The Official Newspaper Of The Town And Village Of Ellicottville, New York The Official Newspaper Of Great Valley, New York
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 37 FREE www.EllicottvilleTimes.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2012
Christmas in Ellicottville and Irish Christmas The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
By Sue Whistler
‘Tis the season when the excitement and anticipation of the new ski season converges with the comfort and joy of the Christmas holidays. The delighted laughter of families and close friends floats overhead like snowflakes, which settle into a glittering blanket that embraces and warms the Village of Ellicottville. The effect is nothing short of magical. There’s no place like Ellicottville for the holidays and the magic of the season begins with Christmas in Ellicottville on Friday, Nov. 23–25. The irresistible aroma of hot chocolate and spiced cider will be wafting through every doorway as shoppers stroll past the beautifully decorated store windows trying to decide on the perfect gift for a special friend or family member. Traditionally, the Friday after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday,” but the merchants in Ellicottville prefer instead to view the day in lovely shades of red and green. Visitors will delight in the joyful voices of Christmas carolers ducking in and out of all the shops and restaurants throughout the weekend. The whole family will love taking a horse and wagon ride through town, and the kids won’t want to miss breakfast with Santa or the chance to get nose to See Christmas, Irish page 5
ECS Varsity Volleyball Team Heads to States This Weekend
Congrats to the ECS Lady Eagles Volleyball team that will head to Glens Falls this weekend for the State Championships! Last weekend in Webster, NY., the Lady Eagles won their first set over the Section 5 Lyons
25-13, led by Courtney Scanlon and Janae Hamilton. They cruised to a second set victory led by Kayla Dunkleman, Madison Szpaicher and Marissa Hamilton 25-14. The third set clinched the Class D Far West Regional championship with
a 25-12 win, which came with a ticket to the New York State Championships to be held at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, NY., on Nov. 17–18. See Volleyball States page 8
ECS Proposed Building Upgrades Public Offers Preliminary Feedback Design Group, Engineering Firm and Financial Consultant Weigh In
By Jann Wiswall
The Ellicottville Central School Board hosted a meeting on Nov. 13 to obtain preliminary feedback on proposed upgrades to the school building – primarily the sections built in the early 1960s.
Nearly 30 people attended the meeting, including the board, members of the 2009 Strategic Planning Task Force, teachers and other interested community members. SEI Design Group presented a conceptual architectural sketch
of a multipurpose gymnasium/ performance space, a list of additional proposed renovations and rough pricing estimates. M.E. Engineering explained the complicated process of funding the renovations within stateSee Building Upgrades page 8
Katy’s Cookies for Compassion Provides Community Support for the Holidays
As Katy Herbach watched those in the Ellicottville community organize events to assist local families, she knew she wanted to do help too. After collaborating with friends and family, Herbach is kicking off her holiday season fundraising effort on Dec. 1 during the Christmas Stroll in Ellicottville, taking place from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Herbach is hoping to entice donors to stop at Katy’s Café & Cake Creations on Washington Street with cash donations for the Rotary Club’s Family
“Katy’s Cookies for Compassion” Support for Ellicottville fund, nonperishable food items for the Ellicottville Food Pantry and toys for Santa’s Workshop in exchange for a bag of Katy’s Cookies for Compassion – her famous, home-baked holiday
cookies. On Saturday, Dec. 1, Katy’s Café will be “dressed up” for the holidays with the help of Bob McCarthy. Herbach and her holiday helpers invite everyone to stop in from 5–8 p.m. to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be on hand to accept donations. Katy’s Café & Cake Creations will serve as an ongoing community collection site until Dec. 20. If you have questions, please call Katy at (716) 699-8860 or email katyscafe@yahoo.com.
Ellicottville Town Board
Building Projects, Recreational Trail, Ongoing Issues
By Jann Wiswall
The Ellicottville Town Board met on Nov. 14, 2012, to discuss progress on ongoing projects. The meeting also was an opportunity for the public to comment on three issues before the board: the 2013 Town Budget, Local Law No. 2 – 2012 entitled “A Local Law to Override the Tax Levy Limit for Fiscal Year 2013,” and Rules and Regulations Governing Water Services. There were no public comments on any of the topics, therefore, at the end of the meeting the board voted to approve them as presented. Privilege of the Floor: Supervisor John Burrell introduced two representatives
from supplemental insurance company Aflac. The representatives asked the board for permission to offer coverage to all town employees, noting that village employees already are offered the optional coverage. They explained that there is no cost to the town if employees opt for any of its insurance products; employees pay for coverage themselves. Lindsey Coburn, Burrell’s clerk, suggested that the town’s insurance broker also be given the opportunity to talk with employees about supplemental coverage. The board agreed, so approved a motion to permit both Aflac and the broker to schedule meetings with
employees. Supervisor’s Report: Burrell shared information he had gathered related to countywide court staff salaries, as well as data on township legal fines collected in comparison to judge’s pay. He also said he had consulted with the town’s insurance agent, who is the agent for Mansfield and is dealing with the Mansfield transportation building fire. Mansfield is adequately covered, but Burrell asked the agent to be watchful for any weaknesses in the town policy. Burrell also shared work he had done with Town Court Clerk Kate Earley to improve See Town Board page 7
Village Board Reviews Monthly Business
By Jann Wiswall
Addresses Cost of Holiday Lighting
Because Village Mayor Charles Coolidge was absent due to cataract surgery, Deputy Mayor Bob Brogcinski led the monthly meeting of the Village Board on Nov. 12, 2012. Harold Morton, superintendent of public works, reviewed his October report, including a summary of activities related to snow removal preparations, sewerrelated activities and ongoing water meter installations in homes around the village.
Village Clerk Mary Klahn reported that she had sent letters to about 20 vacation homeowners requesting access to their homes to replace their water meters. It is expected that this project will come in under budget. Morton also described a demonstration by Pertech Inc. of a new magnetic flow motion meter to replace the old meter at the north well, which is not working properly. The new Magmeter-brand device is far more accurate and reliable than
the old meter; the demonstration indicated that the old meter was reading 81,000 gallons higher than actual use. The bid for the Magmeter was $3,255 plus $1,200 for parts. A competing bid for another brand was higher. In addition, Morton reported that his crew had installed Christmas light cords in trees around the village and had begun installing the lights. Brogcinski asked if the village had switched back to See Village Board Page 6