A monthly newsletter from the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce November 2017 When a Community Believes, a Community Makes It Happen 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
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet in October was once again a moment for each of us to take stock of our accomplishments, both in business and as citizens of Chautauqua County. The stories of volunteer leadership throughout our county are heartwarming and inspiring, and the informative lessons from our business leadership are motivating. We extend sincere congratulations to a group of extraordinary people and organizations for taking the initiative and demonstrating the dedication to improve our communities. They are Community Service Award recipients: the late Carol Kozlowski from Dunkirk; Todd Langworthy from Fredonia; Sue Briggs from Hanover; John Williams from Jamestown; the Manufacturers Club of Chautauqua Lake Central School from Mayville-Chautauqua; and Dr. Don and Marion Eno from Westfield-Barcelona. We also thank Economic Development Award honoree Fieldbrook Foods Corporation for their commitment to investing and growing their business here in Chautauqua County and to being an active and involved partner. We appreciate their strong engagement with the community. Kudos, once again, to our Person of the Year Bill Andrews, Managing Director/President & CEO of Monofrax LLC in Falconer. Since he arrived on the scene eighteen months ago Bill has been an agent of positive change within the Monofrax facility and within the community. He has helped organize Manufacturing Day tours, hosted hundreds of students and teachers from local schools, and has worked hard to promote STEM education in a variety of ways. We must truly recognize that we are a blessed region that is making significant progress forward. It starts with great people and a belief in our community. Those who came before us believed in a better future, and we too must believe. We must believe in the progress laid out before us: the Northern Chautauqua Water District, Athenex, the repowering of NRG, the National Comedy Center, a more efficient government, a stronger educational system, a growing tourism sector, a strong manufacturing base and much more. We must believe in ourselves, our capabilities, and our capacities. It takes people to move a community forward, and we have amazing examples all around us. Believe in yourselves, your businesses, and the people around you. Together, we can achieve great things!
Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events 11/2 & 9 - Advanced Facebook Marketing, JCC Continuing Ed 11/1-15 - Lean Boot Camp classroom training, UBTCIE at JCC North County Training Center 11/9 - Noon-3pm, New York Paid Family Leave Business Seminar, Willow By Theater, Jamestown, sponsored by Chautauqua Works, Call (716) 487-5171 11/14 - Business After Hours with the Chamber at Southern Tier Brewing, Chamber 11/15 - Manufacturing Lead Gen and Sales Summit, JCC Carnahan Center 11/15 - Cybersecurity Seminar, Robert H. Jackson Center 11/15 - 6:30pm, Many Faces of Addiction Education Forum, JCC Scharmann Theatre 11/16 - 8:30am, Workforce Development Institute funding application workshop for Certified Production Technician training funding assistance, Call JCC Continuing Ed at (716) 3381005 11/16 - Fredonia Technology Incubator Marketing Workshop: Ideas and Strategies to Grow Your Business 11/16 - Dunkirk Community Chamber Annual Appreciation Dinner 11/16 - Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Annual Banquet 11/25 - Small Business Saturday: Shop Small, Shop Local, Shoptauqua!
For a year-round list of festivals and events, check the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Calendar For a complete list of courses through JCC Continuing Ed in Jamestown and Dunkirk, check the online course catalog
Business After Hours at Southern Tier Brewing is November 14 Sign up now to attend the Chamber’s popular Experience Chautauqua Business After Hours at Southern Tier Brewing Company. It will be held Tuesday, November 14. Join your fellow Chamber members for this event and learn why Southern Tier Brewing remains one of the fastest growing businesses in Chautauqua County. Space is limited and it will fill up quickly, so we encourage you to register soon! You can register online at www.chautauquachamber.org or call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101. The cost is just $12 to cover October-fest inspired appetizers. There is a cash bar with delicious Southern Tier brews on tap. Be sure to bring your business card to enter the door prize drawings, and come prepared to network and build your business. This networking event is sponsored by Affinity One Federal Credit Union, Anderson Cleaners, Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, Northwest Arena, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Media One Group.
Rolling Hills Radio & Chamber Partner to Deliver Music Entertainment The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is now partnering with Rolling Hills Radio, a live recorded musical entertainment program. A creation of producer/host Ken Hardley, it is an ongoing series featuring live musical performances from local, regional, national and internationally recognized artists exploring, celebrating, and performing grassroots Americana music. This series of live musical performances is recorded and broadcast over community radio station WRFA-LP 107.9 in Jamestown and available as a streaming podcast around the world at www.wrfa-lp.com. Now in its eighth season, the program is moving its live recording venue to Shawbucks, 212 West Second Street, Jamestown, and is partnering with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will manage ticket sales for the program. Tickets are available at the Chamber office at 512 Falconer Street, online at www.chautauquachamber.org, or by phone at (716) 484-1101. See the November show poster in this newsletter.
Dunkirk Community Chamber Annual Appreciation Dinner November 16 The Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce Annual Appreciation Dinner will be held Thursday, November 16 at Manning’s Fireside Manor Restaurant, 5377 West Lake Road, Dunkirk. Guest speakers will be Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas and Rebecca Yanus, Director of Economic Development. All Chamber members are welcome to attend. The cost for a buffet style dinner is $25 per person. The cash bar cocktail hour is from 4-6pm, with dinner at 6pm. Sponsors are: Bart’s Cove, City of Dunkirk, Graf Realty Corporation, Hometown Insurance, Main Wine & Spirits, Matts News, Ralph’s Pennzoil, and The Chautauqua Center. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at (716) 366-6200.
Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Annual Banquet November 16 The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Banquet and Meeting on Thursday, November 16 at Andriaccio’s Family Restaurant, 4837 West Lake Road, Mayville. Cocktail hour begins with a cash bar at 6:30pm, with dinner at 7pm. For more information or to make reservations, contact Chamber Coordinator Debby Marsala at (716) 753-3113.
Paige Foriska State Farm Insurance Opens Office in Jamestown Paige Foriska has opened a new insurance agency located at 1800 Washington Street in Jamestown, New York. She is an agent for State Farm of Jamestown, New York. A Grand Opening was held at her new location on Monday, October 2 and was greeted by Mayor Sam Teresi and his staff, her husband AJ and her friends and family. along with members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce, She has come to us from the Hermitage, Pennsylvania area where she worked for five years with State Farm. She graduated from California University with a degree in business administration. She likes working with people and developing positive relationships. Her vision is to become one of the top agencies in Jamestown and will develop good relationships through her experience and knowledgeable employees. Her office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am-5 pm, with other hours by appointment and her phone is 716-483-2762. She and her family have currently moved to and reside in Warren, Pa. Photo Caption: Paige Foriska opens new State Farm Insurance Agency in Jamestown, NY. Those attending the celebration were Lee Harkness, Jamestown Chamber of Commerce; Paige Foriska, Owner; Mayor of Jamestown Samuel Teresi; and Guy Ditonto.
World Juniors Returns to Jamestown Northwest Arena to Host Games Between USA, Belarus, and Slovakia The World Juniors Exhibition Games presented by DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown are coming to the Northwest Arena this December. This will be the first time that the World Juniors have returned to Jamestown since 2010, when they played three sold-out games at the former Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Spectators can expect to see two daysworth of world-class competition. The December games will feature Team USA against Belarus on Wednesday the 20th and Belarus taking on Slovakia on Thursday the 21st. Several players from the 2010 World Juniors teams have gone on to have successful NHL careers, so fans can expect nothing but the best this December at Northwest Arena. Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $18 and $23 for Preferred Seating. There is a limited $10 VIP Add On that includes a pre-game party inside the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club with food and cash bar. Visit www.northwestarena.com, call 716.484.2624, or stop by the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office to reserve your tickets today.
Northwest Continues Partnership with JRC The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation recently received a $2500 donation from Northwest Savings Bank. The money was provided to further support Jamestown Renaissance Corporation's Mission and adds to the revitalization of Greater Jamestown. When asked about the continued partnership between the two organizations, Lisa Hatch, Executive Director of JRC said, "Northwest has shown a commitment to continue Jamestown's growth and development, and we are happy to partner and collaborate with them on our many upcoming projects."
For more information on Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, please visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or www.jamestownupclose.com.You can also learn more about the organization by calling 716-489-3496. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is a public-private partnership supporting downtown and neighborhood revitalization through stakeholder engagement, innovation, and reinvestment in the greater Jamestown, New York, area.
National Certification Offered to Manufacturers in Region Manufacturers from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties are invited to join a training consortium to have their employees achieve a national accreditation as a Certified Production Technician (CPT) through Jamestown Community College. Enrollments are being accepted for the CPT program, offered by JCC’s Center for Continuing Education in partnership with the University at Buffalo Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE). Businesses can register one or more employees in the program, which will be held from January through June, 2018. CPT supplies the core knowledge and skills required for front line manufacturing jobs. Based on industry defined and federally endorsed national standards, the content prepares candidates for entry level to supervisory production roles with a portable credential. Candidates receive 109 hours of training through a combination of web-based and classroom learning, and will earn CPT certification after passing all production module exams. The Workforce Development Institute will assist organizations in applying for a subsidy to cover half of the training costs, pending successful completion of the program. Mike LaBerta, WDI Regional Director, will hold a funding application workshop from 8:30-9:30am November 16 at the Katharine Jackson Carnahan Center at JCC, Jamestown. For more information or to attend the workshop, contact Grant Umberger at grantumberger@mail.sunyjcc.edu or (716) 338-1005.
Manufacturing Lead Gen and Sales Summit Learn the skills to improve lead generation and sales for your manufacturing company by attending the 2017 Manufacturing Lead Gen & Sales Summit Wednesday, November 15 on the Jamestown campus of Jamestown Community College. The speakers for the event are experts who have produced real business growth results from manufacturers. They are: Josh Curcio, COO and Partner at protocol 80, Inc, who has been working in and speaking about business to business sales and marketing for more than a decade; Deb Calvert, President of People First Productivity Solutions, who was recently named one of the Top 65 Women Business Influencers due to her extensive online reach; and John Hogg, President of Straight-Forward Consulting, who has over 28 years of experience in delivering Supply Chain Excellence and Process Transformation.
Topics covered will include: Sales and Marketing, Buyer Behaviors, and Sales from a Non-sales Person. The event runs from 8-11:30am at the JCC Carnahan Center and is being sponsored by Southern Tier Enterprise Development Organization, Small Business Development Center at JCC, Jamestown Community College, and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. The cost is just $20 per person. To register, visit www.protocol80.com.
Cybersecurity Seminar November 15 Cybersecurity will be the topic on Wednesday, November 15 when Phillips Lytle presents Deconstructing Cybersecurity Obligations, a continuing legal education program about recent legal issues raised by trends in technology and cybersecurity. The program will be held from 8:30-10:30am at the Robert H. Jackson Center, Jamestown. Topics will include the data security landscape and recent incidents, questions to ask your IT personnel, what data is protected by law, incident preparedness, and incident response. Presents are from the Phillips Lytle Data Security & Privacy Team: Jennifer A. Beckage, James Bobseine, and Brendan Lillis. This program is recommended for Bar Association members, CEOs, COOs and CFOs, Information Officers, Information Technology Officers, Board members, and business leaders. This is a free program and is cosponsored by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. Please register by November 8 by contacting Kathryn Gibbons at Phillips Lytle at (716) 847-5469.
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is Proud to Welcome Vincent Kane to the team By Kim Knappenberger Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is pleased to announce that Vincent Kane has recently been hired to fill the position of NEWA Service Technician with the NYS IPM Program. In this position Vincent will be responsible to monitor, troubleshoot, repair, and ensure accurate data is being reported and collected from the weather stations in the Lake Erie Region. Vincent comes from Portland, NY where he was raised on a grape farm. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from SUNY Fredonia. Combining his technical skills with the years of grape work experience and the knowledge of grapes taught by his family, Vince looks forward to having a role in helping the grape industry. As one of his priorities, he hopes his focus will be to help farmers utilize the immense resource of NEWA. The Network for Environment and Weather Applications, or NEWA delivers weather data from weather stations primarily located on farms through the internet and automatically calculates and displays weather data summaries, crop production tools, and IPM forecasts for disease and insect pests. NEWA tools promote precision IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and crop production practices. Farmers, commodity groups, the NYS IPM Program and
Cornell and Penn State Universities, own the weather stations used by NEWA in the Lake Erie region. Weather data is radio transmitted from the weather station in the field to a receiver connected to the internet and then is uploaded into NEWA. There are currently 11 NEWA stations in use in the Lake Erie region running from Ransomville in Niagara County to Harborcreek in Erie County, PA. To learn more about NEWA and the weather and pest information it provides visit http://newa.cornell.edu. The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is a cooperative effort between Cornell and Penn State Universities; the participating Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations of Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus Counties in New York and Erie County in Pennsylvania; and participating industry partners National Grape Cooperative (Welch’s), Constellation Brands and Walkers Fruit Basket. The LERGP extension team provides research-based educational programming for commercial grape growers throughout the year at venues across the Lake Erie grape belt. For more information on LERGP, call 716-792-2800 or visit our website at http://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/. The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE -Chautauqua). 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. Photo Caption: Vincent Kane with the NEWA station at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory in Portland, NY.
Heidi Moss Recognized as a 4-H SuperYouth By Lisa Kempisty, Extension Educator, Dairy/Livestock Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. In an effort to recognize the great things that 4-H youth accomplish, each month Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County names a 4-H SuperYouth. Congratulations to Heidi Moss, from Conewango Valley, NY who is being recognized as the September 4-H SuperYouth. Heidi Moss has been a member of the Chautauqua County Dairy Program for 9 years. Through 4-H, she has participated in showing cows at the local county fairs and the New York State Fair; dairy judging at the county, state and national levels; dairy bowl; Dairy Discovery Program; Visit the Farm Day; and Agriculture Literacy Week. Heidi has been showing her registered Brown Swiss and Ayrshire dairy cattle at the Chautauqua
County Fair for the last 9 years. Heidi is very involved on her family’s dairy farm, helping care for the calves and heifers daily. She is also learning how to use the technology and data generated from the “automated milking system or robots” to manage the dairy herd. Heidi is excited to continue to learn about new technologies in agriculture and looks forward to attending Morrisville State College next fall to study dairy science. Heidi was recently selected to participate in the 2017-2018 Cornell Junior Dairy Leader program, traveling to the World Dairy Expo and National 4-H Dairy Conference, in Madison Wisconsin. Heidi was also selected based upon her outstanding dairy judging skills, to represent New York State on the National 4-H Dairy Judging Team competing in Louisville, Kentucky in early November 2017. Heidi has truly developed a passion and love for agriculture and the dairy industry. She enjoys promoting the dairy industry and informing the public about agriculture. Through showing dairy cattle, Heidi has developed a strong work ethic, responsibility of caring for her dairy cattle, and has been able to see her hard work pay off through numerous achievements. Heidi has served as a Junior Superintendent for the 4-H Dairy Barn for the past two years, helping other 4-H members at the fair. Some of her favorite memories of showing cows are the friends she has made and getting to help the younger members. According to Lisa Kempisty, Extension Educator, “I have had the pleasure to know and work with Heidi throughout her 4-H career and have seen Heidi mature into a hardworking, intelligent young woman with a passion for agriculture, always learning new information and eager to help others.” Heidi is a senior at Pine Valley Central School where she is very active in FFA, Envirothon, and serves as chapter vice president of Honor Society. She currently serves as president of her FFA chapter and enjoys her agriculture class activities, including helping with the school garden, road cleanup and tractor day. Heidi has competed in multiple public speaking events on the district and sub state level. Through FFA, she has attended several leadership conferences and two state conventions. It is very important to Heidi to be involved in FFA because she has been able to meet other adults and kids who share a passion for agriculture. Heidi also has an appreciation for music, as she has been playing and studying piano for the past 10 years. She has also been recognized in competitive swimming with the Pine Valley Swim Club for the past five years and served as a lifeguard for two years. Heidi’s strong work ethic, leadership skills, increased personal growth through her many 4-H activities, and interest to help others learn about agriculture make her a true 4-H SuperYouth! Photo caption: Heidi Moss, from Conewango Valley, NY was named the September 4-H SuperYouth, pictured with her Registered Brown Swiss cow named Klondike, that she enjoys showing at local county fairs and the New York State Fair.
What the Tech?! Come Get Your Tablet, Phone, and Smart Device Questions Answered You asked for it and we listened! During the last few years, many of our Best of Times attendees have asked for help with their phones, tablets, and other technology related questions. For the next Best of Times seminar, we've partnered with the James Prendergast Library to help bring you those answers and resources you need! We will be having TWO very unique programs: Apple Devices and iOS Devices, Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 PM Android / Windows Devices and Others, Thursday, November 16 at 6:00 PM Both programs take place inside Christ Chapel at Lutheran, 715 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY. Rob Hewitt, Learning Lab Tech and Reference Librarian from the James Prendergast Library, will be instructing the programs. Hewitt works for the library’s Technology Center that typically provides one-onone assistance with electronic devices. The library helps over 300 people a year with their programming, so they have a lot of experience helping individuals of all ages learn how to use devices, various websites, apps, and more. QUESTIONS ARE WELCOME! We know that the holiday shopping season is right around the corner. Whether you want to learn about which devices to give as a gift or even if you already have a technology device that you want to learn more about, this program is for you! Light refreshments are provided so RSVP is requested. Please click the button below to respond online or call 716-720-9122 with your name and total number in your group. The presentations will begin promptly at the scheduled times so be sure to arrive early to grab your seat(s)!
Suicide Prevention Week Highlighted at Mental Health Association In celebration of National Recovery Month, some fun activities followed the September Recovery Luncheon at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA). The MHA is a peer-run organization offering support services to people with substance use disorders and all other forms of mental health diagnosis. Monthly luncheons are an opportunity to recognize progress by participants. Executive Director Kia Briggs invited folks to enjoy Tie Dye for Hope and Rock Painting sessions following the luncheon. Other Suicide Awareness Week events held at the MHA were a Poetry Slam and SafeTalk training. Along with the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention, MHA was one of the primary sponsors and locations for Suicide
Awareness Week, September 18-23, 2017. Other sponsors were Chautauqua Tapestry, The Resource Center, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Fredonia State University of New York, Jamestown Community College, Chautauqua Mall and KidX Club, United Christian Advocacy Network, BestSelf Behavioral Health, CATTOOS, Raynor Memorial Golf Tournament, Randolph Peaches N Cream, Nite-Line Magazine, Northwest Arena, Media One Group LLC, and Wegmans. Associate Director Steven Cobb announced the National Recovery Month Recovery Walks in Dunkirk and Jamestown and the Rally to Recover Jamestown. Luncheon participants applauded those present to receive awards. Cobb had certificates for two people who graduated from treatment court and 14 who achieved recovery milestones. United Christian Advocacy Network presented the ham dinner prepared by ladies from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Falconer. The meal was served by Jan Ball, Brenda Donato, Sarah Fowler, and Renee Tompsette. Evergreen Health Services provides free and confidential HIV rapid tests at its location at the MHA in the Gateway Center. People should get tested at least once, more if you are at risk. The staff is happy to speak to you about ways you can reduce risks and be healthy. Call (716) 541-0678 or stop in weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get more information. The Mental Health Association 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 MHA, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting and much more. All services and programs are offered free of charge. The MHA’s 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 facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua. Photo caption: Events were announced and achievements recognized at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s September Recovery Luncheon. Among those applauded were (from left) Susan Smeraglioulo, Lindsey Mason, Jennifer Fain, and Grant Monroe.
Collaboration is Key to “The Many Faces of Addiction” at JCC November 15 A coalition of community organizations is working together to defeat the addiction crisis that is plaguing Chautauqua County. In the spirit of “Our Community Stands Together,” the Health Care Action Team (HCAT) along with two major planning partners and sponsors, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Mental Health Association (MHA), has planned a second Community Education Forum on this complicated subject. “The Many Faces of Addiction: No One Cause, No One Solution” will be presented on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 6:30 p.m., in Jamestown Community College’s Scharmann Theatre. Attendance is free and open to the public. Light refreshment will be available
beginning at 6 p.m. Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney, Chair of HCAT and the MHA Advisory Board, will moderate the panel of speakers that includes: • Karen McElrath, PhD, Professor of Criminal Justice, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina • Davina Moss-King, PhD, Positive Direction and Associates, Buffalo • Andrew O’Brien, Current Consultant and former Director of Behavioral Health, UPMC-Chautauqua-WCA • Leanna Luka-Conley, Deputy Commissioner of Adult, Children and Family Services, Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services • Chief Harry Snellings, Police Chief/Director of Public Safety, City of Jamestown • Reverend Luke Fodor, Rector, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jamestown A question and answer period will follow the presentations. The many collaborators that have joined to support and help in various ways include Jamestown Community College, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, City of Jamestown, County of Chautauqua, Chautauqua Works, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, The Post-Journal, YWCA, Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, A Fresh Start, HOPE Coalition, UPMC Chautauqua WCA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, The Resource Center, The Chautauqua Center, Jamestown Area Medical Associates-GLPP, Addiction Response Ministry, Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, United Christian Advocacy Network, Southern Tier Environments for Living, and Burgett & Robbins LLP. Photo caption: To tackle the crisis of substance abuse disorders in Chautauqua County, more than two dozen organizations are collaborating to present “The Many Faces of Addiction: No One Cause, No One Solution.” This second Community Education Forum will be held at Jamestown Community College on Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. Among the planners are (seated, from left) Andrew O’Brien, UPMC-Chautauqua-WCA; Kia Narraway-Briggs, Executive Director, Mental Health Association; Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney, Health Care Action Team; (standing, from left) Leanna LukaConley, Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services; Janet Forbes, Program VP, AAUW-Jamestown Branch; and The Rev. Luke Fodor, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
You Can Make a Difference: Mental Health First Aid Training at JCC November 14 and 15 There is a popular myth that the average person can’t do anything to help someone with a mental health problem. The Mental Health First Aid training offered at Jamestown Community College on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, November 14 and 15, will not only disprove that myth, it will give you the tools to possibly save a life. Mental Health First Aid is a national program that aims to help people recognize signs of substance use disorder or depression or disordered eating in others, and then show how and when to encourage those suffering to get help. Even more, it aims to help people overcome their fear of getting involved. These steps have saved lives of the mentally ill as well as others. The fact is that friends and loved ones can make a big difference. According to mentalhealth.gov, only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by • Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help • Helping them access mental health services • Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn’t true • Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else • Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy" Based on the principle that early intervention encourages people to seek help, the MHFA program is designed to give community members the skills to help or intervene in a crisis. It increases the understanding that mental illnesses and substance misuse are real, common, and treatable and teaches ways to connect to the appropriate professional, peer, or self-help program. In the training you will be introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies, and engage in activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families. Role playing will make it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation. You can learn more about Mental Health First Aid at mentalhealthfirstaid.org. The eight-hour class will be held in JCC’s Katharine Jackson Carnahan Center. Instructors are certified Mental Health First Aid trainers Kia Narraway-Briggs and Steven Cobb, Executive Director and Associate Director, respectively, of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA). The fee for the MHFA course is $79. To register, call JCC’s Continuing Education Center at (716) 338-1005. For additional information on Mental Health First Aid training call the Mental Health Association at (716) 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. The MHA is staffed by certified peer specialists who provide recovery coaching. More than two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the MHA, where participants can talk with others about concerns. All services and programs are free. The MHA is located at the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Door #14,
Jamestown, N.Y. Photo caption: To learn how you could provide first aid in a mental health emergency, Jamestown Community College’s Center for Continuing Education is offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, November 14 and 15. Certified trainers Kia Narraway-Briggs and Steven Cobb, Executive Director and Associate Director, respectively, of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, lead the class. This poster describes MHFA’s “7 Super Skills to Help a Friend in Need.”
Audubon Community Nature Center Recognizes Thousands of Volunteer Hours, Installs New Board Members “The History Begins With You” was the theme for the Annual Dinner and Volunteer Recognition that celebrated Audubon Community Nature Center’s 60th anniversary year. The event opened with a social time in the Fireplace Room followed by a delicious buffet dinner featuring food locally produced and prepared by 3 C’s Catering. President Ruth Lundin shared a Year in Review that described the positive energy generated by the new brand, strong finances, and grounds in the best shape ever. Initiatives of the last three years have brought new programming and increased visibility, expanding Audubon’s efforts in Warren, northern Chautauqua County, and Randolph, and working with Jamestown Public Schools on programs for the new Universal Pre-Kindergarten for 3 year olds (UPK3). The exciting news for next year is the addition of another educator who will assist with the expanded school programming, special events, and public programming. Lundin reported that Nature Center members voted to revise the organization’s constitution and bylaws, including officially changing its name from Jamestown Audubon Society to Audubon Community Nature Center to more accurately reflect its current work. Four new board members were among those installed for 2017-2018: Amber Grekalski, Timothy Piotrowski, Joe Rollman, and Tim Smeal. They joined continuing board members Wendy Bale, John Beard, Pierre Chagnon, Robert Klebacha, Penny Lester, Bob Sokolski, Rose Stark, and Nathan Welker. A Frewsburg, N.Y., resident, Grekalski is Resource Development Coordinator for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. Piotrowski is an associate professor in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Alfred State SUNY College of Technology and lives in Busti, N.Y. Rollman is a Stockton, N.Y., resident who has his own landscape design practice, Leaf+Stone Landscape Architecture, and is co-owner of Ground Control and Sivak Stonemasonry. Tim Smeal lives in Jamestown, N.Y., and is the Director of Development at the Jamestown Community College Foundation. Under the direction of Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator Katie Finch, the Nature Center staff gave a tribute to volunteers.
The slide presentation began with a holiday gathering of avid birders who formed the Jamestown Audubon Society in 1957. It showed the progress from the 1963 purchase of the 189-acre “Riverside Swamp” through the 1976 completion of the Roger Tory Peterson Nature Interpretive Building and its major addition in 1992. There were pictures of activities from bird banding to environmental education programs as well as the first Thanksgiving with the Birds in 1965. Each historical image was complemented by one of a volunteer doing a similar task this past year, demonstrating for all that “The history begins with you.” The Chairman’s Award is given annually to a person or organization that has demonstrated exemplary service to Audubon. Chair John Beard named outgoing board member Steve Maggio as the 2017 recipient, commending him for his years of volunteer activity from even before he was first on the board in 1984. Senior Naturalist Sarah Hatfield presented the Young Volunteer Award to Evan Kirchoff, an 8th grader at Panama Central Schools. Among his many contributions as a volunteer over more than five years, Evan has helped with animal care, worked at festivals, and been a character at Enchanted Forest. He now assists Hatfield with Little Explorers, a monthly program for 3-8 year olds and their significant adults, in which he started as a participant. Volunteers logged more than 12,350 hours at Audubon this past year. Pins were awarded to volunteers who achieved milestones in their total recorded hours of service. Denny Anderson was recognized for the distinction of having logged more than 5,000 recorded volunteer hours. Sally Patchen and Merle Szydlo achieved the 2,000+ recognition. John Barone, Barb Conklin, Lee Fletcher, Terry Hallock, Judy Long, and John Willsie reached 1,000+ hours. Ray Carlson, Janet Forbes, Susan Hedberg, Emily Perlock, Don Sharp, and Sue Yauchzy attained 500+ recorded hours. Those who made 250+ hours were Pierre Chagnon, Bill Colter, Jane Conroe, Dean and Elaine Frentz, Denise Grant, Persell Middle School Honor Society, John Hyde, Scott Stoleson, and Nancy White. Louise and Reg Boutwell, Jasmine Buffone, Kimberly Dunnigan, Anne Jackson, Nancy LeBaron, Justin Leid, Karen Lobe, Kristen Lombardi, Steve Maggio, Will Novitske, Rose Stark, Tom Szydlo, and Lissa VanDewark reached 100 or more hours. Eleven of these individuals are registered with RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. 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: At Audubon Community Nature Center’s recent Annual Dinner and Volunteer Recognition, pins were awarded to volunteers who achieved milestones in their total hours of recorded service and 2017-2018 board members were installed. Pictured are the new board members (from left): Tim Smeal, Timothy Piotrowski, Joe Rollman, and Amber Grekalski.
Audubon’s Rebel Nature Journal Sparks Creativity Rachel Carson was a naturalist who wrote like a poet. Robert Frost was a poet who wrote about nature and science. Jamestown’s Roger Tory Peterson painted what he saw. Two Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) staff have produced Rebel Nature Journal to lay the groundwork for its readers to learn to see and know their world like these well-known artist/naturalists, to engage with the world in a tangible way, and to express their experiences artistically. With Projects Pool grant funding from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County, naturalist Katie Finch and artist Kimberly Turner created and published this gem of a book that focuses on the sights, sounds, feel and smell of the natural world and how to capture just a little bit of that on the page. In August, Rebel Nature Journal was offered as a four-day camp for children ages 8 to 10 who were entering grades 3 through 5 in the fall. The journal was used to guide and record their experiences throughout the week. Campers learned how to strengthen their observation of the natural world using all of their senses. “I was very curious to see how children would respond to it,” said Turner. “I noticed hesitation at first, with one camper asking, ‘Is this right? Am I doing it right?’” She said once the camper received reassuring words – “there is no right or wrong in this book, it is yours to do with what you wish” – his eyes lit up as he grabbed his marker and wildly added to his original marks. “As the preciousness of the book faded and kids didn’t think of pages as ‘assignments,’ the creativity began to flow. Knowing that ‘there is no wrong answer’ really opened their responses to the prompts.” With topics like Senses, Shape & Form, Color, and Texture & Pattern, Rebel Nature Journal is meant for adults as well as children. It urges those who carry it to interact with nature in many ways. As the creators say on its cover, “The activities are intended to spark creativity while offering a fresh perspective of our world. We hope it develops a gratefulness for all our world has to offer – large or small, beautiful or ugly, familiar or unfamiliar. Finch and Turner hope that Rebel Nature Journal slows people down and allows them to build a stronger connection with the world around them. As Turner said, “Whether people use it while looking out their living room window, or they pack it along on a trip into the deep woods, it’s meant to meet them where they are and slowly ease them into a deeper relationship with earth.” Kimberly Turner has a BFA in both Photography and Illustration from SUNY Fredonia and an MFA with a concentration in Photography from Indiana University Bloomington. Her work as an artist is heavily influenced by the natural world and the concept of
collecting. Her day job is serving as administrative assistant and supervising animal care at ACNC. Photo caption: Audubon Community Nature Center staff members Kim Turner and Katie Finch created Rebel Nature Journal and led a four-day camp last August based on themes within the journal. The campers pictured here are using natural materials to artistically record their nature observations.
Audubon Updates Facilities With Community Support Audubon Community Nature Center is grateful to several groups for some facilities updates that were seriously needed. The Maintenance Building, which turned 20 years old this year, was in need of a new roof. This project was made possible by a grant from the Edwin L. Danielson Community Service Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Furnaces and air conditioners that were installed over 25 years ago also needed to be replaced. Several improvements, including upgrading HVAC ductwork, are being accomplished thanks to the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, the Lenna Foundation, and the Northern Allegheny Conservation Association. Where possible, the work was assisted by Audubon’s OWLS. Following a “coffee” time on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, these volunteers provide maintenance for the building and the 600 acres that surround it. They do everything from taking out the trash and making repairs, to mowing the lawns and cutting brush, to building bridges and painting picnic tables. With more than five miles of beautifully maintained trails on a wetland preserve, Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, onequarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. Open daily, its three-story building contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. One of the most visited exhibits is Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle housed in her outdoor habitat behind the Nature Center. To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or visit auduboncnc.org. Photo caption: With support from local organizations Audubon Community Nature Center has been able to make several needed facilities updates. Here volunteer Don Weber is using the front loader on the tractor to lift new equipment to the second floor entrance of the Nature Center building.
Farm Safety is No Accident: CCE-Chautauqua Announces Upcoming L.E.A.F. Workshop on Farm Safety 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 they will be offering several workshops this season as part of their 2017-2018 L.E.A.F. (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Farm.) Workshop Series. “Operating Tractors and Farm Equipment Effectively and Safely” will be held on Saturday, October 21st from 10am to 12noon at LandPro Equipment, 1756 Lindquist Drive, Falconer, NY. The cost to attend is $10/family. For more information, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/ Chautauqua/leaf1718. This workshop, which will include demonstrations with tractors and equipment along with presentations and distribution of reference materials, will cover several important topics, including: Review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards for Agriculture Equipment including Proper Tractor and Equipment Operation, Power Takeoff Shafts, Guarding of Farm Equipment, Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and much more useful information to learn how to stay safe while operating tractors and farm equipment. Anyone who may have to operate farm equipment - old or new, from compact to full size tractors, tillage equipment, or harvesting equipment such as mowers or balers, will learn useful tips on checking equipment before operating, how to operate equipment effectively, and steps to stay safe while operating farm equipment. While newer farm equipment is specifically designed for safe handling and operation, some operate older farm equipment that is outdated and missing some of the latest standard safety features. Leading this workshop will be Martin Krause, from Delevan, NY, who is currently the WNY consultant for NYCAMH (New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health). This workshop is supported by a grant from the Northeast Extension Risk Management Program. The L.E.A.F. Workshop Series is open to the general public, including homesteaders, beginning farmers, established farmers looking to diversify and grow, agriculture enthusiasts, and everyone in between! The 2017-2018 Workshop Series will feature over 20 workshops to be held throughout the upcoming Fall and Winter months. This season’s L.E.A.F. Program is made possible through the generous support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Pre-registration is required by October 18th to allow for adequate time to prepare printed resources and materials. Interested participants can register online by visiting www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/leaf1718, by emailing kaw249@cornell.edu, or by calling 716-664-9502 ext. 202. The L.E.A.F. Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCEChautauqua) 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. Photo Caption: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County will be offering an upcoming workshop on “Operating Tractors and Farm Equipment – Effectively and Safely” as part of their L.E.A.F. (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Farm.) Workshop Series.
Lakewood Christmas in the Village December 9 The Village of Lakewood is excited to host Christmas in the Village on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10am to 4pm. The main shopping area will take place under a huge, heated tent and small brick building at the former Wilson Farms lot on the corner of Chautauqua and Summit Avenues in Lakewood, New York. This festive community event for the entire family will include holiday shopping with over 35 indoor craft and gift vendors and 20 local merchants with sales and restaurant food and drink specials all along Chautauqua and Summit Avenues in Lakewood, with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies for your enjoyment! Merchant coupon books with special offers will also be available to the public throughout the day. These books will include a map of all shopping/dining locations along with a village basket raffle drawing. Coupon books can be picked up under the tent or at the Lakewood Memorial Library. Several restaurants with plate specials, village businesses, and a variety of vendors will be open that day. A list of merchants/vendors will be announced in late November. There will be a live reindeer appearance from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the village is offering free horse drawn wagon rides from 2 to 5pm. Children and families can also enjoy story time on the hour and crafts at the Lakewood Library from 10am to 4pm that day. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance with their elves from 12 noon to 4pm and will be available for children visits and photographs for purchase by Priceless Studios Photography. Christmas carolers will also adorn the streets in song from 4:30 to 6pm. The annual tree lighting takes place at 5pm in Recognition Park along with all day sledding at Hartley Park. Depending on event sponsorship - we'll have a surprise community event for after hours under the tent - stay tuned! ”We wanted to bring a nostalgic, old-fashioned spirit of the holiday season to the Village of Lakewood for the area residents,” said Mayor Cara Birrittieri. “Our Events and Marketing Committee are working hard to put together an event full of family and friend fun and Christmas cheer.” Remember to wear your warm coat, gloves and hat and enjoy what Lakewood has to offer - shopping, dining and good 'ole family fun! Interested vendors/merchants or questions about Christmas in the Village should be directed to the Village of Lakewood office at (716) 763-8557 or on Facebook at Village of Lakewood, NY. See registration form in post on this page. The Village of Lakewood Events and Marketing Committee is also looking for event volunteers to assist with activities throughout the day. If interested, please contact Scott Mekus at smekus@eventzbyscott.com or (716) 7200564.
www.chautauquachamber.org 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048 (716) 366-6200 512 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 484-1101