FREE! TAKE ONE! VOLUME 4 ISSUE 50
DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2015
The Official Newspaper
www.EllicottvilleTimes.com facebook/theEllicottvilleTimes
of the Village of Ellicottville, the Town of Ellicottville, Ellicottville Central Schools and the Towns of East Otto, Great Valley and Mansfield, New York
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‘Tis the Season of Giving
Upcoming Events
Sometimes the true meaning of the holiday season can get lost amid the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, traveling and visiting. As we head into the full swing of the holidays, take some time to appreciate all that you have and try to share your wealth of resources, time or knowledge with those who may not be as fortunate. Choose a cause or organization that’s meaningful to you and consider making a donation of some kind. Whether that means a social services provider, an animal rescue group, a food pantry, a nature center, a youth program or any other organization that helps others, non-profits always welcome and need your donations. While monetary donations are always appreciated, many times organizations need specific items as well. Call your local food pantry to see what is most needed. Check out wish lists at local animal shelters. Find out if an organization needs specific things, like hats or socks, for their clients. Purchase a gift for a needy child. A first step to making a difference is usually just a quick phone call or email away. The gift of time is not to be underestimated. Many nonprofits hold fundraising events this time of year and seek volunteers to staff them. Why not take a couple extra hours and help an organization in need? Can your specific skills be put to use? Can you spare some time to spend with a lonely senior citizen? Can you deliver meals to those in need? Check out one of the many volunteer websites out there, such as www.volunteerwny.org or www.volunteermatch.org, and see how you can be of service. Get into the spirit of giving and make a difference!
December 13 Ellicottville Christmas Cantata December 19 Demo Day Holiday Valley December 26 Rail Jam Holiday Valley December 31 New Year’s Eve Party & Torchlight Parade Holiday Valley © 2015 Ellicottville Times / Keystone Designers Inc.
January 3 Ski Day to Benefit Kids Escaping Drugs HoliMont January 4-9 Canadian Friendship Week January 8 World’s Largest Ski & Snowboard Lesson Holiday Valley January 10 Aspire Ski the Valley See Third in the East page 9
New Art Gallery and Artisan Gift Shop Open
Real-World Experience in School’s State-of-the-Art Control Room By Josh Hatcher
Fine Art, Gifts, Design Consultation at Gallery 14731 By Eva Potter
Ellicottville’s newest art gallery and artisan gift shop opened its doors on Nov. 27. Located at 5 East Washington St. in the village (in the Kwik Fill Plaza), Gallery 14731 offers a variety of fine artwork, gifts and design consultation. Billing itself as “Ellicottville’s premiere exhibition space and gift shop featuring local/regional artists, See 14731 page 6
Third and Fourth Graders Ski Free Thru ISKINY Plus More Great Deals All Season
Ellicottville Students Annie Fitzpatrick (seated) and Lisa Salzmann run cameras and equipment during a basketball game in the new state-of-the-art control room above the gymnasium/auditorium.
If you’re watching a basketball game or attending a concert at the new Ellicottville School Gymnasium / Auditorium, it may be easy to miss what is happening behind the scenes. Here’s a hint – it involves lots of wires, buttons and knobs. Perched high atop the back of the bleachers is the Control Room – a part of the recent capital project renovation at the school. Some See ECS Control Room page 7
Win-Sum Seeks Tax Relief from IDA By Jann Wiswall
Win-Sum Ski Corporation, the corporate parent of Holiday Valley Ski Resort, has applied for NYS State Sales Tax Abatement and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) benefits from the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) for its
purchase and renovation of the former Burger King Property on Route 219 at the intersection with Holiday Valley Road. The CCIDA Board considered the application at its Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting and authorized CCIDA Executive Director Corey Wiktor to See CCIDA page 6
By Alicia Dziak
You don’t hear “ski” and “free” in the same sentence very often. So when you do, it’s time to take note! If you have a child currently in third or fourth grade, he or she can ski for free this winter! Third and fourth graders from across the state and beyond can ski or ride free at the majority of New York resorts this winter when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition, third or fourth graders who are new to skiing and riding can take
advantage of the Learn To Ski or Ride Passport for free. The program is broken down into two parts and participants can take advantage of one or of both.
1. The Ski & Ride passport gives your third or fourth grader three free tickets at each participating ski area with a paying adult. 2. The Learn To Ski & Ride Passport gives your third or fourth grader a beginner lift ticket, rental and beginner lesson for each participating ski area in that part of the program. No adult purchase necessary. How to Apply You can complete the online See ISKINY page 2
Foster Dog Diaries #1 Kids Can Make a Difference By Alicia and Ava Dziak
In a world of iPods, smart phones, tablets, Instagram and video games, sometimes it’s tough to peel the kids away from screens and give them real-world experiences. But, if you use your knowledge and connections as a grown-up to find worthwhile communityservice projects for your kids,
before you know it, they could be hooked on giving back. I (Alicia) have two daughters— Ava, who is 12 and in seventh grade, and Lily, who is 10 and in fifth grade. Since my kids were very young, we’ve spent a lot of time volunteering for different local organizations. We’ve helped out at a local See Foster Dogs page 10