and a dance contest, providing activities for all ages. Chamber members are invited to participate as street vendors to offer food or other items for sale. Jamestown Community Chamber Coordinator Lee Harkness said, “We have lined up a tremendous group of volunteers to assist with this project. We are especially grateful to Der Kobblers Automobile Association for returning to help put together this great event. This wonderful event will showcase some incredible cars, provide entertainment to thousands of people and help bring foot traffic to downtown businesses.” Sponsoring Jamestown Cruise-In is the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, which previously organized and hosted this event, and is financially supporting it this year. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Der Kobblers Automobile Association, Media One Group and Northwest Arena are partners in presenting Jamestown Cruise-In.For more information, or to become a sponsor or a vendor, please contact Lee Harkness, Coordinator of the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce, at (716) 338-6089.
Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Presents Entertainment in the Park Series The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its 2017 Entertainment in the Park Summer Concert Series. All concerts will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm at Lakeside Park, Mayville, beginning July 6 with a solo acoustic performance by local native Jackson Rohm. The opening evening will also include face painting by Fairy Tale Farm. Other artists scheduled are: July 13 – Kokomo Time Band (Trop Rock/Beach Party), with Rainbow the Clown July 20 – Dan Vogan (Easy Listening Rock), with Rainbow the Clown July 27 – Mahajibee (Blues), with Rainbow the Clown August 3 – TJ North (Classic Rock) with Rainbow the Clown August 10 – Generic Grass (Bluegrass) August 17 – Randy Graham & Brandon Hatch (Various Genres), with Rainbow the Clown August 24 – Come Back Patsy Cline Tribute by Pat Cook All of these performances are free of charge! You’re invited to bring your own seating for outside concerts. If it’s raining, the concerts will be held at the Carlson Community Center at Lakeside Park. The annual concert series is sponsored by the Village of Mayville and Town of Chautauqua. In addition to great entertainment, these events will also include food by the Maple Springs Fire Department, popcorn and water by the Mayville Fire Department, and 50/50 drawings at each performance. For more information, call the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber at (716) 753-3113.
Dunkirk and Hanover Community Chambers of Commerce Award Scholarships The Dunkirk and Hanover Community Chambers of Commerce awarded scholarships to deserving Seniors who will be attending college in the fall. The Dunkirk Community Chamber Scholarship is going to Emily Gawronski of Dunkirk High School. Emily is the daughter of Susan and Matthew Gawronski of Dunkirk. She plans to attend Jamestown Community College and major in Business Administration. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has been active in soccer for the past five years, and is a member of the German Club. She has a seasonal job over the summer doing lawn care, and has volunteered at the Friendly Kitchen, County Home, and has volunteered her time for NHS for craft night. She has challenged herself by taking JCC Calculus, JCC Ceramics, a number of JCC Business classes and other honors classes. She is ranked 6th in her class with an average of 98.67. The Hanover Community Chamber awards scholarships to one student from Forestville Central School and one from Silver Creek Central School. The Forestville High School student receiving a scholarship this year is Trent Hartloff, the son of Duane and Janelle Hartloff. Trent is the Salutatorian at Forestville for 2017 and a member of the National Honor Society. He participates in concert band and Stage crew in Forestville’s Music Department. He also participates in Student Council and Varsity Club, while playing football and basketball. Throughout high school Trent has striven to produce high quality academic work and has consistently been on the High Honor Roll each semester. Trent has received many honors for his academic achievement. He made the WNY Scholar Athlete Basketball team. After graduation Trent will attend St. Bonaventure University as a marketing major and eventually plans to get an MBA. The Silver Creek Central School student receiving a scholarship is Sammy Avila. A Silver Creek resident, he is graduating this year with an Advanced Regents Diploma and plans to major in Business Administration in college. Sammy is a hard working individual and his grades reflect that. Well respected by faculty and peers, Sammy plans on working in the field of business once he completes college. These Community Chambers of Commerce offer scholarships to deserving students who meet the criteria of working to become business professionals after completing college, are in good standing during their years of high school, achieve success in the classroom and are active in extracurricular activities. The Chamber of Commerce is striving to keep small business active, informed and working for the betterment of the local community. The Scholarship programs offers those students entering the field of business an opportunity to learn, and relieve some of the costs of their college educations.
Training funds available via JCC Do you have anticipated training needs between September 2017 - August 2018? Are you looking for a way to help offset costs? JCC's Center for Continuing Education can help! SUNY (State University of New York) Workforce Development Training Grants JCC’s Center for Continuing Education is able to request training funds under the “Community College Workforce Development Training Grant Program.” The intent of the program is “to provide workforce development training courses to businesses and organizations to promote and encourage the location and development of new businesses in the state, and to create and retain employment opportunities in the state and local community.” The funding is for training projects that occur within the timeframe of September 2017 – July 2018. The deadline for submission is August 1, 2017. With an organization’s assistance, JCC will submit the funding request on behalf of your company or organization. This grant can cover between 75-90% of the training cost. If you would like more information, please email continuingeducation@mail.sunyjcc.edu or call 716.338.1005.
"Blue Ribbon" Customer Service Training Program Submitted by CCVB staff The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation's Local Economic Development tourism committee hase developed a videobased customer service training program for frontline employees as well as managers. This program has been developed in conjunction with Kranky Plate Productions and the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. There are a total of 18 video segments representing different aspects of customer service. Additional resources and training tips are available as part of the overall program. The CCVB suggests that tourism related businesses encourage their employees and supervisory managers to participate in the training. This is something that can be done on one's own time, or as part of a group initiative. Employees that view the videos and complete the three (3) associated quizzes will receive a Customer Service Ambassador certificate. This program is very helpful for year-round, as well as seasonal and part-time employees. Here is the link for access to the Customer Service Training videos as well as the quizzes and other supporting materials. To go straight to the 18 short training videos on You Tube, click here In addition, we encourage business managers and owners to have their employees become familiar with the Chautauqua County Travel Guide & Map and the TourChautauqua.com
website. And, CCVB has an informative Facebook page which provides a great deal of timely information If you need travel guides or other information resources, please contact CCVB at 716-357-4569 or email: Joanna Dahlbeck. or Cindy Ferraro
Save the Date for the Farmer Neighbor Dinner, August 15 By Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is excited to announce that the 2nd Annual Chautauqua County Farmer Neighbor Dinner is planned for Tuesday, August 15th, 2017. The Farmer Neighbor Dinner will be held at The Grandview of Ellington, 1116 West Hill Road, Ellington, NY. This event is a collaboration between Farm Credit East, Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District, Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, Western New York Crop Management Association, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County. Tickets for the Farmer Neighbor Dinner are available for $20 per person. To purchase tickets for this event, please contact Debra Kelley, Chautauqua County Soil and Water, and 716-664-2351 ext. 102 or dkelley@soilwater.org. If you or your business is interested in assisting with this event in the form of sponsorship or food donation, please contact Lindsay Eckman, Farm Credit East, at 716-753-2144 or Lindsay.eckman@farmcrediteast.com. Chautauqua County is rich in agriculture, and this event is an opportunity to share in celebration of our community’s farmers that work tirelessly to produce safe, wholesome food for us all to consume. The Farmer Neighbor Dinner is also an opportunity to help foster communication between the farming community and the general public. The Farmer Neighbor Committee was formed to help meet this need, and are happy to announce that this year the featured speaker will be Chris Fesko. Fesko is internationally known for her award winning “On the Farm” video series and hosts numerous workshops on the topic of agriculture and public relations. Three awards will also be presented at the Farmer Neighbor Dinner, including Farmer of the Year to one livestock agribusiness and one non-livestock agribusiness along with a
Friend of Agriculture award. Nominations are still needed, and can be submitted by contacting Lisa Kempisty, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, at 716-6649502 ext. 203 or ljk4@cornell.edu. Dinner for the evening will feature locally grown products, celebrating Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s “Chautauqua Grown” Farm-to-table directory (www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua). The meal will be prepared by Robert Cross and his staff of 3-C’s Catering of Kennedy, NY. Social Hour will begin at 5:30 pm, buffet dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by the program featuring our award presentations and keynote speaker. Chautauqua County is home to over 1,500 farms that produce a diverse offering of grapes, milk, meat, crops, produce, honey, maple syrup, and more! Along with the many agribusinesses and support agencies that serve our farm families, agriculture is responsible for an economic impact of over $300 million. Our community is fortunate to enjoy rural landscapes that are preserved by our farming operations along with access to wholesome, locally produced foods and fiber. The Farmer Neighbor Dinner is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Achievements Recognized at Mental Health Association Luncheon The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) is a peer-run organization offering support services to people with substance abuse and all other forms of mental health diagnosis. Because celebrating positive milestones has been shown to increase long-term recovery, the MHA holds regular Recovery Luncheons to help provide this positive reinforcement to those in addiction and mental health recovery. At the luncheon on June 1, Executive Director Kia Briggs thanked everyone for making the MHA the accepting place that it is. Associate Director Steven Cobb announced the names of those who received awards for their recent recovery achievements. Seven people were recognized for recovery milestones, nine advanced stages in the Jamestown Treatment Court program, and four graduated from Treatment Court.
Cobb also recognized Joseph Vaughn, who is coordinating “Monday Night Open Mics at the MHA” that are every Monday at 7 p.m. The first Monday of the month is a SingAlong, second is Family Comedy, third is Open Poetry, fourth Live Music, and when there are five Mondays, the last is Wildcard Monday. In introducing Charlie Hodges of United Christian Advocacy Network (UCAN) Cobb noted that it is because of UCAN that the Recovery Luncheons are possible. Hodges said that many churches in the community support UCAN. He wanted participants to know that they have a whole community behind them and that everything they need can and will be provided: “We’re here for you.” The UCAN City Mission on First Street is now open as a Crisis Center and Shelter for men.
Ian Eastman, MHA board member and Syringe Exchange Program Coordinator for Evergreen Health, reminded that it is dangerous to dispose of syringes improperly, as needle stick injuries may result and blood borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C can remain alive in the barrel for weeks. The Exchange provides free disposal of sharps for community members between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Used sharps can be placed in a plastic puncture-proof container, like an empty soda bottle or laundry detergent container. People may call (716) 541-0678 with any questions. Rick Huber, MHA’s Director of New Program Development, said that eight million children live in homes where drugs are abused, and most of those children are under five years old. The MHA reinforced keeping the community safe. The delicious meal was prepared by UCAN and served by Charlie Hodges, Jan Ball, and Karrie Olmstead. MHA is staffed by certified peer specialists that provide recovery coaching. They work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and treatment courts to help participants succeed in attaining their goals. Over two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the Mental Health Association, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting and much more. All MHA services and programs are offered free of charge.
The MHA’s recent Spring 2017 Newsletter can be accessed on line at mhachautauqua.org. The Mental Health Association is located in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Door #14, Jamestown, New York. To learn more about the MHA and its many programs, call (716) 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. Photo caption: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s recent Recovery Luncheon recognized participants for their recovery achievements. Among those applauded were (left to right) Michelle King, Jennifer Glover (with her son), Torry Knight, and Maranda Lopez (with her daughter).
Heather Zimba Receives Audubon Community Nature Center Scholarship Audubon Community Nature Center awarded its 2017 Ryan Exline Memorial Scholarship to Heather Zimba of Jamestown, New York. Every spring since 2003 Audubon’s Education Staff has raised scholarship funds through their Fledgling Birdathon. Participants look for as many species as possible over a 24hour period, and generous supporters pledge an amount, either per species or in total. The end result is a $500 scholarship. This scholarship is named in memory of one of its very first recipients. Ryan Exline was an integral part of the Audubon family for many years, where he assisted with gardening, eagle care, live animal care, and educational programs. A resident of Russell, Pennsylvania, he was pursuing a master’s degree at Duke University when he died in a car accident. His love of nature and of nurturing future generations of “nature nerds” lives on through this scholarship. Scholarship applicants must be local residents pursuing a degree in the natural sciences. Recipients must be passionate about the natural world. Heather Zimba has been accepted into the Wildlife Biology Bachelor Program at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for the fall of 2017. While at Jamestown Community College she was active in the Earth Awareness
Club, volunteered for Frog Watch USA and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid monitoring, and had an internship last summer at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Previous scholarship winners are Taylor West, Brandon Allen, Connor Clendenen, Allison Cramer, Alex Kulakowski, Elyse Johnson, Brenton Maille, Alyssa D’Alessandro, Alexa Vazquez, Tricia Bergstue, Karen Eckstrom, Bill Langworthy, Rex Everett, Ryan Exline, and Eve Gaus. Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways. Visit at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Pennsylvania, or online at auduboncnc.org. Photo caption: Jamestown, New York, resident Heather Zimba is the 2017 recipient of Audubon Community Nature Center’s Ryan Exline Memorial Scholarship. She is pictured on the right receiving her scholarship check from Audubon Senior Naturalist Sarah Hatfield.
Camp Mission Meadows Available to All Thanks to Donated Scholarships A week at camp can be a life changing experience for any child. Now, with the help of very generous donors, Camp Mission Meadows will make it possible for everyone to enjoy that experience. A friend and very generous donor of Camp Mission Meadows has provided a challenge grant which will allow many children and youth to attend a week of camp. The Dewittville, NY camp and retreat center, located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, will be inviting campers who have not yet signed up for camp this summer to register for half-price. Campers who are currently registered for the 2017 season will also receive a special offer by registering a friend who has not yet signed up for camp. The Christian Camp & Conference Association reports that each week only one third of kids get enough exercise, teens spend less than 40 minutes in meaningful conversation with their parents, and kids are more plugged in and spend less time outside and are less fit than past generations. A week at camp helps kids discover the wonder of nature, that they are loved, the hope of positive relationships, the peace that comes from accepting themselves and being accepted by a loving community, and that Jesus loves them and desires to have a relationship with them. To sign up and take advantage of this great offer, parents can visit www.missionmeadows.org, click on the “register” button, choose their camp week, fill out the information, put down the $50 deposit to guarantee their spot and list “Camp Staff” as the person who referred them for the discounted fee.
Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Grant Supports Field Trips to Audubon Playing outdoors has many benefits for children that help them in school, from enhancing their cognitive abilities to improving their academic performance to reducing attention deficit disorder. But not all children are at ease outside. Audubon Community Nature Center’s outdoor programs help children become more comfortable in outdoor settings, and each year hundreds of school children take field trips to Audubon. But the schools alone don’t have the resources to fund all the related costs. That’s where the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF) comes in. The Community Foundation awarded Audubon a major grant to cover the gap between what the schools can afford to pay and the actual cost of offering the programs. “Thanks to CRCF’s Fund for the Region and Thomas H. Brown Fund we are able to provide this wonderful experience for Chautauqua County children,” said Audubon Program Director Jennifer Schlick. Audubon’s basic field trip is called a Discovery Walk. In small groups guided by Audubon naturalists or trained volunteer trail guides, children explore fields, forest, and ponds for about an hour and a half. What they do or discover depends on the season and the weather. Many groups like to schedule extra time to take a self-guided tour through the Nature Center building or to have a picnic lunch. Seventeen volunteers participated with Audubon education staff in trail guide training this year. Four were returning volunteers who had not previously lead Discovery Walks, and seven were new trail guide volunteers. Audubon’s Education Department added four interns who will lead Discovery Walks and be part of the staff for Summer Day Camp. Starting on May 15 were interns Adam Carlson, MacKenzie Fanciulli, David Lobb, and Emily Nelson. Funding for Audubon programs for Warren County schools is raised through their spring “Warren Gives” campaign and additional grants to the Community Foundation of Warren County and the DeFrees Family Fund. Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, New York, and Warren, Pennsylvania. To learn more, call (716) 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org. Hours for the Nature Center building, including the Blue Heron Gift Shop, are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sundays 1 to 4:30 p.m. The arboretum, gardens, picnic area, more than five miles of trails, and outdoor exhibit of Liberty the Bald Eagle are open dawn to dusk daily. Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.
Jamestown’s 139 Year Old Farmers Market Returns For the Summer The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is eager for this Saturday, June 10th, opening day of the newly rebranded farmers market. The Jamestown Public Market will operate on the 200 Block of Cherry Street every Saturday, June through October from 9am-1pm. “Most people don’t realize that the Jamestown Farmers Market has been around since 1878! The name Jamestown Public Market was added to the city directory in 1913” says Christina Breen, Market Manager. “We wanted to preserve that piece of history and honor the efforts of past farmers and artisans who fought for over a century to keep this tradition alive.” The change to the Jamestown Public Market was not only an opportunity to highlight the historic value of the market, but to encourage the expansion of amenities to mirror other successful public markets across the nation. Also new this year, JRC has scheduled the 21-week event to take place on Saturdays. This change has been in discussion for many years, as community members and downtown business owners continue to suggest that weekend hours will improve attendance by accommodating people who work during the week. It also allows participants to enjoy free parking for the event. “Saturdays are a busy day for farmers but Jamestown’s market has proven worthwhile for them, so they are enthusiastic to see what a Saturday morning market will bring this season. We are hoping for a great turnout, which leads to improved foot traffic for downtown businesses and increased profits for vendors and farmers. Increased attendance also helps us acquire data needed to expand to a year-round indoor market at some point in the future” explains Breen. This potential expansion is directly related to the amount of support received from local residents this summer. The Jamestown Public Market is proud to be considered a small business incubator in Jamestown. Local farmers, artisans, bakers and chefs convene downtown to showcase the bounty of what Chautauqua County has to offer. This year, JRC has partnered with Univera Healthcare to sponsor the market amenities to encourage full success and revenue
retention for participating vendors. JRC staff works hard to garner sponsorship and relationships with community partners to lessen the burden on vendors by charging a small vendor fee each week. In years past, vendor fees were eliminated for an entire season due to increased sponsorship. It has been the mission of the market to emphasize sustainability and maximize profits for local small businesses to keep our regional economy strong. The market operates next to the Pearl City Arts building, which is quickly filling up with a variety of art, wellness, food and retail related businesses. “We feel privileged to be sharing the same block with a diverse group of businesses. We are hoping more people will become familiar with all that downtown has to offer this summer” says Breen. “We are counting on our community to show up every Saturday to shop and support local!” The Jamestown Public Market will feature free live entertainment from local musicians each week along with outdoor seating, food demonstrations and tastings, wellness events, and much more. This summer’s featured farmers include Abers Acres, Scotts Farm & Greenhouse and J & E Produce. For Peate’s Sake Homestead is back for their second season as the market’s only all natural fresh frozen meat vendor. Works from local artists, homemade baked goods, handcrafted caramel and cheese popcorn, maple products and local honey will also be available. JRC is always looking for additional local vendors throughout the season. If you would like to be a vendor, contact Christina Breen at 664-2477 ext. 226 or email Christina@jamestownrenaissance.org. For additional information, visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or join the Jamestown Public Market Facebook page.
UPMC Chautauqua WCA Summer Fundraising Events July 21st is Pink the Park at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park when the Jamestown Jammers play the Elmira Pirates. The game starts at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $5 at door or $2 presale for breast cancer survivors. Pink Wish Lanterns will be released and can be purchased for $3 in honor and in memory of those affected with cancer. For more information contact Megan at 664-8423. July 24th & 25th is the LINKS Charity 26th Annual Pro-Am & Scramble in memory of Allen Short. This event will be held at Moon Brook Country Club. The LINKS Celebration Auction will be July 24 at 6pm and the cost is just $25 per person. For more information visit www.linkscharity.com.
Food Bank Opens New Chautauqua County Hub The Food Bank of WNY unveiled its new, larger Chautauqua County Distribution Center and its new 26-foot Partners Fighting Hunger delivery truck Tuesday morning.
The project, which was funded by private foundations within the county and corporate partners throughout the region, according to a press release, will help meet the growing demands from Chautauqua County residents. The new facility is 5,200 square feet larger than the previous location, and the delivery truck will allow the Food Bank of WNY to increase food distribution by more than 2,000 pounds per truckload.
Fourth of July Summer Fest in Lakewood The Village of Lakewood invites everyone to its Fourth of July Summer Fest on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. The day begins with the annual Firecracker Run at Hartley Park, hosted by the Lakewood Family YMCA. Pre-registration is through the YMCA or from 7-8:15am on race day. It’s a 10K Run combined with a 2 mile walk/run at 9am. Free kids events include kids dashes at 9:30am and the M&T Bank Money Hunt at 11am. Vendor booths open at noon at Hartley Park including food, crafts, face painting, and the Lakewood History Museum Walking Tours. The Kidz Zone opens at 11:30am with bounce houses, a 20-foot inflatable slide, carnival games, a dunk tank, and more. Sailboat rides are from noon-4pm at the Lakewood Beach House courtesy of the CLCSF. A Patriotic Salute will be held at 5:30 by the American Legion Post #1286 at the gazebo patio, followed by live entertainment by Two For Flinching from 6-10pm. The day will wrap up with the lighting of the flares around Chautauqua Lake and a huge fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks at 10pm.
Uber is Available in Chautauqua County, NY Uber ride service is now available in Chautauqua County, just in time for the busy summer period. This long awaited service is a great solution for visitors to the area who do not have a vehicle with them, or who would rather not drive at certain times. To utilize the service, simply go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store using a smartphone and search for the Uber App. Then download the app and supply the required permissions and financial information. Once the app is installed and working, users can type in their desired destination in Chautauqua County. The app works best if the user turns on their smartphone location information. Uber will link the user with options for a driver and an estimated pick up time. All the arrangements and the financial transaction take place through the user’s smartphone, via the Uber app. This is a fantastic service for area attractions, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and lodging properties to let their customers know about. It provides a convenient and affordable alternative to driving when necessary. There is also the opportunity for area residents and business people to become Uber drivers. Since this service is just beginning in Chautauqua County, there is plenty of need for drivers. The app provides instructions on how to become a driver, or interested persons can go to Uber.com.
www.chautauquachamber.org 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048 (716) 366-6200 512 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 484-1101