January 2019 VOICE Newsletter

A monthly newsletter from the

Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce January 2019 Looking Forward to 2019 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

Stephen Covey, an educator, entrepreneur and author of several books on leadership and setting goals, wrote in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “begin with the end in mind.” Taking the step to “begin with the end in mind” helps us be clear on our vision. This applies not only to individuals but to organizations as well. If an organizational vision is to be effective it cannot be tucked away in a file or framed put on a wall and forgotten. It has to be supported with a mission, principles, strategies, goals and tactics. As we look forward to 2019 we consider how best we can serve our members and strive toward our vision. That vision being that the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is a regional leaders that is data driven, flexible and strong, providing services and support that make our organization essential to our members.

The Chamber of Commerce continually makes progress toward its vision, however there is much more work to be done. Hearing the voice of our members is an essential to making sure our services align with the needs of those who invest in the Chamber mission. In the first quarter of 2019 our members will receive a survey. The data from this survey will help guide the work of the Chamber.

In 2019 the Chamber will continue to take action on a five point focus. (1) Driving foot traffic to the doors of our members and increasing business to consumer sales. (2) Increasing member sales by facilitating business to business commerce. (3) Containing health insurance costs and providing the best possible insurance options to our members.

(4) Advocating for businesses in an effort to contain and reduce property taxes and support economic development and infrastructure projects that are critical to the regions prosperity and tax base. (5) Pro-actively supporting economic, tourism and workforce development.

Many of our members are struggling to find employees. Workforce development is an area where we will apply a great deal of focus. The inability to fill open positions impacts productivity, profitability, business expansion and growth. We will continue to support the Chautauqua County Education Coalition in its efforts to align resources and build capabilities to meet the evolving workforce requirements of Chautauqua County. We will continue to work with the Manufacturers Association in support of the Dream It Do It program which is striving to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering manufacturing careers, the development of apprenticeship opportunities, and the implementation of the Talent Pipeline Management initiative. We will continue to work with the Manufacturers Association in support of its partnership with Jamestown Community College to implement the Workforce Readiness Scholarship. These are a few of the initiatives where the Chamber is engaged and working toward building our communities workforce.

The Chamber’s work would not be possible without the support of many volunteers, the investment of our members and sponsors and a dedicated board of directors and staff. We hope all businesses in Chautauqua County will join us in our efforts to create a thriving economy in our region. It requires strength in numbers to make all this happen: from the largest employers in the county to the sole proprietorships; each of us has a role to play and a unique perspective to bring to the table. If you want to know more about the Chamber, please give us a call to learn how we can work together. We welcome your input and look forward to strengthening our partnerships across the county and region.

Best wishes to all for a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events

1/10 - 7pm, National Theater Live, The Madness of George III, 1891Fredonia Opera House 1/19 - 10am-5pm Doors Open Jamestown: a FREE Day at local attractions 1/28 - 6:30pm, Fredonia Community Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, Mannings Fireside Manor

1/29 - 5:30pm, JCC Informational Session on the Career Advantage Program, Carnahan Center, Jamestown and North County Training Center, Dunkirk

2/1 - Noon, Chamber Federal Congressional Lunch, Webb's Captains Table

2/5 - 1-3pm, Snowshoe Hike, Audubon Community Nature Center

2/14 - 16 - Fire & Ice Celebration, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron Fri 12/15 is Chamber Night at the Fire & Ice Celebration: Chamber members and staff get two free drink tickets, event tickets must be purchased separately

2/15 - 17 - Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival, Lakeside Park, Mayville

3/4 - Jamestown Community Chamber Salute to the Finest, Shawbucks

Use Your Shoptauqua Gift Cards!

If you are among the lucky recipients of a Shoptauqua Gift Card for Christmas, here are just a few of the ways you can spend it: visit a local museum, check out some of our Chautauqua County wineries, go out to eat at a local restaurant, or buy some groceries to stock up on healthy foods to fulfill your New Year’s resolutions. You can get the full list of participating merchant list by visiting www.shoptauqua.com.

We want to take a moment to thank everyone who purchased Shoptauqua Gift Cards.

Thanks to you our sales spiked from last year. In the 2018 calendar year, over $74,000 worth of Shoptauqua Gift Cards were sold. That is an increase of over 42% from 2017, the year which marked our transition from paper gift checks to the Shoptauqua Gift Card!

Many of them went to individuals and many others were purchased by companies to give as employee gifts. Regardless of how you received your Shoptauqua Gift Card, we hope you’ll find it convenient and have fun using it to support local businesses.

If you are a Chamber member business in the retail, restaurant, or customer experience sector, we hope you’ll consider joining our list of over 120 participating merchants. Call the Chamber during regular business hours and we’ll tell you about how easy it is to get set up.

Shop small, shop local, Shoptauqua!

Doors Open Jamestown is January 19 The very popular Doors Open Jamestown will be back again on Saturday, January 19. Doors Open offers free admission for the day to our local attractions, demonstrating the extraordinary tourism opportunities that are right here in our own backyard. Sponsored by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Doors Open has grown substantially since it first began. Participating venues are Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, Busti Grist Mill, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Daughter of the American Revolution, Fenton History Center, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, James Prendergast Public Library, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Martz Kohl Observatory, Marvin Community House, National Comedy Center (preregistration required due to limited capacity), Northwest Arena, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Robert H. Jackson Center, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Spire Theater, Tot Spot. The hours are 10am – 5pm for this FREE day at many of our local museums and attractions.

Fredonia Community Chamber Annual Banquet is January 28 The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Monday, January 28 at Manning’s Fireside Manor, 5377 West Lake Road. The cash bar cocktail hour begins at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:30. Fredonia Community Chamber Board members and officers for 2019 will be sworn into office during the evening, and awards will be presented for Business of the Year: Aloe Vera's Eatery; Business Person of the Year: Dave Winchell; Community Service Award: Don Steger; Spirit of Fredonia Award: Mark and Jen Mackey; and the From the Ashes Award: Fredonia Family Church The cost is $30 per person with a choice of dinner selections. Reservations are requested by January 22. You can register online at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at (716) 366-6200.

Chamber Federal Congressional Lunch is February 1 The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce will once again provide an opportunity for area business people to meet with our Congressman. Representative Tom Reed will participate in the annual Chamber Federal Congressional Luncheon at Webb's Captain's

Table Restaurant in Mayville at noon, Friday, February 1. We encourage our Chamber members to send questions ahead of the meeting. The cost of the luncheon is $20 for Chamber members or $23 for non-members. This event is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Media One Radio Group, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, SUNY Fredonia Division of Advancement, Engagement, & Economic Development, and UPMC Chautauqua. To make reservations, call the Chamber at (716) 366 -6200 or (716) 484-1101 or find our event through our online calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Mayville-Chautuqua Chamber Presents Business Improvement Award Stewart’s Mayville Hardware, located at 53 S. Erie St., Mayville NY was the recipient of the Business Improvement Award presented by the Mayville/Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Meeting and Banquet held November 15, 2018 at Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant, Mayville. Owners Craig and Sherry Stewart accepted the award on behalf of the business. They were honored with this award for their investment and commitment to the Mayville community by purchasing a business that had been set to close, thus ensuring the continuation of a local business that has been a part of Mayville for many decades.

2018 Community Service Award Presented Mayville NY resident SandraLee Wagner was the recipient of the 2018 Community Service Award presented by the Mayville/ Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Meeting and Banquet held at Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant, Mayville on November 15, 2018. She was recognized for her six years of persistent efforts to obtain a dog park for her community despite setbacks and challenges along the way. Thanks to her ‘dogged’ resolve and the assistance of a dedicated committee, volunteers, and local municipalities, the Lakeside Bark Dog Run became a reality in 2017. The dog run, located across the street from Mayville’s Lakeside Park, is a place where both pet owners and their dog companions can enjoy time together.

Help Shape the Future of the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport Chautauqua County has initiated the development of an Airport Master Plan for the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport.

An important goal of the County is to be able to serve airport users and the business community more effectively. Your valuable input will help to:  Identify the airport’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities  Address future capital improvement needs  Develop a customized plan to benefit the airport’s users and surrounding community Please complete the confidential online survey by February 1, 2019: Pilot Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Pilot-JHWAirport Business Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Business-JHWAirport If you have any questions, please contact Joni Steigerwald by email at jsteigerwald@cscos.com or call (877) CS-SOLVE. Thank you for participating.

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.

Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College Welcomes New Director Courtney Curatolo is the new director of the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College. She looks forward to maximizing the small business development environment within our three county region using her past experiences in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Curatolo’s background includes strategic planning, leadership training, government affairs, public relations, community outreach, and development and implementation of public -private partnerships. She is a published author on the topics of leadership development, civic engagement, and effective facilitation and sustainability of public - private partnerships.

Curatolo’s professional and community volunteer efforts have also included extensive involvement focusing upon social responsibility, civic engagement project management, leading and managing diverse collaborative initiatives through her work with government entities, educational institutions and local businesses for the purpose of building a foundation for mutually beneficial organizational, economic and community outcomes.

Curatolo holds a B.A. in Political Science from American University, M.A. in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University, and a Ph.D. in Education Research and Methodology with a focus on Adult and Community Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Collier, Class of 2007 and Leadership Florida, Class 27 and the co-founder of Leadership Hendry and Glades Counties.

Curatolo has received numerous accolades for her efforts including “Top Five New Leaders in Palm Beach County, Naples Journal “Trailblazer,” Naples Journal “One to Watch,” Gulfshore Business “Movers and Shakers,” and Gulfshore Business “40 Under 40, Saluting Southwest Florida’s Rising Stars.”

While Curatolo has lived and worked in Florida for the past 25+ years, she was born in Western New York.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College (JCC) vision is to create economic sustainability for all New Yorkers – one business at a time. The SBDC delivers high quality business counseling and training to clients looking to start a business or improve the performance of an existing business. Services are free and confidential and include a range of management and technical assistance from business plan development, accounting guidance, productivity enhancement and export assistance to loan information, marketing, and financial planning among other services.

JCC Career Advantage Program Information Session Set An information session will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on January 29 for Jamestown Community College’s Career Advantage program. The session is held on the Jamestown Campus in room 120 of the Carnahan Center, on the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean in room 124 of the College Center, and at the North County Center in Dunkirk in room 115 of the Training Center. For details, call 338.1001.

Additional information sessions will be held at 10 a.m. on February 18 and at 5:30 p.m. on March 21 and April 17.

The program is designed to help adults, who are also balancing work and family commitments, complete a college degree in two years. Career Advantage students attend classes one night a week, supplementing their classroom meetings with online instruction.

JCC’s business: business administration, early childhood education, health information technology, and human services degree programs are featured in Career Advantage.

“We know that returning to school as an adult is a big decision,” said Elizabeth Booth, director of JCC’s North County Center and Career Advantage coordinator. “The Career Advantage program was built specifically for adult learners, with a clearly defined schedule and a supportive learning environment to make it easier for students to acclimate.”

C-SPAN 3 Broadcasts Jackson Center’s Barnette Program The Robert H. Jackson Center commemorated the 75th anniversary of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson’s majority opinion in West Virginia v. Bd. of Ed. V. Barnette on October 16th and 17, 2018. The program, entitled “Canaries in the Coal Mine of Human Rights: Seventy-Five Years after West Virginia v. Barnette,” highlighted the impact of Justice Robert H. Jackson’s written decision in the case. The decision held that the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects students from being forced to salute the American flag or say the Pledge of Allegiance in public school. The Jackson Center is pleased to announce that selections from this program will be aired on C-SPAN3’s American History TV. The events were broadcast on Saturday, January 5 on C-SPAN3’s American History TV. Videos of each program will be made available online at cspan.org after the original air date.

The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages students of all ages, scholars, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the lens of Justice Jackson’s body of work.

4-H Announces 7th Annual Green Tie Affair Fundraiser

By Kate Ewer, 4-H Community Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program is excited to announce the 7th Annual Have a Heart for 4-H Green Tie Affair on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at

the Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. The fun begins at 3:00pm with a basket raffle and bake sale. Dinner is served at 5:00pm and the pie auction will follow dinner. This year’s meal includes barbecue chicken, cornbread, baked beans, a vegetable, and mashed potatoes and gravy. This year’s event has a country-western theme and guests are encouraged to wear Western dress.

The Green Tie Affair has become a necessary fundraiser for 4H in Chautauqua County since losing major funding from the County in 2012. This year 4-H hopes to raise $25,000 that will directly fund 4-H programming in 2019. 4-H serves 300 youth with life-skills programming year-round. An additional 1,000 youth participate in one-time programming each year. 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society.

The event draws between six and seven hundred guests annually. Tickets are now available for $20.00 from 4-H members or at the 4-H Office located at 3542 Turner Road in Jamestown.

Ticket price increases to $25.00 after February 8, 2019. Table sponsorships are available for $200.00. Table sponsors receive eight dinner tickets, basket raffle tickets, a custom centerpiece sign, recognition on a thank you banner, on the placemat, and in local press. Call the 4-H Office at 716-664-9502x214 or visit cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/greentieaffair for more information.

Monetary and basket raffle donations are being accepted at this time as well and may be dropped off at the 4-H Office.

Chautauqua County 4-H would like to thank the community for their continued support of positive youth development in Chautauqua 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: 4-H youth Tracie Keller, Shyla Nace, Jesse Morse, Melinda Waag, and Katherine Fortna manned a serving station at the 2018 4-H Green Tie Affair.

Local 4-H Youth Selected for Junior Dairy Leader Progam

By Lisa Kempisty, Dairy Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County Congratulations to Katelyn Miller and Emily Starceski, longtime Chautauqua County 4-H dairy members on being selected to participate in the 2018-2019 NYS Junior DAIRY LEADER Program through Cornell University.

Katelyn Miller, 17 year old member of the Cherry Creek Cornhuskers, is a senior at Pine Valley Central School, and enjoys living and working with her family on their 120 cow dairy farm in

Cherry Creek. Emily Starceski, 17 year old member of the Sherman Kountry Kids, is a senior at Sherman Central School, and helps her family on their 90 cow dairy farm in Sherman.

The Junior DAIRY LEADER Program activities began in September 2018 with a 7-day trip to Madison, Wisconsin to tour dairies and agribusinesses, and to attend the National 4-H Dairy Conference. Throughout the upcoming year, 31 selected class members from across New York State will participate in various workshops, focusing on team building, personality styles, resume development, change, and leadership skills development. They will be involved in dairy farm tours and learn about various career opportunities in the dairy industry. The youth will participate in hands-on workshops related to the dairy industry, including veterinary science, dairy nutrition, production management, and on-farm production analysis. They will also interact with dairy producers, industry professionals, and other young people who have an interest in agriculture.

Thanks to the Cornell University PRO-DAIRY Program for facilitating the program and to the many agribusinesses from throughout New York State for their financial support of this youth leadership and career opportunity.

Katelyn Miller, 4-H member from Cherry Creek, shares information on her first Junior DAIRY LEADER Program activity: “On September 28th through October 4th, 2018, Emily Starceski and I (Katelyn Miller) were among the 31 delegates selected for the Junior DAIRY LEADER (JDL) group who traveled (by airplane) to Wisconsin to participate in the National 4-H Dairy Conference, representing New York State 4-H. The time spent in Wisconsin was always on the move. We visited ABS Global, the Hoard’s Dairyman Registered Guernsey Farm, Hoard’s Dairyman Publishing, National Dairy Shrine and Museum, and NASCO. Our group toured dairy operations ranging from 450 cows to 9,000 cows and visited another farm that raises 8,000 calves – can you imagine?

We also participated in seminars where it was cool to hear speakers, who have different roles in agriculture, be tied to our own county. We worked in groups where we discussed dairy foods evaluation, marketing, calf raising, genomics and exploring careers in agriculture. It was good to meet new young people, like Emily and I, who have a great interest in agriculture. Each evening we had time to socialize and we met many new friends.

The World Dairy Expo is an experience in itself. It was my favorite part of the trip where I was able to see the Milking Shorthorn Show, the breed of dairy cattle I show at our local county fair. This is the place where the best cattle in the nation come together. The Lights. The Sounds. The Cows – WOW!!

The trip to Wisconsin was loads of fun and I am looking forward to the upcoming program activities. I highly recommend anyone interested in dairy or agriculture to apply, with applications due June 30, 2019. Watch for future updates on our Junior DAIRY LEADER experiences, as Emily Starceski will share more information on one of our upcoming activities.”

Chautauqua County is proud to have Katelyn Miller & Emily Starceski representing our local dairy industry and our 4-H youth program in these Junior DAIRY LEADER activities. According to Lisa

Kempisty, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dairy Educator, “Katelyn and Emily are both outstanding 4-H youth, who will continue to develop their leadership skills and dairy knowledge as they actively participate in the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program. We look forward to having them help mentor other 4-H youth by sharing their many experiences at local 4-H activities and at the Chautauqua County Fair.”

The Junior DAIRY LEADER Program is a dairy focused educational program offered through the 4-H Youth Development Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCEChautauqua). 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: Chautauqua County 4-H Dairy members Emily Starceski (left) from Sherman, NY and Katelyn Miller (right) from Cherry Creek, NY were recently selected to participate in the 2018-2019 NYS Junior DAIRY LEADER Program.

LEAF Workshops Focus on Homesteading

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 the next three workshops in its very popular LEAF (Learn. Empower. Achieve.

Farm.) Educational programming. On Saturday, January 12th, from 1pm to 3pm, we will be offering “Yummy Yeast Breads”.

“Sourdough and Salt Rising Breads” will be covered on Saturday, January 26th from 1pm to 3pm and “Old Fashioned Soap Making” on Saturday, February 9th from 1pm to 3pm. All workshops will be held at the Frank Bratt Agricultural Center in Jamestown, 3542 Turner Road. To register, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll at 716-664-9502 ext. 202, kaw249@cornell.edu, or visit www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/ leaf2019.

On Saturday, January 12th, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm, “Yummy Yeast Breads” will be offered for $15/person. Designed for those that love the taste of homemade bread, learn how easy it is to make various types of basic breads. Participants will learn basic breadmaking techniques by making a batch of English Muffin Bread. Also, they will receive recipes and instructions for making other types of yeast breads. Information will also be given on rules and regulations for selling baked goods at farmers' markets.

Everyone will go home with a loaf of fresh, warm bread (a portion of the $15 registration fee covers the cost of these

materials).

“Sourdough and Salt Rising Breads” will be covered on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm for $15/person.

Following up from the Yummy Yeast Breads Workshop, our instructor will lead a session on some of the more advanced breads, including Sourdough and Salt Rising. Participants will learn more about breadmaking techniques and will receive recipes and instructions, along with opportunities for hands-on demonstrations and tastings. Information will also be given on rules and regulations for selling baked goods at farmers' markets.

Then, on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm, “Old Fashioned Soap Making” will be offered for $15/person. Do you have used cooking oil or extra lard from butchering a hog and don't know what to do with it? Learn how to make homemade soap using lye and animal and/or vegetable fats. Participants will learn the history and science behind soap making, equipment and supplies needed, and how various fats and oils affect the finished product. Everyone will participate in making a batch of soap and will get to take home a bar of homemade soap (a portion of the $15 registration fee covers the cost of these materials).

The instructor for these workshops will be Linda Dewey, a 5th generation farmer and owner/operator of Silver Falls Farm, Perrysburg, NY, which has been continuously owned and operated by the Dewey family since 1817, who has had many years of experience carrying on the family soap making tradition.

Light refreshments will be offered. The LEAF workshops are designed to be interactive, so participants are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to this collaborative environment! This workshop will be held at the Frank W. Bratt Agricultural Center located at 3542 Turner Road in Jamestown, NY. Pre-registration is requested prior to the workshop to allow for adequate time to prepare printed resources and materials.

Interested participants can register online by visiting www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/leaf2019, 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 (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCEChautauqua 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.

Jamestown Jackals Schedule Announced The Jamestown Jackals have announced the following 2019 Home Schedule. All games will be played at the Jamestown Community College physical education complex.

Friday Jan 4 Scrimmage 7:00 p.m.

Friday Jan 11 Albany 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Jan 13 New York 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Jan 20 San Diego 3:00 p.m.

Saturday Feb 9 New York 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Feb 10 Mesquite 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Feb 17 Albany 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Mar 3 Albany 5:00 p.m.

Friday Mar 15 Raleigh 7:00 p.m.

Saturday Mar 16 New York 7:00 p.m.

Saturday Mar 23 Albany 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Mar 24 Yakima 3:00 p.m.

Friday Mar 29 New York 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Mar 31 San Diego 3:00 p.m.

Monday Apr 1 New York 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday Apr 2 Albany 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Apr 14 Mesquite 3:00 p.m.

To learn more about the team visit www.jamestownjackals.com.

Jamestown Up Close Shop Small, Win Big Winners Announced Jamestown Up Close and Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC) are excited to announce the winners and results of this year's Shop Small, Win Big contest. In an effort to boost local commerce during the 2018 holiday season, Jamestown Up Close encouraged shoppers to shop downtown from Small Business Saturday through December 17th.

This year, 67 downtown Jamestown businesses participated. In an effort to award more prizes and keep the money local, 13 winners received gift cards to a Jamestown restaurant or retailer of their choice, with the Grand Prize being $250 in gift cards. The Grand Prize purchase was made by Michelle Maher at the Jamestown Emporium.

Other award winners included Barbara Briggs-Webb, Elizabeth Brown, Skylar Carlson, Arthur Dahlgren, Amber Hurd, Abbie Merchant, Lynnsey Olson, Marlene Piatz, Phyllis Robertson, Rita Sullivan, Martha Wirsen, and Karen Yeversky, who made purchases at Alexis Rae Fashions, Allen Street Diner, El Jarocho, Farm Fresh Foods, Gypsy Moon Cake Co., Jamestown Emporium, Jamestown Nutrition Shake IT Daily, Labyrinth Press Company, Liquid Monkey, Nouveau Boutique, Oriental Star, and Video Games Plus. Winners chose to receive their gift cards from Alexis Rae Fashions, Allen Street Diner, Chautauqua Brick, Cherry Lounge, Farm Fresh Foods, Forte, Jamestown Emporium, Jamestown Nutrition Shake IT Daily, Labyrinth Press Company, Landmark Restaurant, Lena's Pizza, Liquid Monkey, and Shawbucks.

Based on ticket entries, over $78,000 was spent at local retail shops and restaurants that participated in Shop Small, Win Big, an increase of $13,000 from last year's results.

"It's awesome to see how many people got out and supported our local businesses this holiday season! Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone that made a commitment to shop local this year," said Zach Agett, Marketing and Events Manager at JRC. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation makes Jamestown better through inspiration, action, and celebration. For more information about Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, please visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org or call 716-489-3491. You can also learn more about the organization by visiting their Facebook page.

Photo Caption: (From Left) Rita Sullivan, Abbie Merchant,

Michelle Maher, Barbara Briggs-Webb, Zach Agett, Amber Hurd, Arthur Dahlgren, and Skylar Carlson.

Audubon Seeking Sponsors, Volunteers for February Snowflake Local Living Festival Audubon Community Nature Center is seeking sponsors and volunteers for its winter celebration, the Snowflake Local Living Festival, on Saturday, February 2, 2019. This longestrunning of Audubon’s festivals showcases local and sustainable living skills and product demonstrations as well as favorites like alpacas to pet, snowshoes to try, live birds of prey presentations, and horse-drawn wagon rides. The Festival’s emphasis on sustainability means visitors can learn about and experience ways to live a bit lighter on the planet.

Exhibitors, vendors, and demonstrators that are confirmed to date include Knitting 4 Peace – Chautauqua County Community Purls, Chautauqua County Humane Society, Chautauqua Watershed Association, Evergreen Outfitters, flour grinding, wool spinning, leather stamping, Wild Spirit Education live animals, Husky Paws Rescue Inc., and food provided by 3C’s Food Truck. More information is at auduboncnc.org/ snowflakefestival.

Volunteers, some of whom are registered with RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, will be an integral part of the 37th year of the festival.

Volunteers are needed to do everything from selling snacks and operating the elevator to assisting with nest box building and children’s crafts. All volunteers receive access to the hospitality room and free admission to the Festival before or after their volunteer shift.

For more information, call (716) 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org/volunteer.

Sponsors help underwrite the costs of this winter extravaganza.

In return, they receive a variety of benefits. To be included in the program your ad and/or logo must be received no later than Monday, January 7, 2019. Details are at auduboncnc.org/ sponsor.

Snowflake Festival sponsors already on board include Orkin Pest Control, Cattaraugus County Bank, Tri-James Services Inc., and Courier Capital, LLC/Randy Ordines.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. Hours for the Nature Center building and its Blue Heron Gift Shop are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays.

Photo caption: Audubon Community Nature Center is looking for sponsors and volunteers for its Snowflake Local Living Festival on the first Saturday in February. The Festival’s emphasis on sustainability encourages visitors to learn about and experience ways to live a bit lighter on the planet.

Volunteer Rick Rupprecht is pictured sharing a sample of maple syrup with a visitor after demonstrating how it is made.

Audubon Nature Play Day on Saturday Morning, January 19 The third Saturday morning of every month is Nature Play Day at Audubon Community Nature Center. Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m. to noon, is the next opportunity for kids ages two to eight to explore unstructured outdoor play in a safe environment while their favorite grownups learn how to continue the nature play experience at home.

Nature Play Days are free and have an open house format, so you can stay as long as you like. Your young children can be creative with what nature provides – plus a few additional supplies from Audubon. Extra materials that change with the weather and season are placed in the play area, and a naturalist is present to answer questions and provide information. Adults are required to stay with their children, and they may want to bring a chair, snacks and water or a drink. Be prepared to play outside. Wear clothes and footwear that can get wet and dirty. You may want to bring an extra change of clothes or a towel for the car ride home.

January 19 is also Doors Open Jamestown, when Audubon joins many local attractions in having free admission all day. Plan to visit the Nature Center building and enjoy its many indoor exhibits after your outdoor play experience.

While Nature Play Day is planned for rain, snow, or shine, in the case of severe weather, the program will be cancelled; call (716) 569-2345 to confirm.

Reservations are appreciated and can be made through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. The three-story Nature Center contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop; building hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.

-4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. The 600-acre wetland preserve with more than five miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle, can be visited from dawn until dusk daily.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.

Photo caption: Audubon Community Nature Center’s next Nature Play Day is Saturday morning, January 19. Accompanied by their favorite adults, kids ages two to eight can be creative, explore and have fun in Audubon’s Nature Play Area, while a naturalist is available to answer questions. The program is free thanks to grant funding.

Audubon’s “Beers for the Beasts” at Brazil, Wednesday Evening, January 23 Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge is hosting a fundraiser for Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC). “Beers for the Beasts” will help raise funds to care for the more than 25 live animals at the Nature Center. On Wednesday, January 23, 25% of all food and drink sales between 4 p.m. and midnight will be donated to ACNC. Audubon staff and volunteers will be on hand between 5 and 9 p.m. to chat and to offer some exciting raffle items.

Volunteer Tracy Kirchhoff assembled a variety of baskets for

the event. Included are Sabres tickets, National Comedy Center and Reg Lenna Center for The Arts admissons, gift certificates, edibles, scratch off ticket bouquets, and more.

With pub-style service, Brazil’s dinner menu features appetizers and cheese plates, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas, specials and desserts. Check out all the possibilities at brazil-jamestown.com.

Brazil is located at 10 East 4th Street in downtown Jamestown.

Come join the fun, and remember: This is a fundraiser. Bring cash so you don’t miss out on the chance to take home some exciting raffle items.

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, N.Y., and Warren, Pa., or online at auduboncnc.org.

Photo caption: Audubon Community Nature Center’s “Beers for the Beasts” will help raise funds to care for Audubon’s more than 25 live animals. The fundraiser at Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge in downtown Jamestown is Wednesday evening, January 23. Volunteer Tracy Kirchhoff is pictured assembling the many baskets that will be given away.

Incubator Receives NYS Funding to Enhance Programs and Services for Startups The Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI) learned recently that its application for funding through the New York State Business Incubator Program was successful. As a result, the Incubator will receive $625,000 in funding over five years to expand and enhance its programs and services supporting startup companies and entrepreneurs.

The grant will support FTI in providing enhanced services and programming for startups in the areas of music industry, incubation of food related startups, underserved populations, and multimedia innovation - a "One Stop Shop for Creative Entrepreneurship and Innovation."

The purpose of the New York State Incubator program is to improve the quality and quantity of incubator services provided young companies thereby enabling these businesses to successfully transition from early-stage phase to large scale commercialization. Also, it's intended to more effectively harness NYS's innovation assets to better serve inventors and entrepreneurs.

A NYS Certified Business Incubator, FTI promotes economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. FTI provides administrative and business services, mentoring, networking, professional consulting, educational opportunities, access to capital and work ready space. FTI serves as an economic development center and conducts outreach to underserved populations.

For more information, email incubator@fredonia.edu or call (716) 680-6009.

Fredonia Technology Incubator Presents MetaPhysical Art Exhibition The Fredonia Technology Incubator presents Sara Baker Michalak: MetaPhysical Art Exhibition, January 14-March 1. The opening reception will be held from 4-6pm, January 17.

The current works of Sara Baker Michalak reflect an interest in the beauty and ephemerality of nature: the fluid forces (meta) within the tangible and firm (physical). Sara begins with imagery that she photographs, draws and paints, then continues to develop with collage and decollage. The final works convey her impressions of growth, decline and return – landscapes of time and place. She focuses on dramatic environmental change and whether it is caused by human activity or other factors.

A portion of the sales will be donated to Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund. The Incubator art gallery and reception are free and open to the public. You may RSVP for the reception at https://sarmichalakfti.eventbrite.com. The Fredonia Technology Incubator is located at 214 Central Avenue, Dunkirk.

Veterans & Active Service Members Entrepreneurial Networking Breakfast You're cordially invited to join us for the Military Service Members Entrepreneurial Network Breakfast Meeting. Veterans and active duty service members who own a business or wish to start one will have an ongoing opportunity to learn about resources for Veterans, discuss ideas, and network.

You are encourage to invite a fellow serviceman. This event is free and includes a full breakfast! It will be held Wednesday, January 30 from 9-11am. Please RSVP to: https:// veteransnetworkingbreakfast2019.eventbrite.com.

Ring in the New Year with Wits ‘n Giggles at Northwest Arena Jan 19 Comedy Night to Feature Kerns, Logan, and Love Wits ‘n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy brought to you by Bud Light and Comfort Inn returns to the Northwest Arena Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. This fourth show of the season features headliner, Jody Kerns; feature, David Logan; and host, Casey Love.

Feature act, David Logan, is known for his high energy, improvisational style of comedy. David started doing comedy in Cleveland over two decades ago, and now performs regularly in his hometown of Virginia Beach. He aims to entertain visually, verbally, and emotionally with his stories and animated antics on stage, making for an unforgettable show. He boasts that he can make any topic funny, and on January 19, David Logan will prove it in Jamestown, NY. Jody Kerns, the night’s headliner, is a southern belle that kicks like a mule! Kerns comes to the stage looking like a soccer mom and then blows the audience away with her take on kids, drugs, sex, and marriage. She’s seen it all and done it all when it comes to living life, and she’ll be more than happy to tell you about it and then give you a lap dance. When she breaks out her guitar, everyone becomes a part of the show and they keep begging for

more.

Casey Love, a native born Jamestownian, will return to host his third Wits-N-Giggles show. Described by many as ruggedly handsome, Casey has performed comedy for audiences from Western New York all the way to the Finger Lakes region of New York. He requests that you bring donations in the form of cash or check made out to cash so that he can buy an OLED TV because wow are they expensive. He definitely didn’t write this bio.

Wits ‘n Giggles is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the event are $10 presale, $12 day of show, and $5 for students. Must be 18 years of age and up to attend. Get your tickets today by calling 716.484.2624, visiting www.northwestarena.com, or at the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office.

Watkins Glen International 2019 season tickets to go on-sale January 8 Tickets and camping for the 2019 season at Watkins Glen International will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, January 8 at 9 a.m. The calendar features exciting marque events such as the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen featuring the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (June 30-July 3) and the return of New York’s NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series weekend, with the Go Bowling at The Glen (August 4), XFINITY Series Zippo 200 (August 3), and K&N Pro Series East Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100 (August 2). Fans will also be treated to one of the circuit’s largest midway areas, complete with interactive displays, driver appearances and more at the threetimes voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today.

“We are excited for another season here at Watkins Glen International with so many diverse events,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “We have the best fans in motorsports hands down, and we want to give them a memorable experience.”

Joining the NASCAR and IMSA weekends on the calendar is the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, one of the largest vintage racing events in the country featuring the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and Trans-Am Championship (September 6-8), and the return of the Blancpain GT World Challenge America, Labor Day weekend (August 29-September 1).

In addition to the on-track action, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese returns July 12-14. The festival continues to be the East Coast’s largest showcase of New York State wines and will feature approximately 90+ wineries from around the region, food and live music. The Ticket Galaxy Finger Lakes Beer Festival will return to close the season out at The Glen, (October 25-26) more information on the event to follow.

For more information visit www.theglen.com.

Westfield Wine Bottle 2019 Join the fun as the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce celebrates our region’s grape and wine industries in 2019! As the new year begins the Chamber is in the workshop, cutting the shape of a large wine bottle for this year’s community-wide decorating contest.

Wine bottle blanks are available for purchase by businesses, non-profits, and individuals. The blanks are 4-feet high and will be delivered in February or March.

The cost is $20 per blank and they can be decorated using any medium you like.

They must be weatherproof (marine varnish is best) and weighted with the weight incorporated into the design.

Decorated bottles are kept in secret until they are rolled out to their specified location on Friday, June 7, in time for the opening First Friday of the summer season.

Bottle locations will be included on a map and visitors and residents can vote for their favorites, with prizes to be awarded in July, August, and September.

For more information or to reserve a bottle cutout, please contact WestfieldBarcelona Community Chamber Coordinator Sue Poster at (248) 830-6058 or sposter@chautauquachamber.org.

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