Row, Row, Row Your Boat


From left, are Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association members Steve Odrzywolski, vice-president; Lee Stein, chairman; Judge Joseph Gerace; and Kevin Sixby, president. P-J photo by Steven M. Sweeney

6/11/2006 - Rowing Club To Make Waves In City
By STEVEN M. SWEENEY

Rowing returns to Chautauqua Lake on Saturday as the newly-formed Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association charges full-steam ahead.The association is the brain child of Jamestown natives Kevin Sixbey, Steve Odrzwolski and Eric Larson who all served on the rowing teams of their respective alma maters. Last October, they discussed their thoughts with retired state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Gerace and Lee Stein. ‘‘What said we could do it here is a history of rowing in this lake starting in 1886. In 1889, the Chadakoin Rowing Club was formed, which lasted until 1938,’’ said Sixbey, association president. ‘‘Really all it took (now) was some people with dedication and a passion for rowing.’’After formal incorporation with the state in December, Gerace called long-time friend and Jamestown mayor, Sam Teresi, to see if there were any possible partnership opportunities.The result: rowers are being accommodated with an ancient steamboat slip at the Chautauqua Lake outlet on city property near McCrea Point Park in exchange for site upkeep.‘‘We appreciate what the city has done in such a quick period of time. We initially talked about a spot on the end of Jones and Gifford Avenue,’’ said Stein, association chairman. ‘‘There was a suggestion to look at this spot just two weeks ago. The concrete pier is the perfect height for launching rowing shells.’’Stein thanked several local businesses for their loans of effort and space for the rowing association as well as city parks and recreation workers for clearing the land. In late May, th area surrounding the boat slip was covered with thick brush and weeds. Shells or hulls for the rowing association will be stored in the former city recycling building nearby.‘‘From the city standpoint ... this project has value for the city of Jamestown. It ties in perfectly into the parks system and into our riverfront reclamation and development program,’’ Teresi said. ‘‘Meanwhile, we’ll work on the site at the city line with Celoron as a replacement or second site.’’Rowing association members are planning a ‘‘learn-to-row’’ event in two sessions Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on June 17.

For information or to register for the free class call Odrzwolski at 913-2409 or e-mail at steveodjo@hotmail.com


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