THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE TOWN AND VILLAGE OF ELLICOTTVILLE, NEW YORK THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF GREAT VALLEY, NEW YORK
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 26 FREE www.EllicottvilleTimes.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012
Labor Day
Section VI Competitive Skiing Soon to Become Reality at ECS
“While we may think of Labor Day as a very American holiday, but this day that is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, was actually first observed by our friends and neighbors to the north in Canada. According to the U.S. Department of Labor website, Labor Day “constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” The first observance of the U.S. Labor Day took place in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882, and was marked by a huge parade through its city streets, attended by 10,000 workers who were tired of working 12-hour days. Before students return to school to begin their “work” year, celebrate Labor Day weekend with a stroll through tranquil Nannen Arboretum, a sweet and cool ice cream treat, family time at the Holiday Valley pools, some fishing at Allegany State Park, Ellicottville shopping, a tasty sidewalk cafe lunch, a mountain bike trail ride or a thrilling afternoon at the Sky High Adventure Park.”
Miguel Azcarate, Holiday Valley training center director and owner of Mud, Sweat n’ Gears, and Karl Schwartz, ECS athletic director, have collaborated to bring Section VI competitive skiing to over 95 WNY schools. Photo by Jennie Acklin
By Eva Potter The impending final approval of Section VI skiing for middle and high schools in Western New York has districts busily working in the background preparing for the upcoming ski season. Miguel Azcarate, owner of Mud Sweat n’ Gears and training center director at Holiday Valley, has been quietly advocating approval of school ski teams in the region over seven years. He said it’s been a slow process but that he is thrilled that approval is around the corner. Section VI, encompassing 95 Western New York schools, is one of three sections out of 11 in New York State that does not offer competitive ski racing as a school sport, which includes slalom, giant slalom and/or Nordic contests. A former professional ski racer for Spain and experienced ski coach, Azcarate has long held the vision of bringing the sport to Ellicottville, as well as other area schools. Ellicottville Central School Athletic Director Karl Schwartz said he remembers being approached by parents about a ski racing program about seven years ago when he first started working at ECS. Azcarate and Schwartz have been working together to develop not only ECS’s program, but have worked to foster the spirit of competition and sportsmanship across Section VI. Schwartz said, “It’s natural for us. We’re the biggest ski town in Western New York.” According to Timm Slade, executive director of Section VI, final approvals won’t be completed until mid-September because this development occurred mid-summer. He
said a recommendation to add Section VI skiing is on the agenda for the upcoming Sectional/Intersectional Committee meeting on Sept. 6. This committee will then recommend approval to the Athletic Council, which is scheduled to meet Sept. 19. Once the Athletic Council approves the recommendation, which Slade anticipates will happen, alpine skiing will be added as a school sport for the 2012-2013 season. Slade said, “Many districts are really not even aware that we could offer skiing as a sport, but they will by Sept. 20. If it passes, I will send out a mass
email to everyone.” Approval will spark opportunities throughout WNY, including far-flung districts in Jamestown, Olean, Dunkirk, Lewiston Porter, Orchard Park, Akron, Westfield and many more. Slade said he knows that ECS has been working on getting skiing approved for well over a year. He said even if ECS is the only school interested in participating the first year, “that’s OK because they can compete against Section V schools,” which are located within a reasonable travel distance. Regarding financial aspects, Slade said, “There is a minor cost to Section VI, minor. The rest will be on the schools, but we haven’t worked that out yet, because we’re in the beginning stages.” One of the first priorities is to identify and appoint a chairperson for Section VI skiing. Slade stated qualified individuals must be affiliated with a public school or retired from a public school. In addition to a sectional chairperson, each interested school district will need coaches to head their teams. Again, Ellicottville is ahead of the curve with an experienced person interested in the position. The ECS Board of Education can appoint a coach pending sport approval. As does Schwartz, Slade anticipates the program will see progressive grown in its first few years, including the possibility of schools combining to form teams as needed. “We see that happening more and more. I anticipate in the sport of skiing that will happen,” said Slade. Schwartz said he wouldn’t be surprised if students from surrounding districts could be See Section VI Skiing Page 7
New Pumpkinville Attractions
Cattaraugus County’s Largest Fall Attraction Opens Sept. 15 Connoisseurs in pursuit of the perfect pumpkin know there is only one place to find a gorgeous gourd that’s ripe for the picking – Pumpkinville! It’s the season’s signature event, full of family-friendly activities to please everyone. This year, Pumpkinville is open from September 15th
through Halloween, October 31st, 9am – 7pm each day. Admission is free. Check out the newest attraction – the Hen House Five Review. This friendly flock of animatronic chickens will entertain you with their singing and even tell some jokes. See Pumpkinville Page 5
Community Meeting Scheduled By ECS Board of Education by Jennie Acklin
Superintendent Mark Ward started the Aug. 28, 2012, board meeting with a 45-minute facility walk-through, pointing out many substandard areas of the building. The locker rooms were in particular need of attention – and it was pointed out that no improvements have been made since they were built in 1962. New improvements were
also shown and talked about, including the new 65-inch television in the cafeteria, 18 new security cameras (meant to curb unwanted behavior), and the purchase of new iPads. The class of 2012 purchased a new video camera for the Media/AV Department. The NYSDOT semi-annual bus safety inspection report was presented, covering April
2, 2011 – March 31, 2012. Opening day of school is Sept.5, 2012. Enrollment is anticipated to be up 3.5-4 percent for this school year, with several late enrollments still expected. “A lot of people from out of district want to send their kids to our school,” said Ward. According to the school’s nonresident policy, ECS will
charge $525 in tuition per outof-district student for the 20122013 school year. A community meeting was announced by Ward, for the purpose of letting the community view the facilities – both positive and negative. The meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. A possible See ECS Community Meeting page 4
Small Works Member Show to Exhibit 31 Regional Artists By Eva Potter
Mark your calendars for Friday, Sept. 14 for a social and art-filled evening at the 2012 Small Works Member Show presented by Jamestown Community College (JCC) and the Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC). The opening reception will take place at the Center Gallery on the Olean JCC campus. From 6–8 p.m., gather with artists, friends, family and community members in a fun, informal atmosphere to enjoy Todd Plough, Pears, Oil on Panel, 5x8 the art, good company as well as hot hors d’oeuvres and happy hour refreshments
throughout the evening catered by Sheila Darrow. The event is free and open to the public. Best of Show, First, Second and Third Place awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Anne Conroy-Baiter, executive director of CCAC, said, “The opening is an excellent chance to experience the vibrancy of the arts scene in our region.” Of the 31 artist juried into the show, widely recognized names include Sean Huntington, Judson Brown, Robin Zefers See Member Show page 2