Chautauqua Snow

Snow To Continue To Fall On County

By NICHOLAS L. DEAN

‘A Little Snow Every Day’ Poor road conditions Monday were the cause of this truck going off the road in the town of Randolph. The driver was unable to negotiate the curve near the end of Torrence Road, which caused the truck to go straight over the embankment and settle near the bottom of the gully. P-J photo by Leann Austin

1/30/2007 - After 12 hours of little to no snow, Jamestown and much of Southern Chautauqua County are expected to see another few inches tonight and most every day for the next two weeks.

Joking about the small break in snowfall last night, Steve McLaughlin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service at Buffalo, said the city can expect the weather to keep ‘‘really cold with a little snow every day’’ for the next two weeks.

‘‘We’ve got a strong band, but it’s lifting north,’’ McLaughlin said Monday evening. ‘‘As far as Chautauqua County goes, it’s only going to affect the far northern part of the county tonight — like out around Dunkirk and Fredonia.

After that it’s going to head up to Southern Erie and Wyoming Counties, up to the south of Buffalo.’’

Explaining that the area was expected to be hammered all night long, McLaughlin said motorists should use caution if traveling between Northern Chautauqua County and Buffalo today.

Much of Southern Chautauqua County was quiet in terms of traffic Monday morning — with the Jamestown Police Department saying there was nothing of note which happened in relation to the weather.

‘‘It seems like most people used their heads and either stayed home or just took it easy,’’ said a dispatcher with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Weather.com, there is a 70 percent chance of snow today with a high temperature of 21 degrees. Average high for today is 31 degrees with a record high of 57 degrees.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Countys Peek' n Peak

Recent snowfall helped set records at Peek’n Peak

By NICHOLAS L. DEAN, Special to the OBSERVER

‘‘It’s really the full court press. We’re sprinting now.’’ Chip Day, Peek’n Peak’s vice president of brand management, on winter’s arrival.

1/29/2007 - FINDLEY LAKE — Patronage at Peek’n Peak Resort and Conference Center increased dramatically in the last week with the arrival of winter’s white stuff.

‘‘It’s unbelievable. The people are here,’’ said Chip Day, Peek’n Peak’s vice president of brand management. ‘‘Attendance has increased dramatically. We set records last weekend and everything is now open, all of our lifts are open and the tubing arena is going to open up this Saturday.’’

Peek’n Peak is nestled in the southern tier of Western New York, delighting guests in the boundless beauty of the Chautauqua County region. Ever since the opening of Peek’n Peak in 1964, families, friends, businesses and corporations have enjoyed this quaint European-style village, complete with Tudor architecture.

Its prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating is duly appreciated with the diverse amenities that accompany a full-service, four season resort.

Located on Olde Road in Findley Lake, Peek’n Peak borders Pennsylvania and Chautauqua County. Ever since the opening of Peek’n Peak in 1964, families, friends, businesses and corporations have enjoyed this quaint European-style village, complete with Tudor architecture. It’s prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating is duly appreciated with the diverse amenities that accompany a full-service, four season resort.

‘‘Along with our parks, our halfpipe will be opening at the beginning of next week,’’ Day said. ‘‘It’s really the full court press. We’re sprinting now.’’

Just a few short weeks ago, Peek’n Peak and other area ski resorts were feeling the hurt of a green Christmas. With warm weather, attendance was down despite businesses’ best efforts to attract patrons.

The recent $2 million snowmaking expansion at Peek’n Peak did allow for several slopes to stay operational during the holiday, but nothing beats full-blown winter. The new tower guns added to the resort can produce 2,300 gallons of water per minute — making for white trails.

‘‘We were fortunate enough to have a 12-hour opportunity to make snow, which started Christmas Eve and went until 6 a.m. on Christmas,’’ Day said previously. ‘‘That let us maintain our seven slopes.’’

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Audubon

Local Audubon built on dedication of experts and non-experts

By JEFF TOME

Photo by Dave Cooney The Jamestown Audubon Society building, as seen from Big Pond Dike.

1/13/2007 - History is easy to romanticize. Facts are repeated as stories that become legend as the years go by. Eventually, even the legends become almost forgotten.



The Jamestown Audubon Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Just like any big anniversary, we are spending the year looking back at the early times, examining the stories of the past and pulling old materials out of the attic and dusting them off.

The Jamestown Audubon Society was not supposed to be named the Jamestown Audubon Society. The group was founded in honor of Roger Tory Peterson, a Jamestown native who became a world-famous naturalist. Among the early members were some of Peterson’s childhood friends and admirers. They wanted to name the society the “Roger Tory Peterson Audubon Society,” but were informed that the National Audubon Society would not allow naming the group after a living person. The Jamestown Audubon Society was then born. (And Roger Tory Peterson later helped start the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown to house his collected works.)

The Jamestown Audubon Society was born around a kitchen table. A small group of people gathered to discuss how to form a group and go through all the paperwork and legal wrangling that go with creating a new organization. In the early months of 1957, the Jamestown Audubon Society was formed.

Kitchens and food have remained a popular part of Audubon ever since. Hardly an event goes by without coffee and some sort of snack. Just as the kitchen is the heart of a home, it is also the heart of Audubon. Some of our biggest decisions have taken place gathered around the coffeepot — and almost all of the work that happens here is fueled by a mix of caffeine and sugar.

Of course, Audubon is about more than a caffeine rush or sugar high. Caffeine and sugar are just the fuel for the larger work. Audubon has always been about teaching people more about the world we live in. This happens on lots of levels.

There are trails to hike on for people who just want to be outside — and our permanently injured Bald Eagle, Liberty, to visit. There are field trips to other places to learn about nature. There are ongoing programs to teach people more about the world. Audubon naturalists also have around 18,000 student contacts over the course of a year, with elementary school students from as far away as Ripley, Forestville, Clarendon and Bradford, Pa.

The Jamestown Audubon Society’s early meetings were aimed at teaching people about birds, flowers, forestry, geology, insecticides, wildlife and more. It was not unusual to have more than 100 people show up to go on a trip to see wildflowers — or for a field trip to consist of going from house to house to visit members’ birdfeeders and see what birds were out there. Can you imagine inviting 50 dedicated birders into your house to see the birds at your birdfeeder?

Audubon’s early members either were or quickly became expert observers of the natural world. There were experts on birds, flowers, trees, ferns, grasses and more. These people set out to explore our sanctuaries, both the Bentley Sanctuary of Fluvanna Avenue and the Burgeson Sanctuary on Riverside Road, and list the plants and animals that were there. These people came up with lists of all the plants found on the properties, all of the bird species that have visited, all the snakes, frogs, salamanders and turtles that were seen, and more. This information is now 30 or 40 years old, but it contains some of the only historical records of plants and animals for the county. Today’s scientists and naturalists are looking back at that information and wondering how much of what was found in the 1960s and 1970s can still be found today.

Not all of Audubon’s members are experts. Many of the people who come here just love to be outside, love to see live animals up close, want the opportunity to see how research is done or just want a chance to help out. Some people just love that we exist, quietly giving children and adults a chance to fall in love with nature. Our membership includes animal lovers, hunters, foresters, vegetarians, artists, woodworkers and more.

Audubon has a new exhibit to celebrate its 50 years in the Jamestown-Warren area. It’s called “Hooked on Nature: Then, Now and Forever.” The building is chock full of all the things that have ever gotten people excited about nature, including live animals such as turtles, frogs and snakes, a club house, puppets, science projects, microscopes and more. There are also photos from Audubon’s past and a tribute to everything that has ever gotten people outside, including hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and more. This exhibit is sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Allegheny Conservation Association and AJ Fairbank.

The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is located on Riverside Road, just east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. The trails are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. The center is free for members and children under 18. It costs $4 for non-member adults. The center is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Mondays. Admission is free on Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Jeff Tome is senior naturalist at the Jamestown Audubon Society and has seen one-fifth of Audubon’s history first hand, especially the parts requiring caffeine and sugar.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Local Events

1/27/2007 - Book Signing , 314 Second Ave., Warren, PA, Warren , Warren County Joe Ulrich, the author of "The Dust of Angels - WWII Memoir" will be at the Allegheny Book Mart, 314 Second Ave., in Warren on Saturday, January 27, from 11am-1pm to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase at the book mart. The Event is FREE and open to the public. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 814-726-2288. 3569

1/27/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am & 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3520

1/28/2007 - Bud Beach Party with DJ Bear , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 4 - 8 pm Cost is call for further details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3521

1/28/2007 - WPA Ski Council Ski Day , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County Call for further details Cost is See Advisor for details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3522

1/28/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am & 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3523

2/11/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3532

2/16/2007 - Zydeco Vacation , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 pm. It's Mardi Gras in the northeast! Virtuosic blues accordion combines with old-fashioned scrub board to create the unique Louisiana-Cajun zydeco sound. Cost is $12 General Admmission. , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3277

2/17/2007 - Jr Race Sponsored by Bavarian Village , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd , Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3533

2/17/2007 - Party with DJ , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 4 - 8 pm Cost is call for details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3534

2/18/2007 - Race sponsored by West Side Market, Cleveland, Ohio , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3535

2/19/2007 - NASTAR , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3536

2/23/2007 - Photography Exhibit , 314 Second Ave., Warren, PA, Warren , Warren County Peter Carnovale will be at the Allegheny Book Mart, 314 Second Ave., in Warren on Friday, February 23, from 7pm-9pm to present an exhibit of his photography which will be on display at the book mart. A short film is also scheduled and refreshments will be served. The Event is FREE and open to the public. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 814-726-2288. 3570

3/17/2007 - Irishman's Heart to the Ladies (A Celtic Celebration) , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. In a nod to the famous Irish song, our St. Patrick’s Day celebration features a stage full of the finest female Celtic musicians and dancers around. Cost is $15 general Admission ($12 Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3357

3/22/2007 - A Couple of Blaguards starring Malachy McCourt , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. This autobiographical comedy by Frank (Angela's Ashes) and Malachy McCourt hilariously tells of the brothers' schooldays in Ireland and young adulthood in America. The Opera House performance stars co-author Malachy McCourt. Cost is $25 Reserved Seating ($23 for Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3355

3/31/2007 - Chocolate Walk , Downtown Warren, Warren , Warren County Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Cost is Limited ticket sales. , More Info. at: www.wccbi.com. 3557

4/11/2007 - Alpine Classic sponsored by Pepsi , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3531

5/18/2007 - David Mallett - Folk Music , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. The award-winning folk singer/songwriter from Maine "has the warmth of a flannel shirt, the comfort of a quilt and the heart of a poet." Cost is $15 general Admission . , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3356

Looking for a new home? Visit our website: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/

C. Rick & Julia McMahon

Broker/partners

Real Estate Advantage Realty

716-483-3300 or 484-2020

Tips To Save Money When Insuring Vacation Property

Insuring vacation property can be an expensive proposition, but smart shoppers often qualify for discounts.

Insurance premiums for second homes are usually higher than premiums for primary residences, in part because second homes are often left unoccupied-making them more susceptible to fire and theft.

Start your hunt for the best coverage at the lowest rate by contacting the company that insures your primary residence: Insurers often provide a 5 percent to 10 percent discount to customers who purchase more than one policy. Then check with at least three or four other independent insurance companies and brokers to see if you can get an even better deal.

Also consider adding an inexpensive alarm system to the vacation property, which can cut as much as 20 percent off your annual premiums if the system is monitored.

If the home is in a rural area, insurers sometimes offer 10 percent to 20 percent discounts if the owner can show that the local fire department has easy access to a nearby lake or stream that can be tapped to fight a fire. Homes in gated communities usually qualify for a 10 percent reduction.

It also might make sense to purchase an "umbrella" liability policy that beefs up the protection provided by the policies on your full time home, cars or even boats. A $ 1 million umbrella policy usually costs about about $300 per year, and the extra coverage could be crucial if you plan to rent the cabin out occasionally and a tenant later gets injured on the property.

Article by David W. Myers.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Cold brings on Ice Wine

Area wineries are scrambling to make ice wine
while winter conditions are right.
Crews at Johnson Estate Winery in Chautauqua County have been harvesting grapes and pressing ice wine for the past week.

Winemaker
Jeff Murphy says it must be below 18 degrees to make the sweet wine, which is a highly concentrated.
"It's like taking four bottles of wine and concentrating it down into one small half bottle of wine," he said. "It's not any more potent alcohol-wise, but it's a lot more potent flavor and sugar-content wise."
He says making ice wine is always a gamble, but this season was especially tricky, due to warm weather in early winter. "It probably dropped yields by 20 to 30 percent," he said. "From additional rot and bird damage."
Murphy also says grapes also began to "raisin" on the vine. The winery typically produces 150 to 200 cases of ice wine every year, but Mother Nature didn't cooperate with this season's expansion plans. "We planned on making a lot more this year," Murphy said. "But with the warm weather it's probably going to be just slightly more than last year."
Johnson Estate has been making the ice wine, in both red and white, for more than a decade and has won awards for its product, which is sold in area stores and at the winery.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

1891 Fredonia Opera House

Series to feature ‘The Departed’

1/25/2007 - Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Mark Wahlberg), “The Departed” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened on Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Recent Golden Globe (Best Director) winner Martin Scorsese is at the top of his game with this South Boston crime drama written by William Monahan, which finds a cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) undercover as a member of the Irish Mafia while a mob member (Matt Damon) infiltrates the Massachusetts State Police. Violence and bloodshed erupt when discoveries are made and the moles are dispatched to find out their enemy’s identities.

The supporting cast includes Wahlberg, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga and Ray Winstone. “The Departed” is “a thinking fan’s thriller, a movie involving multiple fully dimensional characters, multiple story lines and edge-of-your-seat twists and swerves, stylized to just the edge of believability,” says Terry Lawson of the Detroit Free Press.

Lou Lumenick of the New York Post hails “The Departed” as “Scorsese’s sharpest film in a decade and the most entertaining major studio release this year.” Ty Burr of the Boston Globe calls it “a relentlessly violent, breathtakingly assured piece of mean-streets filmmaking.” And Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal praises its “thrilling breadth and intensity.” Rated R for violence, language and sexuality, “The Departed” runs 149 minutes.

Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults) and $6.50 (seniors, students and Opera House members) the night of each showing. This is the series’ final film under the management of Uniplex Cinemas. The series will continue in May when the Opera House staff takes over its coordination.

For more information, call the Fredonia Opera House box office at 679-1891.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Chautauqua Lake Camp Onyahsa

Bring friend for free to Camp Onyahsa overnighter

Submitted photo Campers from a previous overnighter play outdoors.

1/24/2007 - YMCA Camp Onyahsa will offer a special deal for campers attending the February overnighter at camp on Saturday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 11.



All campers attending may bring a friend for free.

The theme for this month’s camp is Valentine’s Day. Activities include making chocolate, arts/crafts and outdoor time. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this weekend before Valentine’s Day to spend a little time with their sweetheart by having their children attended to by fully trained staff.

The cost for this overnighter is $50 and includes all meals and activities. Enrollment is limited, so register by calling Bev Lubi at 664-2802 ext. 238 or via e-mail at office@onyahsa.org. For more information, visit http://www.onyahsa.org./ The next monthly overnighter is scheduled for March 10 to 11. Camp Onyahsa is located on Chautauqua Lake at 5411 East Lake Road, Dewittville.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Tread Lightly...

Police Warn Against Walking On Lake

By PATRICK L. FANELLI

A crack forms in the ice off the shore of the Lakewood Community Park on Summitt Street. The ice cover still has a way to go before it will be strong enough to support the weight of a person of average weight. P-J photo by Patrick L. Fanelli

1/23/2007 - Less than a week ago, the afternoon sunlight reflecting off the clear blue waters of Chautauqua Lake offered a picturesque view — but Harry Trippett and Greg Whitford of Celoron expect to be ice fishing as early as Wednesday.

They won’t even be the first. According to Trippett, fishermen ventured out onto Burtis Bay on Sunday, a testimony to how swiftly Chautauqua Lake freezes over when the temperatures finally drop.

‘‘You have to go where the fish are,’’ said Trippett, a veteran ice fisher and a member of the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association based in Celoron.

Ice fishermen seem to be the best at safely navigating the frozen surface of Chautauqua Lake. They know what spots to avoid — creek and canal outlets, for instance, or any other locations where currents underneath can weaken the ice cover.

The law enforcement officials whose job it is to rescue people on the lake still say that venturing out onto the ice is a risky undertaking under the best of circumstances.

‘‘Our opinion is you shouldn’t be on the lake anytime,’’ said Tom Block of the county sheriff’s department, navigation division. ‘‘That’s pretty much our position.’’

According to Capt. Darryl Braley, who heads the county Water Emergency Team, sheriff’s deputies respond to emergencies on frozen lakes, ponds, reservoirs, creeks, streams and rivers every season. He says it’s simply impossible for anyone to tell exactly how strong the ice is in the direction they are travelling.

‘‘The reason for that is the characteristic of the ice is so different from one day to the next,’’ Braley said.

They call the good type of ice ‘‘blue ice,’’ which forms when the temperatures stay low, the wind isn’t disturbing the water and the layer gets thicker and thicker, squeezing out air bubbles. The bad type — which forms when snow falls over a thin layer of ice and freezes with it — is more common on Chautauqua Lake.

‘‘That snow-ice, which is very suspectible to any kind of environmental impact, typically that’s the ice we find on Chautauqua Lake,’’ said Mayville Mayor Martin Bova, who used to run the navigation division of the sheriff’s department. ‘‘You very rarely find a good, thick layer of blue ice.’’

Whitford — himself a veteran ice fisher — likened the bad type of ice to a Slurpee from 7-Eleven.

‘‘You have to watch what kind of ice it is,’’ Whitford said. ‘‘A slushy you would buy in a store — when it freezes, it would not be as strong as an ice cube.’’

At this point, few footprints can be seen in the snow atop the ice cover, and even the most daring of fishermen have stayed fairly close to the shoreline since the ice is only a few days old and not yet at the three- or four-inch mark they say is suitable. With a continuous creak only 10 feet out from the Lakewood shoreline off Summit Street, the ice bellowed its own warning to stay away late Monday afternoon.

Nevertheless, it freezes fast, according to Dave Sage of the National Weather Service in Buffalo. As water gets colder, it also gets denser — and the colder water from the surface will continue to sink to the bottom. That stops, though, at 39 degrees, and at that point the surface temperature can continue to drop without the colder water sinking.

‘‘When it gets down to 39 degrees, the water stops getting denser. Once it’s down to 39 degrees, it cools off on top much more rapidly,’’ Sage said. ‘‘Chautauqua Lake would go pretty fast.’’

Sage said he wouldn’t be surprised if, within a week, the ice was so thick in many places that it could support the weight of a person — though he couldn’t say for sure since there are too many other variables to take into consideration.

According to Trippett, fishermen carefully test the ice before cutting a hole and dipping their lines into the water. They will venture out and, if the ice feels solid, drill a hole to check for that crucial three- or four-inch thickness. They take other precautions as well.

‘‘I’m pretty safety conscious. I carry safety equipment,’’ Trippett said, adding the equipment includes a self-rescue device with spikes that can grasp the ice. ‘‘I’ve never had to use it.’’

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Bird Club to meet Monday

nLake Erie Bird Club to meet Monday

1/20/2007 - The Lake Erie Bird Club will meet Monday at 7:30 p.m. at BOCES, Fredonia-Stockton Road. Terry Mosher will present a program called “What’s All the Singing About?” Using taped songs of seven common birds of Chautauqua County, the talk will focus on the beauty of their singing, the many functions of their songs, and the surprising size of their vocal repertories. All who are interested in birds are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

On New Year’s Day, 22 Lake Erie Bird Club members participated in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count covering Northern Chautauqua County. Members observed a total of 54 species and 4,584 individual birds. Highlights of the count included 139 double-crested cormorants, 27 hooded mergansers, two ruddy ducks, one bald eagle, 24 red-tailed hawks, three rough-legged hawks, five ring-necked pheasants, 119 American coot, one Carolina wren, three golden-crowned kinglets and three red-winged blackbirds. Paul Farver and Joanne Goetz served as compilers for the count.

At their December meeting, the club members held their annual holiday raffle. Funds from the raffle are used for magazine subscriptions to “Bird Watcher’s Digest” for the Fredonia, Dunkirk and Silver Creek public libraries. Refreshments for the meeting were provided by Jeanine Smith and Margaret Braun.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

New Bandshell on Chautauqua Lake

Celoron Completes Memorial Desi Arnaz Bandshell

By PATRICK L. FANELLI

A Gratifying Tribute From left, Terry Schrecengost, Celoron highway superintendent; Mayor Tom Bartolo; Ric Wyman, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center executive director; and Harry Trippett pose in front of the new Desi Arnaz Bandshell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron. P-J photo by Patrick L. Fanelli

1/16/2007 - CELORON — In 2001, a visit by Desi Arnaz Jr. prompted Celoron village officials to plan a bandshell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park in honor of his father.

Arnaz said that, if village officials held up their side of the bargain and built the bandshell, he and his band would return to Celoron and perform at the new venue when the opportunity arose.

It’s been built — a wooden bandshell located at the back of the park just a few feet away from the Chautauqua Lake shoreline. Once the finishing touches are applied and the structure is plugged in to the grid, Arnaz will have a chance to keep his promise.

‘‘He thought that was a fantastic idea — a suitable tribute to his dad,’’ said Rick Slagle, former Celoron mayor. ‘‘He said that if we built it and he had the opportunity to do it, he would come back and play in the bandshell.’’

According to Slagle, the idea of building a bandshell first came up in the summer of 2001, when Arnaz and his sister, Lucie Arnaz — the children of famed acting duo Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Sr. — visited Celoron and Jamestown.

‘‘I met with them down in Lucille Ball Memorial Park,’’ Slagle said. ‘‘We were walking through the park talking and I mentioned to Lucie that there wasn’t a whole lot named after her father. She agreed with that.’’

They came up with the idea of a bandshell in his memory placed in the park that is dedicated to his first wife, a monument that seemed appropriate for Arnaz Sr.

‘‘Before Desi Arnaz became TV’s Ricky Ricardo, he was a musician, band leader and movie star. Back in the 1940s, you could buy his trademark song, ‘Babalu’ at any well-stocked record shop,’’ said Ric Wyman, executive director of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown. ‘‘This amazing bandshell is a wonderful tribute to Desi and something our entire community will be enjoying for years to come.’’

Celoron Mayor Tom Bartolo was appreciative of Ms. Arnaz, who donated $20,000 for the bandshell during a visit to the area in October 2005, and Harry Trippett of the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association and the Celoron Moose, who led the effort.

In addition to donations from various individuals and organizations, Bartolo also secured a $25,000 grant from state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean, to fund the project.

‘‘The bandshell adds to the history of Lucille Ball that we have in Celoron and Jamestown,’’ Bartolo said.

According to Vickie Strong, Celoron clerk, village board members hope to begin promoting the bandshell to attract special events to the park. They also plan to host the village’s annual summer concert series from the new venue.

Lucille Ball Memorial Park is all that’s left of the once mighty amusement park — with its ferris wheel and rollercoaster, its concession stands and hotels, its trolly stations and steamship landings, and its rides and games — that drew crowds from all around the region to the tiny village.

‘‘The ballroom burned. The docks have given way to modern marinas. And where the baseball park used to be is an apartment complex,’’ area resident Lillian Till wrote in 2002. ‘‘Only the picnic area in the grove remains as a village park.’’

For Celoron, it’s an attempt to relive a small fraction of the good old days, when thousands would pack themselves in front of the amusement park’s grandiose bandshell to watch the nightly picture shows during the summer.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Peek'n Peak

Peek’n Peak Ski Resort to Host Next Snow Search Qualifier

News - Resorts

Findley Lake, NY - Western New York State's Peek’n Peak Resort and Conference Center will host a qualifying event for the 2007 Sports Illustrated Kids (SI Kids) Next Snow Search, a national talent search to find young athletes who best represent the next generation of extreme skiers and snowboarders. The competition, which is comprised of more than 70 qualifying events and six Super Qualifiers, is being held at ski resorts across North America.
Peek’n Peak’s qualifying event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, for boys and girls ages 9 to 13. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants must have a valid lift ticket, and helmets are required. All skiers and snowboarders compete in one class. Events include a downhill gate race, terrain park features and an interview. Athletes must compete in all events. Style, attitude and sportsmanship are also considered in addition to athletic skill.
The winner of Peek’n Peak’s Next Snow Search Qualifier will represent Peek’n Peak at the Finals, held March 2-4, at Vermont’s Killington Resort, where they will compete with approximately 150 athletes for a spot on the “2007 Sports Illustrated Kids Next Snow Team.”
Peek’n Peak’s winning athlete will receive four nights of lodging at Killington, as well as four days of lift tickets for him or herself and a parent or guardian, entry into the competition, and admission to all the Next Snow parties.
“Peek’n Peak is a family friendly resort and we are thrilled to participate in an event that encourages kids to enjoy skiing and snowboarding,” said Chip Day, Vice President, Brand Management, Peek’n Peak Resort.
The Next Snow Search’s other marquee event is the SI Kids Next Snow Search “All-Stars,” which will be held at Colorado’s Steamboat Resort, February 2-3. This event brings together the elite members of the 2005 and 2006 SI Kids Next Snow Teams to compete against a select group from this year’s Super Qualifiers for the honor of being named to the SI Kids “All-Stars Team.”

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Assessment

Gerry Hires New Assessor, Switches Plan

By PATRICK L. FANELLI

“That’s the plan for now. We’ll see how that goes and assess it after the three-year period. I think everything works out for the taxpayers.’’ — John Crossley, Gerry supervisor

1/16/2007 - GERRY — Responding to sudden and unexpected property assessment increases throughout their rural town, Gerry officials have hired a new assessor and are altering the process that determines each resident’s property tax burden.

Kevin Okerlund, assessor for Cherry Creek and neighboring Charlotte, will add Gerry to the towns he is responsible for — an arrangement Gerry Supervisor John Crossley believes is more sensible than the town’s previous one.

‘‘They are very similar towns, very similar backgrounds of residents,’’ Crossley said. ‘‘We’re rural areas, and obviously we don’t have a lake.’’

The town’s previous assessor was DeaAnna Wheeler, who also covered the towns of Ellery and North Harmony — both of which include a large share of the valuable Chautauqua Lake waterfront. Property assessments spiked in both towns last summer — 16 percent in Ellery and 25 percent in North Harmony — causing widespread resentment among residents who faced significantly higher tax bills.

Assessments also increased 8 percent in Gerry, leading many residents to believe the situation would have been different had they had a new assessor.

In the end, town officials pressured Ms. Wheeler to resign and bought out her contract, which wouldn’t have expired until September, according to Sally Carlson, North Harmony supervisor. Gerry officials had already withdrawn from the joint assessment program that tied them to Ellery and North Harmony, enabling them to go their own separate way.

Okerlund, who also works as an appraiser for Jamestown under the city’s assessor, Randy Holcomb, believes it will work out well for Gerry residents.

‘‘I’m pretty sure land values are pretty close,’’ said Okerlund, who began his career in 1990 as an appraiser in Chautauqua and became an assessor three years later. ‘‘It will be a pretty nice set.’’

According to Okerlund, Gerry will add 1,400 parcels to the 1,200 he is already responsible for in Charlotte and Cherry Creek. He also said the arrangement will enable the village of Sinclairville — most of which is in Charlotte but some of which is in Gerry — to be covered by one assessor rather than two.

Besides hiring a new assessor, Gerry officials have also switched from re-evaluating property every year to every three years, which costs the town a few thousand dollars in incentives from the state but avoids annual increases for unlucky property owners.

‘‘That’s the plan for now,’’ Crossley said. ‘‘We’ll see how that goes and assess it after the three-year period. I think everything works out for the taxpayers.’’

Ellery and North Harmony officials hired Holcomb to replace Ms. Wheeler, who is still the assessor for the town of Stockton.

Unlike the previous arrangement with Ellery and North Harmony, Crossley noted that Gerry’s contract is not through Charlotte or Cherry Creek, but directly with Okerlund, giving town officials more control over the agreement.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com

Peek�n Peak Ski Resort to Host a Jeep Terrain Park Challenge Grassroots Qualifier Event

Findley Lake, NY -

Western New York State's Peek’n Peak ski resort will host a Jeep Terrain Park Challenge grassroots qualifier event for amateur skiers and snowboarders of all ages on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge is a national ski and snowboard amateur series that has expanded to 75 events held across North America in 2007. Hosted by ski resorts and snow sport clubs across the country, the Terrain Park Challenge invites all skiers and boarders to show their moves on the rails, jumps and other terrain park obstacles. The top female and male ski and snowboard participants from each Jeep Terrain Park host site will advance to one of six regional competitions. The top finisher in the four categories from each regional event earns a spot in the finals, to be held in Sugar Bowl, Calif. on March 10.
“We are excited to be a part of this high-profile, national event which encourages skiers and snowboarders to show off their skills, have fun and earn bragging rights,” said Chip Day, Vice President, Brand Management, Peek’n Peak Resort.
All participants have a chance to win giveaways from Jeep, Rossignol, John Paul Mitchell, Columbia Sportswear and Scott USA. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants must have a valid lift ticket. Helmets are required.
Donations collected at the Terrain Park Challenge directly benefit the Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by former Olympic ski racer, Jimmie Heuga. Last year, the Jeep Terrain Park Challenge raised more than $4,000 to benefit the Heuga Center. The funds help the center conduct 60 wellness programs across the country for the 400,000 people and families in the U.S. living with this incurable disease.

Looking for a new home? Visit our website: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/

C. Rick & Julia McMahon

Broker/partners

Real Estate Advantage Realty

716-483-3300 or 484-2020

Chautauqua Lake

The 2006 Chautauqua Lake Sales statistics are now posted on www.chautauqualakehomes.com/faq.html

Local Events For 2007

1/20/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3516

1/20/2007 - Race Sponsored by Sanko Photograohy , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3515

1/21/2007 - Race sponsored by Hollyloft Ski & Bike , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3517

1/21/2007 - Race Sponsored by Hollyloft Ski & Bike , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3518

1/21/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3519

1/27/2007 - Book Signing , 314 Second Ave., Warren, PA, Warren , Warren County Joe Ulrich, the author of "The Dust of Angels - WWII Memoir" will be at the Allegheny Book Mart, 314 Second Ave., in Warren on Saturday, January 27, from 11am-1pm to sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase at the book mart. The Event is FREE and open to the public. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 814-726-2288. 3569

1/27/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am & 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3520

1/28/2007 - NASTAR , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am & 1 pm Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional cost. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3523

1/28/2007 - Bud Beach Party with DJ Bear , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 4 - 8 pm Cost is call for further details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3521

1/28/2007 - WPA Ski Council Ski Day , 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County Call for further details Cost is See Advisor for details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3522

2/16/2007 - Zydeco Vacation , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 pm. It's Mardi Gras in the northeast! Virtuosic blues accordion combines with old-fashioned scrub board to create the unique Louisiana-Cajun zydeco sound. Cost is $12 General Admmission. , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3277

2/17/2007 - Party with DJ , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 4 - 8 pm Cost is call for details. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3534

2/17/2007 - Jr Race Sponsored by Bavarian Village , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd , Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3533

2/18/2007 - Race sponsored by West Side Market, Cleveland, Ohio , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3535

2/19/2007 - NASTAR , Cockaigne Ski Area 1493 Thornton Rd, Cherry Creek , Chautauqua County 11 am Cost is $6 race fee, lift ticket additional charge. , More Info. at: cockaigne.com. 3536

2/23/2007 - Photography Exhibit , 314 Second Ave., Warren, PA, Warren , Warren County Peter Carnovale will be at the Allegheny Book Mart, 314 Second Ave., in Warren on Friday, February 23, from 7pm-9pm to present an exhibit of his photography which will be on display at the book mart. A short film is also scheduled and refreshments will be served. The Event is FREE and open to the public. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 814-726-2288. 3570

3/17/2007 - Irishman's Heart to the Ladies (A Celtic Celebration) , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. In a nod to the famous Irish song, our St. Patrick’s Day celebration features a stage full of the finest female Celtic musicians and dancers around. Cost is $15 general Admission ($12 Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3357

3/22/2007 - A Couple of Blaguards starring Malachy McCourt , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. This autobiographical comedy by Frank (Angela's Ashes) and Malachy McCourt hilariously tells of the brothers' schooldays in Ireland and young adulthood in America. The Opera House performance stars co-author Malachy McCourt. Cost is $25 Reserved Seating ($23 for Opera House members). , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3355

3/31/2007 - Chocolate Walk , Downtown Warren, Warren , Warren County Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Cost is Limited ticket sales. , More Info. at: www.wccbi.com. 3557

5/18/2007 - David Mallett - Folk Music , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. The award-winning folk singer/songwriter from Maine "has the warmth of a flannel shirt, the comfort of a quilt and the heart of a poet." Cost is $15 general Admission . , More Info. at: 716-679-1891, www.fredopera.org. 3356

Looking for a new home? Visit our website: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/

C. Rick & Julia McMahon

Broker/partners

Real Estate Advantage Realty

716-483-3300 or 484-2020