September 2018 VOICE Newsletter

A monthly newsletter from the

Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce September 2018 Chamber Honors Individuals and Businesses 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 Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual awards, to be presented during the Chamber Annual Awards Banquet October 11 at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia. This year the County Chamber will bestow its Economic Development Award on Dunkirk Metal Products, while the Person of the Year Award will honor the Calimeri Family of Jamestown.

The Economic Development Award is presented to a company or organization that has contributed most to the economic development, quality of life and stability of our region. This represents one award for the entire region. Dunkirk Metal Products is a leading sheet metal fabricator and manufacturer of specialty metal products engineered to meet the demands of today’s industries. The company serves a diverse customer base in construction, automotive, HVAC, and other industries.

The Person of the Year Award is presented to someone who is recognized by the entire region for their outstanding achievements and contributions, either within the past year or through a lifetime of achievement. The Calimeri family has been long been involved in the startup and operation of several businesses, have demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and community engagement, and have generously contributed to the community.

Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events

9/12 - Chamber Small Group Health Insurance and Open Enrollment Sessions 7:30am - Jamestown 5:30pm - Dunkirk 9/12 - 4-6pm, James East Art Exhibition Reception, Fredonia Technology Incubator 9/13 - 8:30am, Dr. Heather Ann Thompson, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy, keynote speaker for the fall Continuing Legal Education seminar at the Robert H. Jackson Center 9/13 - 7pm, Free lecture, Pictorial History of Cassadaga, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 9/14 - 7:30pm, Comedian Tammy Pescatelli, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 9/15 - 10am-Noon, Free Nature Play Day, Audubon Community Nature Center 9/17 - 6:30pm, Jamestown Public Market Market-to-Table dinner, Call (716) 489-3497 9/23 - Pinot Noir Harvest & Picnic, Johnson Estate Winery

Each of the six community Chambers of Commerce presents a Community Service Award during the Chamber Banquet.

9/23 - 3pm, Folk in Fredonia Free-for-All, 1891 Fredonia Opera House

The Dunkirk Community Chamber has selected James T. Nichols to posthumously receive its award. A Dunkirk native, Mr. Nichols worked side by side with his family to build Nichols Hometown Service. He also chaired the Dunkirk Harbor Commission for 15 years and was actively involved in a number of outdoor groups.

9/26 - 8am-5pm, UBTCIE, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action at Jamestown Community College

The Fredonia Community Chamber chose Kurt Maytum for its Community Service Award. The President of DFT Communications, he was selected for his more than 37 year volunteer career with the Fredonia Fire Department where he is past Chief and was also a Paramedic and field supervisor for many years.

9/26 - 10am, Audubon Community Nature Center Elk Field Trip to see elk in Benzette, PA

Laurie Bifaro has been selected to receive the Community Service Award from the Hanover Community Chamber for the economic rebirth she has helped to bring to the Silver Creek community by expanding her business, A Cut Above the Rest, into a full service salon for hair, nails, facials, and more.

9/26 - 7pm, TaikoProject, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts

10/5&6 - Audubon Community Nature Center Enchanted Forest 10/6 - 9am, Audubon Community Nature Center Fall Kinzua Dam and Fish Hatchery Tour 10/11 - 6pm, Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, Williams Center, SUNY Fredonia, reservations are required by 10/4

The Jamestown Community Chamber selected Bill Stevenson for its Community Service Award. His love of community and volunteer efforts have helped to make numerous festivals and events happen in the community.

He serves on the board of the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum, chairs the Riverfront Management Council, and has volunteered with the Jamestown Area Railway Heritage Center, the Babe Ruth World Series, and more.

The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber has chosen SandraLee Wagner to receive its Community Service Award. Ms. Wagner was instrumental in helping to establish the Lakeside Bark Dog Run across in Mayville, as she petitioned, raised funds, and rallied others to bring the project to fruition.

The Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber is presenting its Community Service Award to the sister and brother team of Joan Mascaro Caruso and Rick Mascaro.

The two have worked together and individually to help make things happen in Westfield. Both retired teachers, Mrs. Caruso has been active with the Patterson Library board of trustees and improvements to Moore Park as well as other activities. Her brother returned to Westfield from South Carolina and established the Lake Shore Center for the Arts.

We hope you will join us in saluting all of these deserving award winners during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet. For more information call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or find the event online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

Small Group Health Insurance and Open Enrollment Sessions Planned Continuing our commitment to assist our member employers with controlling costs through pro-active, innovative, high quality health insurance products the Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association are offering two information sessions this fall. We will provide an update on the group health insurance landscape and discuss solutions and products available from the Chamber/MAST and their partners.

Both sessions will be held on Wednesday, September 12. The first session will be held at 7:30am at the MTI@JCC Building located at 512 Falconer Street in Jamestown. The second session will be at 5:30pm at the JCC North County Training Center in Dunkirk, 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk.

Both of these sessions are focused on employer insurance needs. They are free to attend but registration is recommended so we can prepare for enough guests. Please call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or sign up online at www.chautauquachamber.org/ events.

New Member Benefit Announced Through a partnership with the Small Business Development Center and Jamestown Community College Center for Continuing Education, your Chamber membership now entitles you to a 20% discount on classes in the new online Small Business Academy. The Small Business Academy is an online portal for workshops, panel discussions, explainer videos and even full-length certification courses in a wide range of topics for small business owners, managers, and aspiring

entrepreneurs.

Current Topics include: Social Media Marketing Certification; Social Media Platform classes in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest; Succession Planning; Trademarks; Patents; Copyrights; Zoning Law; and more. Call the Chamber at (716) 4841101 or (716) 366-6200 to access your discount code for this special benefit program, or watch your email for more details from the Chamber.

Dunkirk Community Chamber Cuts Ribbons on New Businesses The Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce recently coordinated ribbon cutting ceremonies for local businesses. Andre’s Ribs-Julie’s Way came to this area from St. Louis, Mo. and is now serving customers at Rookies on the Lake at 19 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk. Their award winning ribs are served daily.

Dressed to Impress Doggie Spa at 186 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, is a full service spa for pets owned locally

by Jeanette Anson.

The business owners are shown with Dave Kleparek, Dunkirk Community Chamber Coordinator; Rebecca Yanus, Dunkirk Director of Development; Elizabeth Booth of JCC and Vice President of the Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce; Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosa; and Dunkirk 4th Ward Councilman Mike Civiletto.

Barresi Scholarship Awarded The 2018 Thomas L. Barresi Scholarship Winner is Francine Torres, a student at Jamestown Community College.

The Thomas L. Barresi Scholarship was established in August 2009 by the Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce in appreciation for Tom Barresi's 25 years of employment with the Chamber and a lifetime of service to the community.

Students are eligible to apply if they attend a Chautauqua County School, are pursuing a degree in either business or in elementary education, are active in the community, possess an enthusiasm for life, and demonstrate leadership qualities.

Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant and the Chautauqua County Education Coalition Presented National Recognition The work accomplished through the partnership between Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) and the Chautauqua County Education Coalition recently earned the Cummins Global and Engine Business Unit Impact Awards. The award honors Cummins’ employees work accomplished with its partners that embody Cummins’ mission, vision and values. The work of Cummins and the Education Coalition was recognized because of its success in aligning educational career pathways in manufacturing throughout Chautauqua County, which aligned with one of the five focus areas of the award – Community Impact in Education.

The primary purpose of the Chautauqua County Education Coalition (CCEC) is to align resources and build capabilities to meet the evolving workforce requirements of the community. To that end, the CCEC is building partnerships to assure that Chautauqua County is “community ready” for opportunities that advance our learning system and lead

Give the card that supports local business. Call the Chamber at (716) 366-6200 or (716) 484-1101 to learn more.

Chamber members are always invited to submit news articles and photos for publication in our monthly online VOICE newsletter. Please email written submissions to: swebster@chautauquachamber.org no later than the 25th of the month for publication the following month.

to job retention and job growth.

Cummins HR Manager Lori Jafarjian said, “Solving complex, longterm challenges such as workforce development requires that organizations work together consistently and strategically. No one organization can address the workforce development needs of the economy alone. The Coalition provides a structure so that organizations across various sectors (government, not-for-profit, for-profit, philanthropy, etc.) work together, share a common vision and agree on measurements of success. The staff and volunteers that support the Education Coalition are trained and skilled in collective impact work and facilitate the work of the more than 66 organizations working to address the workforce needs of the county.”

In 2017 one area of focus for the CCEC was to bring together key stakeholders with a focus on enhancing educational opportunities that would lead to manufacturing careers. Through the collaborative work of the coalition and its stakeholders they identified manufacturing career pathways as one of three strategic focus areas in the community and for the CCEC. Data collected by the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier identified significant workforce demand among manufacturers in the region. As part of this work, this group has identified catalytic initiatives across the County that connect the local workforce to the local manufacturing economy and worked on better connecting, building and enhancing these programs.

These programs included: Dream It Do It (DIDI), Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), Jamestown Public School (JPS) – Academy of Pre-Engineering Manufacturing Industrial Technology (PEMIT), Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) and Industrial Equipment Technology (Industrial Maintenance) pathway development.

CCEC’s Executive Director Justin Hanft said, “We are honored to play a part, alongside Cummins employees, for this recognition. On behalf of the CCEC and our partner stakeholders we are truly creating a platform for community collaboration. It is the collection of the great work by many organizations along with volunteers supporting that work that made this recognition possible. Through dedicated collaboration, we have established, nurtured, and sustained some programs and initiatives that will have a significant positive impact on our workforce and economy well into the future. We sincerely appreciate the support provided

by Cummins and their employees who have volunteered their time to this work.”

At the time of the award submission, the outcomes of this work included: over 3,500 student interactions with 27 schools during 2017 through the Dream It Do It Manufacturing Career Awareness Program; growth in the P-TECH program enrollment to 80 students from the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES region; 157 students enrolled in Jamestown High School’s Pre Engineering Manufacturing Industrial Technology Academy; support of the

expansion of Jamestown Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Institute that enrolled 92 students in NYSED Accredited Programs; and facilitation of a curriculum gap analysis on the Industrial Equipment Technology certificate program at JCC with regional employers that led to the development of a consortium of trainees who participated in the Manufacturing Standards Skills Council Certified Production Technician program delivered by JCC. That training included four organizations and sixteen participants who received a nationally recognized CPT credential. The total number of Cummins volunteers that supported these programs and initiatives throughout the 2017 year was 116 employees.

Hanft added, “We have learned that job creation, job preparation and job access outcomes across the region must improve. We also have learned that quality of those outcomes is shaped by the performance and interactions of a complex web of independent individuals, organizations and institutions. These individual stakeholders acting alone cannot shape system outcomes. By working with complex systems through interaction and collaboration, we can improve results for all. If Chautauqua County’s economy is to be rich in growth and opportunity, we all need to be engaged and excel at collaboration.”

The CCEC and several of stakeholder organizations involved in the Coalition have been trained on the Stakeholder Engagement Process developed by the firm CivicLab, an Institute for Civic Collaboration out of southeast Indiana which continues to develop best practices in its field.

As a product of this work, all stakeholders participating in the Chautauqua County Education Coalition will continue to develop a clear message to potential students, parents, school counselors, and educators regarding career pathways in manufacturing in an effort to boost enrollment in available training programs and increase the supply of a skilled workforce available to manufacturers in the region.

Photo Caption: Pictured from left to right is Srikanth Padmanabhan, Vice President and President Engine Business at Cummins, Lori Jafarjian, Human Resources Manager at Cummins JEP, Mike Abbate, EBU Supplier Quality & Quality Systems FE Director at Cummins, Justin Hanft, Director – Chautauqua County Education Coalition, Todd Tranum, Executive Director – Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier & President/CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Timothy Piazza, Talent Pipeline and Apprenticeship Coordinator – Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, Matt McQueen, Executive Director - Supply Chain Operations at Cummins.

Old World Craftsmanship is Alive and Well in Westfield One of Westfield Barcelona Chamber’s newest member is Mathews Jewelers, this business has been on Main St. in Westfield since October of 1995, many of our residents can vouch for the craftsmanship and quality of the work provided by owner and jeweler Rick Mathews. Cindy Mathews is Rick’s right hand and

partner in the business and at home. Cindy returned to Westfield just a short time ago after spending the winter in Florida with a new granddaughter and Rick discovered just how much she does!

Welcome home Cindy, from your family and our community.

Married for 37 years Rick and Cindy have 2 children, Emily and Tyler, and 4 grandchildren, Bradyn and Braxton Paddock and Landyn and Harper Marie Mathews. The two of them enjoy spending time with their family and many friends. When the children were young they became friends with other parents from sports teams that the children were involved with thus forming a group that meets once a month for various activities to this day. They ride motorcycles, go out on their boat, road rally’s, mystery dinners, bowling, always something different and fun.

In addition to the friends group Rick is the President of Lake Shore Center for the Arts and used his talents as a contractor to build the staging, the reception desk and other tasks that were involved in creating the center in the old classrooms of the Presbyterian Church. He is a singer and actor in productions at LSCFTA. This past winter Rick directed the Lead With Your Heart concert that was enjoyed by all. Rick also serves on the Village Planning board.

Cindy supports these endeavors and is active in her own right by helping with the grandchildren and at school.

Rick learned his trade from his brother in law, Franz Martin Peters of Ft Wayne, IN. Franz (Marty) was trained in his home country of Germany having completed four years of school, apprenticeship, Journeyman and finally achieving Master Jeweler status.

Mathews Jewelers takes custom orders, you can pick your design, your stones, and he will create it. He can also repair jewelry, they also have a beautiful selection of estate jewelry.

One of the pieces of note that Rick makes is a replica of the Barcelona Lighthouse, for years he would donate one to the Exempt Firemen for the OX Roast drawing.

With over 35 years of experience Rick knows jewelry and he knows Westfield. A favorite parts of their business are the customers and the friendships they enjoy with their customers.

grow, harvest and process grapes to be used in manufactured grape products. There is an exhibit center that provides interactive and media presentations detailing the history of the region and the process of growing grapes.

The Grape Discovery Center is the perfect spot to begin your tour of the Lake Erie Wine Country’s wonderful wineries. Exploring the history and sampling some of the wines from the region will be a perfect send-off on your journey of discovery of Lake Erie wines.

The Center has a wide selection of local wines for both tasting and purchase, as well as juice, juice concentrate and regional products such as local jams and vinaigrettes.

Its retail shop provides a vast assortment of products from local artisans including gifts, beach glass jewelry, textiles and clothing.

Oh, and don’t forget the grape or wine slushies!

The Grape Discovery Center provides a warm and inviting environment to host parties, receptions, school visits, social clubs and business meetings as well as other gatherings. When the weather is nice, the patio next to the vineyard is a great place to wind down after the meeting and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine.

The Grape Discovery Center staff can assist you in arranging catering for your event through one of our local restaurants.

If you are interested in visiting the Grape Discovery Center, scheduling an event or if you would like to volunteer at the Center, contact Christina at 716-326-2003.

Also, please consider joining the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association or making a contribution to support our mission of promoting the region and the history and culture of the Concord Grape Belt.

Lynn Development’s Corporate Offices Under Construction A Chautauqua County Treasure Within the Lake Erie Grape Region there is a hidden treasure that new visitors find amazing! They are always happy to find it as they travel through the region on a bus or winery tour, bicycling or just driving by and discovering it.

The Grape Discovery Center in Westfield, NY is that treasure. Across Chautauqua County, western New York, and northwestern Pennsylvania, the Grape Discovery Center serves as a protector and communicator of the rich history of our area’s grape industry. Sponsored by the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association, its mission is to preserve, revitalize, support, and promote the region’s unique grape production, products, and related industries; encouraging sustainability and economic vitality based on the agricultural, cultural, and natural heritage of the area to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Grape Discovery Center tells the wonderful story of how we

The team members, leadership and Board of Directors of Lynn Development Inc. are pleased to unveil their plans for their new corporate offices at 1351 North Main Street, Jamestown, New York.

Lynn Development Inc. (LDI), acquired the two commercial buildings in July of 2017 – each of which owned by a separate party; after acquisition, LDI combined both lots in order to create one commercial campus.

The overall approach of the project is to arrive at an estate feel in balance with the architectural design of the existing structures. As this estate will be one of the first assets viewed by people entering Jamestown, LDI has made its overall presentation a top priority.

In order to create the estate feel, the project includes the addition of a third structure joining the existing buildings. The third structure will include ADA access, a corridor, conference room, and additional restrooms for the facility. This addition will become the main entrance for the facility and a drop-off and park solution.

The interior of the addition will be an extension of the existing

design elements and will showcase a vaulted corridor with beams and natural light.

The meeting room will be the showcase of the expansion, offering a standard meeting space for a dozen people, along with vast amounts of natural light through windows facing improved landscaping. The space will also feature state of the art audio visual and direct access to the plan room. The meeting room will provide outside access for hosting private business and philanthropic gatherings.

To bring the vision to life, LDI engaged the architectural firm of Clark Patterson Lee to perform the Design and Construction drawings for the project. “Working with Mr. Brady Morrison has been an exceptional experience!” said President & CEO of LDI Jason Spain. “The attention to detail and ability to extract the key needs of the organization and apply them to the design has certainly saved time – while delivering a spot-on product.”

LDI is also happy to involve Mr. Greg Noon and Erie Bank in the project. Spain said, “Mr. Noon and his support team have treated us like a partner from day one. Their understanding of the commercial real estate market and support of LDI initiatives is immeasurable.”

LDI plans to involve several local contractors on the project. The subcontractors will work along-side the internal facilities team of LDI to bring the estate to life. “We are blessed to have a very skilled internal team,” VP of LDI Christopher Lynn said. “We will also utilize local contractors to fill the gaps where their specific expertise is required.”

LDI is also working closely with the City of Jamestown and other local resources in order to ensure the best possible construction and quality of product. The project is expected to be completed before the end of summer 2018.

Humane Society Walk for Paws is October 20 The Chautauqua County Humane Society’s 14th annual Walk 4 Paws takes place on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at the famed Chautauqua Institution! This is the largest fundraising event of the year for the local shelter!

Be sure to bring your furry friend in costume to participate in the annual costume contest! A trophy is presented to the animal with the best costumed. Dress to impress the four judges!

The Chautauqua County Humane Society operates entirely on the funds we collect through fundraising, donations, and grant requests. We receive no assistance from state, local or county government agencies.

Walk for Paws will take place from 9am-12 noon, starting at the Market Gate at Chautauqua. For more information call CCHS at (716) 665-2209 or visit them online at spcapets.com.

Mental Health Association Has Moving Recovery Jam and Big BBQ In celebration of Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s recent Give Big CHQ, the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) held its first ever Recovery Jam followed by a Big BBQ. More than 50 people assembled in the MHA’s main room.

Using a microphone so everyone could hear, Associate Director Steven Cobb noted that there are different paths to sobriety.

The purpose of the Recovery Jam was to give some MHA participants the opportunity to share the variety of pathways that helped them regain their lives.

One at a time, six people then took the mic, each capturing the audience in their own way.

You did not have to be a poetry lover to be profoundly moved by the incredibly personal original poetry shared by two different women. It was hard not to be tearful along with the mother who told of losing her son to an overdose – three days after a doctor said he couldn’t be treated because he showed no symptoms. As she said, “A parent should never have to bury a child.” She is now a facilitator for the MHA Women’s Peer Support Group and cofacilitates Parents of Angels, the group for parents who have experienced the tragic death of a child. A man’s music had people looking at each other, wondering if they were hearing a recording of a train and a dog, not just the harmonica that he was playing.

One man described how “the MHA saved my life.” Another said that after 24 years of substance use disorder, during which he married and became a father, it took his third DUI for him to seek help, through meditation and then MHA’s Refuge Recovery. Now sober for three and a half years, he asserted that, “Recovery is possible. Change is possible. Stay on your path, stay focused on being the real you. Remember to love yourself.” He closed with thanking the MHA and “everyone here.” Cobb closed the Recovery Jam with the reminder that it was Give Big CHQ Day. With beautiful, if windy, weather, everyone enjoyed the Big BBQ meal prepared by Sean Jones and served outdoors beside the river.

A United Way Partner Organization since 2015, the MHA is located at 31 Water Street, Door 14, in the rear of the Gateway Center.

The peer-run organization offers support services to people with substance use disorders and all other forms of mental health diagnosis. The MHA works in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, community-based partners, and treatment courts to empower individuals in attaining their goals. In an accepting environment, it provides recovery coaching by certified peer specialists as well as support groups and classes.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in. Hours are Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the MHA, call (716) 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua.

and open to the public.

Photo caption: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) had their first Recovery Jam and Big BBQ on June 14, Give Big CHQ Day. Among those who shared their experiences were (pictured from left) Sharon Lawson, Ronald Morin, Kaycee Hale, Sean Jones, MHA Associate Director Steven Cobb, and Morgan Merrill-Larson.

To learn more, call the Mental Health Association at (716) 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua.

Mental Health Association Plans Multiple Events for Recovery Month Everyone is pitching in at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) as well as working with other community organizations to plan a number of events for Recovery Month.

Recovery Month is a national observance held every September. It teaches that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/ or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. It celebrates the gains made by people in recovery, just as health improvements of those with hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are celebrated.

Medication Assisted Therapy is the topic for 11 a.m. group meetings every Tuesday in September. The MHA and UPMC Chautauqua are jointly presenting this group to assist people using medications or thinking of using medications to support their recovery.

At Tie Dye for Hope & Suicide Awareness on Thursday, September 13, there will be refreshments and friendship from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a tie-dye workshop, 1-3 p.m. Bring a white cotton apparel item to tie-dye.

Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Chautauqua County is providing the tie dye supplies; a limited number of t-shirts will be available, if needed.

You can learn how to reverse an opioid overdose and save a life at the Narcan Training, 6 p.m., Monday, September 17.

Along with your training by the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, you will be given a Narcan kit.

Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council (CASAC) is working with several community organizations to plan Recovery Walks on Thursdays, September 20, in Dunkirk and September 27 at the MHA. The MHA event begins at noon with a short walk along the Riverwalk, followed by stories of hope, fellowship, and a 1 p.m. Recovery Jam Luncheon.

Family Support is an MHA peer support group for families and friends of people in recovery. It meets Mondays, 6-7:30 p.m., and uses CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), a program that teaches how to support those still using substances and guide them to treatment.

During September, the CRAFT instructors will be available from 5 to 6 p.m. to talk with people about the MHA and the CRAFT program before the group starts at 6 p.m.

Like all MHA meetings and services, these events are free

The MHA is in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street in Jamestown.

A United Way Partner Organization since 2015, the MHA is a peer recovery support center. It offers recovery coaching, services navigation, peer support groups, advocacy, veterans support, employment and job support, and family support. The MHA has linkages to mental health and substance use treatment, primary care doctors, health and human services, SSI/SSDI income establishment, and veterans benefits.

MHA hours are Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call (716) 661-9044 or stop in Door #14 at the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street.

Photo caption: The staff of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) are planning multiple events for Recovery Month in September. Staff available for this picture were, from left, Steven Cobb, Sheridan Smith, Joe Anderson, Mark Lehere, Kia Briggs, Luis Rosa, Jennifer Diamond, Jenny Rowe, and Joseph Vaughn.

Step Up for Autism is Sept. 29 Step Up for Autism is a 1.5 mile fun walk that helps to raise funds and awareness for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder in our community. It will take place from 9am-1pm on Saturday, September 29, at The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown. Proceeds go to Filling the Gap, Inc. Most of the money raised is directed to the SUCCESS Program and other related programs which provide social skills training to youths with Autism.

Sponsorships are also available. For more information or to register, visit www.stepupforautism.com.

September Events Set at Mazza/Five & 20 The Bird Eatery is open through Columbus Day weekend at Mazza/ Five & 20. Hours are Thursdays (for Pint Nights) 5-8pm, Saturdays 26pm, and Sundays 1-4pm.

Every Thursday through October 4 is Pint Night from 5-8pm. It’s our version of thirsty Thursdays, featuring half off pints. You can take advantage of the late summer and early fall seasons in our picturesque courtyard, which overlooks surrounding farmland (and spy Lake Erie in the distance.) Indoor seating is also available. Meet

up with friends and family around the firepit and relax with some locally brewed beer. Wine also available by the glass. Chance of casual, live acoustic music. Tours of TimberFish are available on select Pint Nights by request.

Sunday, September 9 is Sunday Sesh from 1-4pm with Charity Nuse, formerly of Big Leg Emma.

It’s a relaxed Sunday afternoon at our winery/distillery/brewery in Westfield, NY featuring live, local music. Bring a chair or blanket, invite your family and friends, and sit back and enjoy the sounds while sipping Mazza Wines or craft beer from Five & 20 Brewing.

Check out new food offerings from Bird. Charity Nuse is a SingerSongwriter Mandolinist, Percussionist based out of Warren, PA. Formerly of the Nationally touring Americana-Roots band, Big Leg Emma, Charity currently performs more intimate acoustic shows in the surrounding areas. Best known for her powerful, sultry vocals, hopeful lyrics, and unique mandolin sound, she plays a complimentary mixture of Blues/Country/Rock. Charity is an artist that connects with people and brings a passionate and uplifting (and fun!) vibe to her live performances.

The Grandview of Ellington.

Our Master of Ceremonies, Dennis Webster, local radio broadcaster with WJTN and past recipient of the Friend of Agriculture award, provided an enjoyable evening for all and eloquently honored our award recipients.

Prior to dinner, attendees had the pleasure to hear from three local youth who shared comments about their passion for agriculture and involvement in various youth organizations: Rachael Harper, 4-H Teen Ambassador; Josie Allen, FFA District President; and Ashley Haskins, Chautauqua County Dairy Princess.

September 14-23 is Buffalo Beer Week featuring Special Barrel Aged beers on tap. September 17-21 during Buffalo Beer Week there will be complimentary beer sampling in the tasting room (limit 6/person.) Sunday 9/16 from 1-4pm is Buffalo Beer Week Sunday Sesh with Tyler Smilo. Born in Texas and raised deep in the Rustbelt of Ohio, Tyler Smilo has lived a vagabond’s lifestyle before settling in Erie, PA and taking the city’s music scene by storm. An award winning acoustic artist, Smilo’s Americana influenced folk songs are mostly autobiographical. However, the themes are easily relatable to the “everyman” and his performances both heartfelt and moving.

The evening’s delicious dinner featured locally grown products, celebrating Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s “Chautauqua Grown” Farm-to-Table directory (www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua). The meal was prepared by Robert Cross and his staff from 3-C’s Catering of Kennedy, NY.

Wednesday, September 19 is the Five & 20 Westfield Ride. A choice of two cycling cruises through the scenic farmlands and town of Westfield, NY, starting and ending at our brewery in Westfield (led by Five & 20’s own Bob Dahl and brewer Paul Alessi). Hang out after your ride and enjoy some beer or wine and food (available for purchase) from our friends at Bird. Free to participate. Ride times are approximately 5 & 5:30 (TBA)

Congratulations to our 2018 Farmer Neighbor award recipients who were presented personalized engraved desk clocks: Legacy Producer – Frank L Walker, Falconer, retired dairy producer with lifelong involvement in various agricultural organizations; Agricultural Producer - Ormond Farm, LLC, located on Miller Valley Road in Kennedy, a third generation progressive dairy farm owned and operated by Tom Ormond, his son Lonny and daughter-in-law Robin Ormond. Friend of Agriculture – Andrew Dufresne, Bemus Point, longtime educator and supporter of agriculture in Chautauqua County.

Farmer Neighbor Dinner a Great Success Program Celebrated Agriculture in Chautauqua County

By Lisa Kempisty, Extension Community Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County Chautauqua County is rich in agriculture, with over 1,500 farms producing grapes, milk, meat, crops, maple and vegetables. We also have many agribusinesses that serve our farms and families throughout Chautauqua County. Local residents are very fortunate to enjoy the local, nutritious foods produced and the open spaces that our farmers proudly manage.

To celebrate this agricultural bounty, local agricultural producers, agribusiness representatives, elected officials and non-farm neighbors enjoyed dinner and conversation at the 3nd Annual Chautauqua County Farmer Neighbor Dinner recently held at The Grandview of Ellington. This local event drew 260 people, sharing their interest in local agriculture and food production, and enjoying the beautiful view overlooking the hills and valleys from

The highlight of the evening was to honor local agricultural producers including: a legacy producer, a successful and innovative farm on their accomplishments and contributions to the industry and our local communities, and an individual who supports our local agricultural industry.

Our guest speaker was Paul Trowbridge, from Genesee County, Retired farmer and author of “A View From the Tractor Seat,” a humorous farm column where he shares what goes on at his family’s farm. Paul shared stories of his life on the farm that all could relate to, providing some laughter and fun to conclude the evening.

This Farmer Neighbor Dinner was organized by the following committee members: Lindsay Eckman, Farm Credit East, ACA; Debra Kelley and Cassie Pinkoski, Chautauqua County Soil & Water Conservation District; Ted Card, Chautauqua County Beef Producers and owner of Lakeview Gardens; Rhonda Lindquist, Western New York Crop Management Association; Glen Moss, Jr, Chautauqua County Farm Bureau; and Lisa Kempisty, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County.

A special thanks to the many farm families and agricultural

businesses for their generous donations of local food products, door prizes, and financial support to help make this event a great success.

The Styers Story: A Growing 4-H Family

By Kate Ewer, 4-H Community Educator

Locally made beverages were donated by: Ellicottville Brewing Company, Fredonia and Bemus Point ; 5&20 Distillery and Brewery, Westfield; Merritt Winery, Forestville; Johnson Estate Winery, Westfield; Liberty Winery, Sheridan; Noble Winery, Westfield; 21 Brix Winery, Portland; Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; National Grape Cooperative; Welch’s; Jamestown Ice & Storage.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program often refers to the 300+ youth who participate in yearlong programming a “4-H Family.” For the Styers Family, 4-H helped to grow their own family. Ken Styers, 4-H alumnus and longtime 4-H’er, shares his family’s unique experience in 4-H. 4-H would like to thank the Styers family for contributing this article and for their dedication to 4-H youth in our county.

Locally produced food donated by: 3 C’s Catering, Falconer; Good Grass Farm, Ashville; Fred Farm, Dunkirk; Peterson Farms, Fluvanna; Redlecki & Son, Clymer; Panama Bee Farm & Honey Company; Abers Acres, Kennedy; Bit-O-Breeze Farm, Jamestown; Moon Meadow Farm, Jamestown; Frontier Brook Farm - Moss Family, Conewango Valley; Willow Springs Farm - Nathan & Sarah Nickerson, Clymer; Chautauqua County Beef Producers; Kelley Farms, Portland; Richard Feinen Farms, Sheridan.

4-H is an amazing adventure. For some participants, it is an experience enjoyed during their youth. For others, it reaches past the years of their youth and they give back to their clubs, community, their country, and their world through volunteering as leaders and educators. For some families 4-H has helped build a dynasty. This has been the case for one unique Chautauqua County 4-H family. Ken Styers and Helen Dame started dating in 1983 while Ken was in 4-H, they became Mr. and Mrs. Styers on June 7, 1986. Ken’s job moved them to Niagara County.

Sponsors of the event included: Premier- Shults Management Company; 3 C’s Catering; Chautauqua County Farm Bureau; Farm Credit East; Lakeview Gardens; The Grandview of Ellington.

Platinum -GrapeView Dairy; Gramco, Inc.; Farm Family Insurance; Media One Group. Gold - The Dinner Bell; Knight Vineyards LLC; Knight Operating Services LLC; WNY Crop Management Association; Redlecki & Son; Assemblyman Goodell; The Evans Agency; Seneca Trail RC&D Council; Panama Bee Farm & Honey Company. Silver - Gabel’s IBA; Eastern States Metal Roofing; Willow Creek Winery; Troyer’s Greenhouse; The Vanstrom Homestead & Dairy; LandPro Equipment, LLC. Bronze – Abers Acres; Chautauqua County Beekeepers Association; Southern Tier Municipal Supply ; Webb’s - The Captain’s Table, Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlor; Reverie Creamery.

Ken and Helen began seeing their dreams come true on July 21, 1989 when Brianna was born and then Cody was born on February 28, 1992. As their children grew, so did the desire to return to Chautauqua County. Ken, an alumnus 4-H beef and lamb exhibitor, always dreamed of sharing the 4-H experience with his children. Helen grew up on a small farm in Panama and always dreamed of returning to Chautauqua County to raise her children.

Thank you to all who attended for making the 2018 Farmer Neighbor Dinner a great success and we hope you can join us for next year’s program planned for August 2019.

The Agriculture 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 716664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/ chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Photo Caption: Congratulations to our 2018 Farmer Neighbor Dinner award recipients for their efforts and accomplishments to our agricultural industry and our communities: (L to R) Frank L. Walker – Legacy Producer; Tom, Robin, Lonny, and Dexter Ormond of Ormond Farm LLC – Agricultural Producer; and Andrew Dufresne, Friend of Agriculture.

In August of 1994 Ken and Helen bought their farm in Clymer, NY. As Brianna grew older she found Ken’s packed away ribbons, banners and trophies. She told her parents she wanted to have ribbons of her own. This was the springboard for the Styers children. Brianna joined 4-H and Helen became a club leader. After their youngest was born Helen joined Ken on the hog committee. Brianna dedicated her high school career to showing hogs and participating as a Junior Superintendent in the hog barn at the Chautauqua County Fair for 5 years. Brianna enjoyed showing hogs at county, state and national shows. Her 4-H experience was taken to the next level the night her long time 4-H friend and fellow junior superintendent, Brad Minor proposed.

Brad works for Clymer Township and Brianna is an LPN. They own a home in Clymer.

Cody’s path in 4-H was equally exciting as Brianna’s. He participated in county, regional and national swine shows. Cody also raised his own 4-H calves from his small herd of cows that started with two Charolaise heifers. Cody’s 4-H career was further

defined when he proposed to long time 4-H friend, and junior superintendent in the hog barn, Beth Paterniti. Beth is a science teacher and Cody is a HVAC technician and property manager.

They live in Panama.

Madison was born on November 17, 1998 and went to her first fair when she was 8 months old. She followed her sister’s footsteps and became an amazing spokesperson for the 4-H hog project.

She worked with the adult superintendents as a junior superintendent at the county fair in the hog barn for seven years.

Her work ethics awarded her junior superintendent herdsman awards, showmanship awards and high market placings throughout her career. One of the earliest pictures of Maddie on the fairgrounds was in a stroller with Logan Fain. These two grew up through 4-H together showing animals. It was no surprise the day Logan asked Ken and Helen if he could propose to Maddie.

Maddie is an LPN and lives at home in Clymer with Ken and Helen.

Logan is in college and hopes to get a degree in education and lives at home in Bemus Point.

Ken and Helen are proud of their children and 4-H. They laugh about the “match making organization” that 4-H unexpectedly became for their family. Ken and Helen have served as 4-H leaders and animal science educators for 20 years and have no plans of retiring from their duties any time soon. They believe in the hard work and ethics that 4-H teaches. Ken and Helen are proud of the mark the Styers, Minor, Paterniti, and Fain family have left on Chautauqua County 4-H. They are excited to see what the next chapter in 4-H brings to their family.

The Styers’ wold like to honor the following people who helped build this 4-H dynasty: Marv Johnson, Jack Henderson, Ray Tewinkle, Vern Johnson, oug Harper, Jerod Woolley, Joyce Edwards, Alberta Oonk, and Ken Balling.

The 4-H Youth Development 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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program often refers to the 300+ youth who participate in yearlong programming a “4-H Family.” For the Styers Family, 4-H helped to grow their own family. Ken Styers, 4-H alumnus and longtime 4-H’er, shares his family’s unique experience in 4-H. 4-H would like to thank the Styers family for contributing this article and for their dedication to 4-H youth in our county.

The 4-H Youth Development 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: The Styers Family in front of the hog barn at the Chautauqua County Fair. Front Row: Ken and Helen Styers. Back Row: Logan Fain, Maddie Styers, Cody and Beth Styers, Brianna, Alivia, and Brad Minor.

Audubon Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is September 24 You are invited to join Audubon Community Nature Center in honoring volunteers, celebrating the successes of the year, and welcoming new Board members at the Volunteer Appreciation Night and Annual Dinner on Monday, September 24.

The public is welcome to participate in this festive evening. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Fireplace Room. Dinner is at 6 p.m., with the buffet set up in the Exhibit Hall and seating in the Multipurpose Room. New board members will be installed at the 6:45 p.m. business meeting, followed by the Volunteer Recognition at 7:15 p.m.

This year’s event will be the first for Audubon’s new president, Leigh Rovegno.

Rovegno noted that volunteers support Audubon’s mission throughout all aspects of the organization, contributing in every department – administration, membership, festivals/ events, fundraising, live animals, buildings and grounds, education, research, conservation, and more.

“I am so looking forward to this opportunity to express my appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers whose thousands of hours make possible all the wonderful things that happen here at Audubon,” Rovegno said. “We are infinitely grateful for their dedicated service.”

This year, over 300 volunteers logged a total of 12,163 hours.

More than two dozen volunteers who met milestones in the number of hours they have served will be recognized, including those who have met 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 7,000, and 10,000 or more recorded hours of service. A number of these are registered with R.S.V.P., the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

Nature Center and National Audubon Society members are reminded to have their ballot for board members postmarked by Monday, September 17, or to bring it with them to the dinner.

The meal prepared by 3C’s Catering will include locally sourced food. Cost is $20 per person. Paid reservations are required by Sunday, September 16: Call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or register online through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.

With more than five miles of beautifully maintained trails, Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. 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 nonreleasable 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.

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.

Photo caption: Good food, great company, and a fun program are always part of Audubon Community Nature Center’s Volunteer Appreciation Night and Annual Dinner that will be Monday, September 24, this year. Reservations for the celebration are due by Sunday, September 16. Pictured at a previous dinner are volunteers, guests, and staff serving themselves at the buffet in the Exhibit Hall at the Nature Center.

Please Welcome our New Members for Summer 2018

1st Priority Mortgage, Inc.

Lawson Boat & Motor, LLC

6000 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville (716) 672-9912

365 Fluvanna Avenue, Jamestown (716) 488-3805

AXA Advisors, LLC

Madenford Spring & Auto

350 Essjay Road, Suite 300, Williamsville (716) 276-7619

80 Water Street, Fredonia (716) 672-7242

Barcelona Lakeside Bed and Breakfast

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School

8223 East Lake Road, Westfield (716) 326-3756

336 Washington Avenue, Dunkirk (716) 366-0630

Big Melchs Smokin BBQ

Quagliana's Bark Grill

70 Water Street, Fredonia (716) 338-8666

14 East Pearl Street, Westfield (716) 326-2112

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

R & D Fisk Precision Collision

10 Dunham Avenue, Celoron (716) 489-2800

276 West Main Street, Fredonia (716) 672-2026

Darwin's Health Club

Tammy's Nails & Tails

47-53 Water Street, Fredonia (716) 679-1591

167 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood (716) 450-7820

Farm Credit East

UNYTS

28 East Chautauqua Street, Mayville (716) 753-2144

110 Broadway, Buffalo (716) 853-6667

www.chautauquachamber.org 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048 (716) 366-6200 512 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 484-1101