FREE! TAKE ONE! VOLUME 4 ISSUE 16
APRIL 24 - 30, 2015
The Official Newspaper of the Village of Ellicottville, the Town of Ellicottville and the Towns of East Otto, Great Valley and Mansfield, New York
American Advertising Awards 2014 Silver ADDY Award Winner Your Hometown Newspaper Serving Ellicottville, East Otto, Great Valley, Little Valley, Mansfield, Olean, Randolph, Salamanca, Springville and Beyond
Antique Lovers Love WNY
THIS WEEK:
Fri •RT Live• 9pm Saturday • Live & Kickin’ • 9pm Sunday • Bernie & Gail • 1 pm Wed • Wagner & Winston • 8pm Thursday • Fred & Tuck • 8pm
Area Shops Offer Unique Experiences
20 Washington St • 699-2530
By Mary Heyl
Calendar of Events
Western New York is known for its variety of antique shops, and there are plenty in the Ellicottville area to keep shoppers busy for the next several weekends. Although each shop offers a variety of antiques and collectibles, there is something unique about each shop that sets it apart from the rest. For an experience that is part nostalgia, part novelty and part delicious, shoppers must visit Tom and Laura McLeod’s Ellicottville Country Store & Antiques. Located just three miles east of the village at 5364 Route 242, Ellicottville Country Store & Antiques is housed in a building that is every bit as unique as the treasures within. This 150-year-old structure was originally built as a dry goods store and later served as the Ashford Junction Post Office until 1935. Indeed, the structure of the building is part of its charm: upon entering the store, visitors can look straight up and see the second story. This gallerylike mercantile features gift items on the first floor, while the second floor holds a dozen antiques booths from a variety of vendors. The first floor boasts a
May 2 I Love My Park Day Allegany State Park May 2 Adventure Run Allegany State Park May 8 Sky High Adventure Park opens
© 2015 Keystone Designers Inc.
May 29-31 Allegany Nature Pilgrimage
See Antiquing page 8
June 5-6 Cycling Weekend Holiday Valley June 5-7 Dairy/Ag Fest Springville June 20 Mudslide Obstacle Run Holiday Valley July 3-5 Summer Music Festival
Mansfield Preparing NYS Sends More Aid for Efficiency Plan for State EVL Highways Better Police Presence in the Works By Jann Wiswall
The Town of Ellicottville has received $118,545 in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funds this year, which represents an $18,000+ increase over what the board estimated the contribution would be for 2015. The boost is primarily the result of the state’s Winter
Recovery Fund contributions to areas impacted by the harsh 2015 winter. This good news was reported by Town Supervisor John Burrell during the Tuesday, April 21 meeting of the town board. Burrell also reported that he and Village of Ellicottville Mayor Charles Coolidge had See Town Board page 4
Say it Ain’t So!
Recent Closings Surprise Fans
Three Ellicottville businesses have recently closed their doors to the surprise of their loyal customers. The biggest shock, perhaps, was learning that Coffee Culture closed at the end of business on Tuesday, April 21. Information about the reason(s) for the closure
was unconfirmed as of press time, but it is safe to say that employees were as surprised as anyone. As of Wednesday morning, the restaurant was shut tight and the iconic outdoor fire pit was cold. Clothing shop Apres at 23 Washington Street also recently closed. While the sign on the building says it’s for lease, it is actually for sale, according to broker Derek Ritter with Caliber Commercial Brokerage. The beautiful 5,280 square foot building features the first floor retail space as well as an unfinished second floor that Ritter describes as “perfect for a couple of apartments.” It is listed at $799,999. As of press time, the
Ellicottville Times was unable to reach the building owners for further information. Meanwhile, the Red Door Ski Shop’s owner Steve Miller said the location is not just closed for the season, but has permanently closed its doors. Miller said there were several reasons for the closing, but was quick to thank the Ellicottville staff for their years of hard work. The Red Door originally opened at 11 Washington Street in 1985. The Williamsville store will remain open, and Miller encourages all customers with store credits or gift certificates to visit that location at 4169 Transit Road or call (716) 634-5545.
By Jann Wiswall
The Mansfield board of directors is developing a plan for the state that demonstrates how it could save 1% of the town’s $520,000 operating budget – or $5,200 – in each of the years 2017-2019. Municipalities all over New York are being asked by the state to devise these “government efficiency plans.” If they don’t submit plans by June 1, qualifying homeowners will not receive their municipality’s share of property
tax reimbursements. Qualified homeowners are those who meet the state’s STAR exemption requirements. Last year, homeowners living in jurisdictions that stayed within the 2% tax cap received corresponding percentage refunds. This year, municipalities must stay within that tax cap and also show how they will save costs by consolidating services with other jurisdictions in order for homeowners to receive reimbursement. See Mansfield Board page 7
Allegany State Park:
There’s Something for Everyone This Spring By Alicia Dziak
It’s that time of year when outdoor adventures await at every turn, and what better place to experience the great outdoors than at New York’s largest state park, Allegany State Park (ASP)! Looking to burn some calories while enjoying the scenery? ASP offers numerous hiking trails for all abilities. Pick up a trail map at the park and start exploring. Whether See Allegany State Park page 7
Arbor Day EVL Fire Dept. Celebration April 24 Open House April 25 Join in the Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at the Nannen Arboretum. The Town of Ellicottville Supervisor, John Burrell, and the Village of Ellicottville Mayor, Charlie Coolidge, will make a proclamation declaring April 24, 2015 as Arbor Day in Ellicottville, and a treewill be planted by the Nannen Arboretum Society and the Tree City USA flag will be raised.
See story on page 5