$1 Million Dollar Designation will be Split Between Lake Chautauqua and Two Other National Projects

June 28, 2007

Schumer, Clinton Announce Key Senate Panel Approves Federal Funding to Control the Growing Invasive Weed Problem in Chautauqua Lake

Senators Worked Closely with Committee to Include Funding in Spending Bill

$1 Million Dollar Designation will be Split Between Lake Chautauqua and Two Other National Projects

Weed Phenomenon is Spreading Throughout the Lake and Could Hurt Boating and Tourism for Decades if Aggressive Steps Aren't Taken Right Now

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the Energy and Water Development FY08 Appropriations Bill which includes $1 million for the Lake Chautauqua, New York Aquatic Plant Control to share with two other national projects. Federal funds will be used to combat an invasive aquatic plant control problem, which is causing severe economic and ecological impact on Lake Chautauqua in western New York. The invasive weeds, known as Eurasian Milfoil, are taking over the lake and wreaking havoc for local boaters, residents, and tourists who can no longer navigate the lake without encountering the odorous weeds. The bill will now proceed to the Senate Floor as the next step in the appropriations process. Schumer and Clinton worked closely with members of the Appropriations Committee to include funding for the project in this year's spending bill.

"This is very good news for all of us who fear the weeds are devastating the lake," Schumer said. "With these funds, the Army Corp will be able to go in and conduct a full study to root out the milfoil problem before more irreparable damage is done. Chautauqua Lake is the gem of Chautauqua and we need to be doing everything we can to keep it clean, safe, and beautiful."

"The health and usability of Chautauqua Lake have been severely threatened by this invasive weed. The weeds have not only impacted popular summer activities like fishing and sailing that are an economic engine for the County, they have also marred the view of this beautiful lake. We simply cannot let this picturesque lake and its proud history as an economic engine for the region be drowned in invasive weeds. I am thrilled that our Senate colleagues have approved these funds so we can get the Army Corps started on clean up efforts as soon as possible. This will definitely set us on the right path to bringing back tourism, recreation and the postcard-perfect view to the lake," Senator Clinton said.

Lake Chautauqua, New York Aquatic Plant Control will use these funds to combat an invasive aquatic plant control problem, which is causing severe economic and ecological impact on Lake Chautauqua in western New York. The recreational industry, on which the regional economy depends, has been impaired despite best efforts of local officials to address the problem. The $1 million in federal funds has been allocated to the ACOE to be split between Lake Chautauqua and two other lakes in the country.

The rise of the Eurasian Milfoil, which has spread exponentially in the Southern Basin of the lake, has led to concerns over human and aquatic health, noxious odors, unsightly tangles of weeds on shore, and clogged unnavigable waterways for recreational boaters. This invasive species of plant has placed an enormous hardship on local governments, which have organized the Chautauqua Lake Management Commission that for the first time establishes a unified lake management program to tackle the problem. Homeowners are also worried about property values as the Milfoil has become unsightly and emit a foul odor.

On February 13, Schumer sent a personal letter to Lieutenant General Carl A. Strock, Commander and Chief of the Army Corps on the Army Corps asking him to immediately step in to assist state, local, and community efforts to eradicate the weeds. Following this request, the Army Corps did an initial inspection of the weeds at the lake in May. Senator Clinton's office has also been working with the Chautauqua County Lake Association on this critical issue and both offices have had representatives tour the lake to see first hand the devastation these weeds have caused.

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects or other organisms that can cause harm to the environment, farm land, crops, bodies of water, and even human health. Invasive species are a form of biological pollution and are recognized as one of the leading threats to biodiversity in Upstate New York. Invasive species attack all aspects of Upstate New York's agricultural and environmental sectors and have been around since the beginning of international commerce.

 

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Chautauqua Lake Idol

Idol Search Begins Monday

By NICHOLAS L. DEAN

6/30/2007 - BEMUS POINT — Chautauqua Lake Idol will begin its fourth year in Bemus Point on Monday, with organizer SE93 building upon all of the regional vocal competition's past successes.

And while the contest will be familiar to fans, the experience of performing before a crowd of thousands will be a first for this year's singers.

''I'm very excited and I'm very nervous because I usually just sing for my own self and my friends,'' said Andrea Bragg, a Frewsburg native who manages the newest E.B.E.'s Originals location in Lakewood. ''I've never had to perform in front of that many people, maybe 300 at the most.

''I tried out because of my mother,'' Bragg continued. ''I've been singing since I was about 10, in church and in musicals, and I've grown to love it. Music shows every emotion and it inspires. I'm thankful to my mom for making me do this. It's a new experience and it will be fun. Whether I stay in it to the end or not, either way it is going to be a great experience.''

Fast becoming a staple of summertime in Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Lake Idol was created and is organized each year by WWSE 93.3 FM — a Media One Group radio station. Known for its quality, the Chautauqua Lake Idol competition brings thousands of people from Western New york and Northern Pennsylvania into Bemus Point during July and August. On average 3,000 people or more line up along the Bemus Point shoreline each Monday night to see local contestants compete on the Floating Stage.

Whittled down from the many singers who auditioned on June 16 at the Chautauqua Mall, SE93's judges have picked a total of 20 conestants to begin the competition— the first 10 of whom will perform on Monday. According to Andrew Hill, Media One Group program manager and host of the event, the second set of 10 singers will perform on Monday, July 9.

See IDOL On Page A-7

After eliminating five contestants from each of the two groups, the competition's first of three theme nights will begin on July 23.

''We never thought that it would have taken off like this,'' Hill said of the event in May. ''By the second year, we realized that we had something going for us when they had to shut down the street between the Surf Club and the Floating Stage. We really knew we were on to something big in the third year because we had crowds that were almost as large as the annual Sunday Bemus Pops Events.''

The 2007 Chautauqua Lake Idol Regional Vocal Competition will take place on six Monday nights over the course of eight weeks. Following the July 2 and July 9 preliminary nights, there will be a ''Disco Night'' on July 23, a ''Christmas In July'' event on July 30 and a ''Remember When ...'' theme night on Aug. 6. The final night of competition is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20, where one winner will be chosen from three finalists.

In addition to Bragg, the first group of singers is comprised of Parris Williams, Lydia Marks, Josh Monroe, Rich Beatty, Amara Offhaus, Ashleagh Suber, Jake Harvey, April DiTonoto and Kim Danna. Songs for the first round of competition range from contemporary hits by artists such as John Mayer and Christinia Aguilera to classics by Billy Joel and Pat Benatar.

''I've got to get all the dust off the vocal pipes,'' Beatty said about preparing for the first round of competition. Born in Seattle, Rich Beatty was raised in Atlanta and has been a Southern Chautauqua County resident for a year now. On Monday, he will perform the song ''Buy Me A Rose,'' which he says he will sing with inflections of both Kenny Rogers and Luther Vandross.

An alum of the same high school that graduated Travis Tritt, Beatty studied vocal performance and spent several years performing classic rock and country music — although it has been a decade now since he has done any real singing.

''The audition was pretty good and I did it at the urging of my wife and step-daughter,'' Beatty said. ''We didn't decide to do it until midnight the Friday before and when I got there, quite honestly, I wasn't really prepared for it. ... To get up there with no music and no guitar is hard. I've got a lot of respect for everybody who got up there to audition. It takes a lot of guts just to do that.''

Beatty's advice for the contest — ''Hope for the best, expect the worst and you won't be disappointed.''

Chautauqua Lake Idol events begin at 6:30 p.m. and typically run two hours. Singers scheduled to perform as part of round two on July 9 are Aletha Walters, Jeff Sanders, Amanda Oleshak, Katie Jacobs, Ben Blood, Jaala Fish, Eric Schwob, Michael Valvo, Stephanie Blake and Margaret Dickerson.

 

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

 

Chautauqua Lake Wildlife

Chautauqua Lake area animals

By Dick Miga

OBSERVER Photo by Justin Goetz The common gackle.

6/30/2007 - Each year, our family enjoys a summer respite at the We-Wan-Chu cottages on Chautauqua Lake. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings serve to bring family and friends together once a year for relaxation, education and just plain old-fashioned fun.



In addition to reminiscing, meeting old friends and a time for peace and quiet, I also look forward to the plentiful wildlife found in the habitat. Chautauqua Lake, a glacial-formed lake, serves as a source of energy and education for many of its residents and visitors.

While relaxing on the deck of the cabin, an unusual sighting took place. Overhead, a large flight of bats flew by. We were all taken aback by the experience, with little time for any direct recognition or photography. My experience with such a spectacle led me to search my database for possible identification.

Based on the size of the animals, my best guess is that this was a flight of one of nine species of such animals (bats) found in New York. One of those bat species, the Indiana bat, is endangered, and I immediately ruled that species out. Another bat, the small-footed bat, is listed as a species of special concern and, therefore, also taken off the list. The other seven bat species are unprotected and are reported from different areas of the state. Based on area, I am suspecting this flight was probably that of little brown bats. I stand to be corrected.

Other wildlife found in that area include the common widespread American robin and the common grackle. Sometimes this bird is confused with our American crow due to its size. Also, a small snapping turtle was found and is being held by Dalton Furman.

The experience of the outdoors, coupled with the chance for family and friends to spend quality time together, is a rewarding occasion. As we watch our children grow and take their places in the world, be it nearby or in some far-off location, it is always a welcome opportunity to get together in a habitat that we enjoy. I was pleased that my daughter, Janis, was able to find time to attend with her son, Rob.

I want to remind many of you who submit article ideas and photographs to put your names on the back of such submissions. It is very frustrating to get an excellent picture of a nature setting or plant and animal and not know who submitted it. I like to give proper credit. By placing identification on the back of the photo along with where or when the picture was taken will take care of that problem. Thank you.

Get outdoors, put up a feeder, take a picture of a plant or animal. You will get a good feeling from it.

 

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Peek’n Peak Resort and Conference Center Chautauqua County, NY

NATIONWIDE TOUR

 

PEEK'N PEAK CLASSIC, Peek'n Peak Resort and Conference Center (Upper Course), Findley Lake, New York - The Nationwide Tour returns to New York this week for the Peek'n Peek Classic.

Last year, John Merrick needed three playoff holes to defeat Gavin Coles and claim his first tour win. Merrick closed with three straight rounds in the 60s to match Coles at 11-under 277. Coles had been going for his third tour crown.

Merrick, who is on the PGA Tour this year, currently stands in 125th place on the money list. That is the final position for someone to maintain their full status on the PGA Tour without a win.

This is the sixth year of the event and tournament officials have signed an extension through 2011 with the total purse climbing each year.

A very busy Golf Channel will have tape-delayed coverage of all four days. Next up for the Nationwide Tour is the Legend Financial Group Classic, where Coles picked up his third tour crown.

 

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Peek'n Peak Nationwide Tour

Peek'n Peak ready for PGA event

 

• The PGA Nationwide Tour is again set to tee off in southwestern New York state.

Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa in Findley Lake, Chautauqua County, is hosting the $600,000 tournament on its upper course beginning Thursday, June 28. This marks the sixth year the PGA event has been held there.

 

A field of 156 players is entered in the 72-hole tournament -- officially known as the Nationwide Tour Peek'n Peak Classic -- with the winner earning $108,000.

 

The Golf Channel will have coverage on all four days.

 

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Peek'n Peak In Chautauqua County, NY

Nationwide Tour In Town

Tournament Could Produce Next StarBy MATTHEW WAKEFIELD

John Merrick tees off at the 2006, Peek'n Peak Classic. file photo

6/24/2007 - FINDLEY LAKE — Advertisements for the Peek'n Peak Classic show two pictures of professional golfer Zach Johnson: one from 2003, when he was a member of the Nationwide Tour, and another from earlier this year, when he won The Masters, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.

The caption reads: ''Then. Now. Who's Next?''

Only time will tell who is next to take the leap from the somewhat anonymous ranks of the Nationwide Tour to the top of the golfing world. But whoever it is, there's a good chance he could be walking the fairways and prowling the greens of the Peek'n Peak's Upper Course this week as the Nationwide Tour returns to the Findley Lake resort for its sixth year.

While Johnson — who played at Peek'n Peak in 2003, finishing seventh in what was then called the Lake Erie Charity Classic — has made perhaps the biggest splash on the PGA Tour, plenty of other recent Nationwide Tour graduates have made ripples of their own.

''If you look at the PGA Tour leaderboard, every week you repeatedly see former Nationwide Tour members up there,'' said Linda Warshuis, Peek'n Peak Classic tournament director, this weekend as final preparations were being made for the tournament. ''We always get asked, 'Who's coming?' The answer is the stars of tomorrow, the people who you don't know who might go on the PGA Tour and light it up.

The caliber of golf is phenomenal.''

It only figures to get better this year. The purse has been increased from $540,000 to $600,000, putting it in the top third of all tournaments on the tour. Since the primary goal of Nationwide Tour members is to finish in the top 25 on the season's final money list so they can graduate to the PGA Tour next year, most of the top players can be expected this week.

''We're going to have a good showing,'' said Brad Gravink, Peek'n Peak Resort general manager. ''If somebody wins this tournament and the $108,000 for first place, it pretty much guarantees their card for the big tour next year.''

Tournament week gets under way tomorrow morning with the qualifier on the Lower Course and practice rounds on the Upper Course. The Junior Pro-Am is at 1 p.m. Monday Tuesday has a full day of practice rounds and Wednesday is Pro-Am day, with players teeing off for the morning round at 7 a.m. and for the afternoon round at noon.

The first two rounds of the tournament are Thursday and Friday, with tee times starting at 7 a.m. After the second round is completed, the field will be cut from 156 to the top 60 plus ties for the final two rounds, which will be played Saturday and Sunday. The trophy presentation for the champion will take place on the 18th green following the conclusion of the tournament.

Tickets can be purchased at any area Wegman's or at the resort's Annex Office through Wednesday. Once the tournament gets under way on Thursday, the Ticket Booth as well as Will Call will move to the Upper Course rather than remain at the Annex Office as in previous years. Those without tickets or with tickets at Will Call can take one of the shuttles to the top of the mountain and take care of their ticketing needs right at the course rather than having to make a pit-stop at the office.

Spectators are welcome throughout the week. Monday through Wednesday is free, Thursday through Sunday is $10 a day, or a weekly pass can be purchased for $30. Children 16 years old and under do not need a ticket when accompanied by an adult.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the tournament's charity, which is again the American Cancer Society.

Additionally, money raised through a silent auction and from the King of the Hill competition also go directly to the charity.

The King of the Hill, which made its debut last year, is a competition for fans in which they pay for the chance to hit golf balls onto a green located down one of the ski slopes. Those who hit it closest to the pin each day qualify to take a shot at $1 million by trying to hole out from a specified spot on the 18th fairway. That shootout will take place following the trophy presentation, weather permitting.

The weather didn't permit the shootout in 2006 and it had to take place on the first hole while the tournament was still being played on other parts of the course. Due to several delays due to lightning and rain, the tournament didn't finish until near-darkness, when John Merrick beat Gavin Coles on the third playoff hole.

''Hopefully we'll have better weather than last year,'' Gravink said. ''We'd never had to evacuate the course for lightning in the four previous years and last year we had to do it five times. Mother Nature, she can do to us whatever she wants and she wasn't real cooperative last year.''

 

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Chautauqua County Events

6/22/2007 - Community Day , 8115 Glasgow Road, Cassadaga , Chautauqua County  12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Learn about the educational and career technical training opportuniteis at Cassadaga Job Corps Academy. Staff and students will be showcasing all departments and conducting campus-wide tours.  Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-595-4237. 150

6/22/2007 - Local Landscapes Painted on Location by Lynda M. Pontzer , 509 Cherry St., Jamestown , Chautauqua County  There is no opening reception for this exhibit.  Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-484-7135. 149

6/23/2007 - Summer Exhibit , 67 Washington St., Jamestown , Chautauqua County  June 23 - October 20: "Noble Barns": Explore the beauty, nostalgia and stories of the barns of Chautauqua County. Photographs, art and more.  Cost is Museum admission cost. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 99

6/23/2007 - Old Home Week Parade , Main Street, Allegany NY, Allegany , Cattaraugus County  This is the final night of Allegany's Old Home week which runs from Tues 6/19 - Sat 6/23. Following the parade, there will be carnival rides, refreshments available at the food and beer tents and a band at the carnival lot pavilion. Anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact the parade committee at PO Box 95, Allegany, NY 14706.  Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: www.allegany.org. 10

6/24/2007 - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County   7 p.m. Recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands of the Big Band Era, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra led by Buddy Morrow continues to tour the world creating warm, sentimental and always danceable music.  Cost is $25 , $23 Opera House members. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 73

6/25/2007 - National HIV Testing Week , JNP, St. Susan's Center, & AIDS Communioty Services, Jamestown , Chautauqua County  National HIV Testing Week June 25-29. AIDS Community Services will be offering Free and Confidential 20 Minute HIV tests at Joint Neighborhood Project 532 W. 2nd St., Jamestown on Monday June 25 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m., St. Susan's Center 31 Water St., Jamestown on Wednesday June 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and all week from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at AIDS Community Services 111 W. 2nd St., Jamestown. No appointments necessary. Take the test. Take control.  Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-664-7855. 148

6/29/2007 - Bareback Jack , 6467 Sterrettania Rd., Erie , Erie(a) County  Performances Friday and Saturday night from 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. both nights. Come check out Western New York's hottest country band performing in Erie for two nights only!  Cost is Call for details. , More Info. at: 814-838-7647. 152

6/30/2007 - Red, White and Blue: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes , Crown Theater, Jamestown , Chautauqua County  7:30 p.m. "Red, White, and Blue: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes". Celebrate through music, dancing, re-enactors and heartfelt stories of the Civil War, WWI, and WWII from our hometown soldiers and sailors.  Cost is $15 per person , $25 per couple , $5 discount for members.. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 100

7/21/2007 - Mike Randall is Mark Twain Live , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County  7:30 p.m. Mike Randall has been bringing America's greatest humorist and author to life for more than 30 years. Three hours of make-up combined with Twain's own words and mannerisms create a startlingly realistic portrait of "America's original stand-up comedian."  Cost is $15. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 74

7/25/2007 - Take A Seat Chair Auction , Village Casino, Bemus Point , Chautauqua County  A fundraising Art Auction to benefit the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Local artists donate their talents with painted furniture or commissioned services to raise money for the civic center. Viewing begins at 6:00 p.m. and the auction will begin at 8:07 p.m. Come to the Village Casino for this exciting evening.  Cost is Tickets are $10.00. , More Info. at: www.reglenna.com. 147

7/30/2007 - A Day In the Life , 67 Washington St., Jamestown , Chautauqua County  "A Day in the Life": live in the Victorian times through the eyes of a variety of children from the city, country and everywhere in between. For students entering 1st through 3rd grade  Cost is $50 per week. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 102

9/19/2007 - Chad & Jeremy , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County   8 p.m. The famed 60s pop duo with hits including Yesterday's Gone, Summer Song and Willow Weep For Me, on tour for the first time in 30 years. One of the most successful of the British invasion acts, Chad Stuart & Jeremy Clyde still deliver the lush sound that made them folk pop royalty!  Cost is $22 , $20 Opera House members. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 80

9/23/2007 - Folk in Fredonia Free-for-All , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County  3 p.m. Fredonia Folk music favorites Dick & Carmen Gilman gather friends from throughout the state for a great afternoon of fun folk music and dance.  Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 81

10/20/2007 - The Ying Quartet , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County  8 p.m. The quartet-in-residence at the Eastman School of Music, the Ying siblings have been performing together for nearly 15 years and are one of the nation's most sought-after string quartets.  Cost is $15 , $12 Opera House members, $10 students. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 82

 

 

Chautauqua Summer Activities

Summer Off To A Busy Start

Sean Patrick McGraw will perform with his country rock band tonight at The Village Casino in Bemus Point. Submitted photo

6/22/2007 - Despite the rain and hurricane weather, summer officially started this week — which means a slew of seasonal events are similarly getting under way. In addition to several area farmers markets, don't miss the many late night music events happening this weekend throughout Southern Chautauqua County. On a side note for regular readers, next week will mark the 52nd edition of the Late Night Spotlight and to celebrate its one year anniversary with The Post-Journal, we'll be moving to Thursdays — which gives you one more day to plan your weekends.

¯ SPOTLIGHT ON SEAN PATRICK MCGRAW — Sean Patrick McGraw will perform with his band tonight at The Village Casino in Bemus Point.

For those who don't know, Sean Patrick McGraw is a Dunkirk native who spent many a year toiling in the music industries of California and Nashville before getting a song in a movie and having it land on the Billboard charts — which then earned him a gig at The Grand Old Opry. Not long after that, he stood in line with 1,200 other people to audition for Nashville Star — a country music reality TV show. Though he made the cut and appeared on TV, he didn't make it to the top.

The singer has since released the CD ''Songs For Saturday Night,î which was as ''the classiest country-rocker I've heard all year'' Music Row Magazine writer Robert K Oermann. In support of the recording, McGraw toured heavily with local bandmates Randy Hofgren (Ellington) Joe Dalimonte (Perrysburg) and new drummer Jimmy Isula (Perry).

McGraw recently added another feather to his cap, or rather, to his cowboy hat, as he recently participated in Country Music Television's ''Ten Days On Tour.'' Tonight's performance will be one of two appearances McGraw will make at The Village Casino this summer.

¯ AUDITION FOR WHEEL OF FORTUNE — Open auditions will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg for the television show ''Wheel Of Fortune.''

In preparation for the upcoming 25th anniversary of the show, ''Wheel Of Fortune'' scouts will be accepting applications from anyone interested in competing on television. According to a representative for the show, the open auditions run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day and people who apply have the chance of getting on stage to compete in a small-scale version of the game show.

Anyone who fills out an application at the event will be put into the show's database for future reference. Each hour, five people will be selected to compete on stage and being selected is the first in a two-step process to make it onto television. Participants who make it onstage at the Saturday and Sunday events may get called by officials for a second interview and audition.

¯ THE PLACE TO BE THIS WEEKEND — The local Rosicrucian order will participate in the group's International Meditation Day For Peace on Sunday with an open meeting at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Masonic Temple in Mayville.

According to David Bailey, head of the local group, the ceremony will consist of a meditation period and a question and answer period. In addition to acknowledging the group's peace day, the event will serve as an informational meeting for people to find out about the group and its practices. For more on the ancient mystical order, visit Rosicrucian.org.

¯ FIVE OTHER THINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND — There's no shortage of summer events happening in Chautauqua County this weekend, so dig the following five options for more ideas on how to spend your time:

5. Jeff Horner will play Lighthouse Point in Findley Lake tonight. 4. The Jamestown Farmers Market begins today and continues every Friday on West Third Street. 3. DJ Butch will perform tonight and Saturday at the Regency Pub at Peek'n Peak. 2. T.R. McKotch will host a hand drum workshop on Saturday at the Reg Studio Theatre. 1. David Allen Coester will play classical guitar from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Chautauqua Institution on Sunday.

¯ DELICIOUS DRINK(S) OF THE WEEK — At the behest of Dan Scotchmer, this week's delicious drink is a ''Jamestown Jammer — which is really just an amalgamation of two other jelly, jam and grape-themed drinks.

To make a ''Jamestown Jammer,'' mix a half ounce of each of the following into a glass: vodka, southern comfort, Razzmatazz, cranberry juice, Sprite and sour mix. Serve over ice.

¯ COMING NEXT WEEK — The Chautauqua Corvette Club will host the 2007 Tri-State Colossal Corvette Rally next Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. For music, don't miss Two For Flinching at the Bullfrog Hotel and the Porcelain Bus Drivers at the Celoron American Legion, Herman Kent Post No. 777. Both shows are on Saturday night.

¯ QUESTION OF THE WEEK — She sang about Goonies being good enough and girls just wanting to have fun. What 80s pop music icon was born on this day in 1953? In answer to last week's questions, both Waylon Jennings and Ice Cube were born on June 15. .

Nick Dean is a Post-Journal staff reporter. Comments on this column can be sent to ndean@post-journal.com. Suggestions and items for submission can be sent via e-mail or by calling the newsroom at 487-1111, ext. 251.

 

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

Chagrin Falls & Chautauqua Institution

Private group wants multi-million-dollar arts makeover for Chagrin Falls

Posted by Steven Litt June 20, 2007 14:12PM

Categories: Architecture

Chambers, Murphy & Burge Restoration Architects, LtdThis computer-generated image shows a renovated Town Hall as the focal point of an expansive, new arts district in Chagrin Falls.

Steven Litt
Plain Dealer Architecture Critic

A private group will announce plans on Thursday to turn Chagrin Falls into the next Niagara-on-the-Lake by converting part of the village into an arts and entertainment district. They're getting started with a bang by launching a partnership with New York's Chautauqua Institution to bring nationally and internationally renowned speakers to Chagrin Falls this summer.

They also unveiled plans to raise $8 million in private money to make the village an arts hub for Cleveland's eastern suburbs.

The group of arts advocates and community leaders wants to renovate and restore Township Hall, a 159-year-old brick building on Main Street, as the heart of a new, four-block arts and entertainment district.

On Thursday, the group will announce the formation of the private, nonprofit Chagrin Foundation for Arts & Culture. The organization's first goal is to raise $8 million in private money to rebuild the second-floor theater at Township Hall, destroyed by fire in 1943; to renovate Chagrin Falls Little Theatre around the corner on River Street; and to start an endowment.

The goal is to strengthen downtown Chagrin Falls at a time when surrounding shopping centers and suburban "lifestyle centers" are threatening to siphon money and businesses from the village.

"We want to get ahead of the curve," said Stephen Thomas, a lawyer and the president of the foundation's board. "We're talking about the evolution of the community."

Diana Nazelli, president of the Chagrin Falls Township Trustees and a local retailer, sees the project as a rediscovery of the village's agrarian past, when Township Hall played the role of a cultural center for residents, farmers and merchants.

"It's an opportunity to dust off the tradition of the village and bring it into the 21st century in a very modern way," she said.

The foundation is also announcing on Thursday a partnership with the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y., to provide cultural and educational programming in the village, beginning next month.

Four Tuesday evening lecture programs are planned for July 10, 17 and 31 and Aug. 21. They will address, respectively, "The Meteoric Rise of China and India," "The Future of Cities and Diversity," "Sacred Texts in Context" and "Healing and Healthy Aging."

Speakers in the first program will include Richard Celeste, former Ohio governor and former ambassador to India; and Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas Gandhi.

As part of a new partnership with Chagrin Falls, the Chautauqua Institution is also offering weekend packages to all residents of Northeast Ohio on July 7-9, Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 17-19.

In Chagrin Falls, future phases of the arts district will include construction of a parking garage with a restaurant overlooking the Chagrin River and new townhouses along West Orange Street to create a more lively and attractive entrance to the village.

Proponents also hope to lure the Valley Arts Center and the Chagrin Falls Historical Society to move into the district in future phases of the project.

River Street, which runs three blocks west of Main Street on the north side of the Chagrin River, will be the spine of the district. It now resembles a large parking lot dominated by rows of head-in parking spaces. It will be redesigned and landscaped to make it seem more like the leafy heart of the village, according to backers of the arts district.

The Greek Revival Township Hall building, built in 1848, was occupied by the township in 1864. The Township represents 200 residents in the unincorporated northwest corner of the community. Most residents in Chagrin Falls, which has a population of more than 4,000, live in the incorporated village.

The building, originally one story in height, was expanded with a second-story theater and an Italianate main facade in 1875, designed by Cleveland architect Joseph Ireland. The theater was a popular cultural venue in the Chagrin Valley until the building burned in 1943. It was rebuilt as a one-story meeting house and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The restoration of the building, designed by the Akron architecture firm of Chambers, Murphy & Burge, will recreate the two-story facade and cupola designed by Ireland. A multipurpose area on the second floor will be used for a wide variety of cultural events and community programs.

Dwight Milko, a member of the foundation board and the village council, said the arts district project has strong local political support -- especially because it will not involve public money.

"There's an amazing number of people in this town who are arts-oriented and intellectually curious," said David Loomis, secretary of the new foundation and a senior executive at NACCO Industries. "That's what's driving this. We love this stuff."

Foundation officers will hold a public meeting Thursday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at Township Hall to present their vision in detail.

"We want to roll up our sleeves," Loomis said, "and make it happen."

PREVIEW
Chautauqua Institution programs
What: The Chautauqua Institution in New York has entered a partnership with Chagrin Falls to provide cultural and educational programs in the village and to offer weekend packages at the institution in New York to all residents of Northeast Ohio.
When: Chagrin Falls programs available July 10, 17, 31 and Aug. 21; Chautauqua packages available July 7-9, Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 17-19.
Where: Chagrin Falls programs at Township Hall, 83 N. Main St.
Admission: $10 in advance and at the door. For Chagrin Falls programs, call 440-247-8955 or 440-247-1895. For weekend programs at Chautauqua, call 800-821-1881 and ask for "Chagrin Falls Package."

 

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

 

PGA TOUR’s Nationwide Tour hits Peek’n Peak

PGA TOUR's Nationwide Tour hits Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa for the 6th annual Peek'n Peak Classic, June 25^th – July 1^st.  As a beneficiary of the event, the American Cancer Society will receive 100% of weekly ticket sales. While the Peek is packed with professional players, the Lower 18-hole Course remains open to the public and is often used by the pros for practice between rounds.  Chances are you can literally stay at the Peek and play with pros.  Spring golf rates are in effect through the end of the tournament.

 

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

 

Chautauqua County Historical Society

Historical society sets summer program

 

John O. Bowman will be the topic of discussion at the June 30 meeting.

6/19/2007 - The Chautauqua County Historical Society will hold its summer program on June 30 at the historic Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the program will follow.

The guest speaker will be Katie Landrigan, who will present "The Photographic Vision of John O. Bowman, Undisputed Box-Camera Champion of the Universe." Landrigan recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a master's degree in art history. She specializes in modern American and European art with a special focus on photography.

"I was looking for a research topic for my master's thesis when a family friend mentioned the Bowman collection at the Chautauqua County Historical Society. When I saw samples of his work and read his correspondence, I became intrigued. Bowman was inspired by Chautauqua County landscapes on a daily basis. He used his box camera to express his love for the region through remarkable images."

Landrigan's work is the first in-depth, scholarly study of Bowman's photography. Her goal is to shed light not only on Bowman's significant body of work, but also his personality. Bowman lived in Jamestown and was a long-time employee of Chautauqua County. He had a 30-year association with the County Historical Society as a curator and friend.

CCHS members, their guests and the public are invited. There is a cost per person. Reservations are needed by June 22. Call the Historical Society at 326-2977.

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

Chautauqua Lake Watershed

Watershed To Celebrate Lake Campaign

6/16/2007 - BEMUS POINT — The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will celebrate the achievements of the 2002 to 2007 Chautauqua Lake Forever Beautiful — Forever Bountiful capital campaign, which raised $768,000 to preserve 16 acres including 890 feet of forested shoreline property at the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center.

The conservancy's celebration will be from 3:30 to 6 p.m. today at the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center on Route 430 in Bemus Point. The conservancy will offer a walking tour of the conservation site, in addition to hosting wine tasting by Mazza Vineyards, appetizers by Andriaccio's and live music provided by Jazz Train.

In the capital campaign, the conservancy partnered with New York state to also conserve the Stow Farm Lakeshore and the Cheney Farm Lakeshore. The total amount of money packaged from all awarded sources will exceed $5.2 million. With the support of conservancy members, after all pledges have been collected, the conservancy will complete the purchase on a conservation agreement on the Lutheran Center land and ensure that it will be protected for future generations.

In addition to donations from its members, the conservancy received support from the following the Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, the Holmberg Foundation, the Johnson Foundation, the New York State Conservation Partnership Program administered by the Land Trust Alliance's Northeast Office, the Lenna Foundation, the Lumpkin Foundation, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation and the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation.

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is the only local 501(c)3 organization in the area working to conserve land and work to enhance the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, rivers and streams of the Chautauqua region.

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

CHAUTAUQUA IDOL AUDITIONS!!!

SE93 Chautauqua Lake Idol 2007 Auditions Saturday, June 16th The one, and only chance for youto audition this year will be held here at Chautauqua Mall! Saturday, June 16th . Registration begins at 9 AM and ends at Noon. Singing will begin at 11:00 AM. Singers will perform in the order that they registered.

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

Chautauqua Lake Real Estate

For many people, the ultimate piece of real estate is one that sits on a picturesque lake. where life seems more relaxed and the sunrises and sunsets are the stuff of dreams. Lake front real estate has become one of the hottest and most sought-after real estate purchases available no matter if it is for year-round living or simply a refuge from daily life. Around the eastern states there are a few places where this kind of real estate is readily available, but few have the old world charm and quality of homes that one finds in Chautauqua Lake, NY.
For many years Chautauqua Lake has been an epicenter of culture and education in New York. The Institution which opened it's doors in 1874 and since then has continued to operate every summer. The institution offers a number of different programs, lectures, concerts and cultural events that have garnered a world-wide reputation for the Institution. The activities and programs that happen here every summer have become a huge attraction and they draw people from all over the world. In fact, almost 150,000 people attend the events that happen here every year.
Beyond the Institution lays a vast wealth of beautiful homes and quaint communities that have developed along the beautiful lake 's shore. Now it does not really matter what kind of home you are looking for because the homes in this areas run the full range of styles and sizes. From smaller more seasonal homes to huge sprawling mansions, there is a home here to suit any taste and style; and with homes ranging in price from the mid 100k's up to and exceeding $2 million; there are also homes for any financial situation. why not take the time to come and explore the Chautauqua Lake area? There are more than enough things happening here during the summer months to justify a trip and a short stay. Come to enjoy the offerings of the Institution and you may just end up staying!

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

Chautauqua Lake Condos

New Bemus Point Properties Start At $370K

By JESSICA WASMUND

Condos For Sale An artist rendering of the Bemus Point condominium construction project.

6/12/2007 - BEMUS POINT — For those looking to purchase lake-front property in Bemus Point, the more than two decade wait is over.

The one-time controversial Bemus Point condos are well under construction, and the Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate has just opened a sales office where interested customers can purchase the complexes for between $370,000 and $595,000.

''I'm very excited, and glad to see the project moving after such a long wait,'' said Bemus Point Mayor Bryan Dahlberg. ''The planning and zoning board did a super job making sure their i's were dotted and t's were crossed. We have never had a project of such magnitude in our lifetime.''

Four condos have already been sold after being available for less than a week.

''In terms of local versus out of town customers, the split has been about 50/50,'' said Steve Holt, the project coordinator. ''Now that our office is open, we've had a lot of people stop in and ask questions, and I think a lot of the concerns have been cleared up now that people can see what is going being the condos being built in front of them.''

Although the project was initially met with skepticism and negativity, many residents have looked past that and are embracing the new housing units.

''There are always some who won't favor the project, even once it's completed and we can't remember it not being there,'' Dahlberg said. ''But most of the residents are past that and are giving a very positive reception to the project.''

According to Holt, now that the community can actually see what is happening, they are pleased with the results.

''With our sales office now open, we've had a lot of people stop in to ask questions, pick up brochures, and they're generally very positive about the situation,'' Holt said. ''I think out of the one-thousand or so people we had stop in only one had a complaint.''

See CONDOS On Page A-3

Harrington Sandberg Architects & Engineering PC of Jamestown handled the architectural design concepts for the building, Holt said, while Lee Chilcote served as developer for the project.

''There are 20 condos per building, and two buildings,'' Chilcote said. ''Each of these condos are high-end, and feature a number of different extras.''

Each unit comes complete with a patio area as well as a private dock. A garage is also designated for each condo offering one covered and one open parking space.

''On the inside, all the units have finished kitchens with a base level appliance, and upgrades are available,'' Chilcote said. ''They come complete with cabinets and granite countertops. There are three bedrooms in each unit with an in-suite washer and dryer. Each also comes with two bathrooms, except for a few of the larger ones that come with three.''

For those of wish to have a fireplace installed, each living room comes with a gas hook-up, Chilcote said

One of the biggest draws to the condos is the environmentally-friendly design. Even the run-off water is filtered and reused within the complex for sprinklers as well as toilet bowls.

''We feature rain gardens, which is a great thing in terms of conservation,'' Chilcote said. ''We can take the water and treat it, and use it through different parts of the complex.''

Chilcote also explained the type of insulation they used was thicker than many other buildings, making the condos more cost efficient.

''I think a lot of people will use these condos as their weekend or summer retreats,'' Dahlberg said. ''This will bring a nice new group to the community. People will come up during the summer and frequent our restaurants and shop in our grocery and retail stores, and it will be an overall benefit to the community.''

''The construction company working on the project has been going out of its way to be a ''good neighbor'' to the area residents,'' Dahlberg said. ''They've approached those who live close by and asked them to approach the company if there's any problem whatsoever. They've been really nice so far, and I'm happy with the performance at this point.''

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

Bemus Bay Condos on Chautauqua Lake

Construction Underway for Bemus Bay Condos on Chautauqua Lake

News release announces the start of site work along the Chautauqua Lake shoreline for the construction of 40 new, lakeside condominium homes. The release describes the project, location and amenities as well as timeline for completion; quotes developer and provides marketing contact information.

Bemus Point, NY (PRWEB) June 10, 2007 -- Site work along the Chautauqua Lake shoreline has begun as contractors ready a 3-acre village site for the construction of 40 new, lakeside condominium homes.

The Lakeside Drive property being developed by Bemus Bay Investments LLC will feature two condominium buildings, named Browning and Columbian, with architecture reminiscent of the two proud old hotels that once stood there. The low-rise building construction and site plan configuration have been designed to blend into the surroundings of this historic village founded in 1806.

Bemus Bay will offer a truly remarkable living experience

Each of the homes at Bemus Bay, http://www.bemusbaycondos.com/, will offer a private boat slip on Chautauqua Lake and owner conveniences including secured entry, handicapped access, elevator service, a covered garage and reserved parking spaces.

Four different floor plans with three bedrooms and two or three baths will include air conditioning, granite countertops, master suites, and a whirlpool bath and easy access to the property's heated swimming pool.

All homes feature a private balcony or porch with stunning views of Chautauqua Lake, and the world renowned Chautauqua Institution is just a short trip away by car or boat.

"Bemus Bay will offer a truly remarkable living experience," said project co-manager Lee Chilcote. "The village has some of the grandest, most stately homes on the lake, as well as a lively waterfront and village. There are fine restaurants, boutiques, historic inns, quaint shops, and the park, playground and beach all just a short stroll down the block."

The village of Bemus Point is conveniently located just 1½ hours from Buffalo, 2¼ hours from Cleveland, 2½ hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Toronto. Chilcote noted the area offers relaxation and recreation year around with golf courses, plenty of hunting and fishing and several winter ski resorts all nearby.

Construction of the Bemus Bay condominiums is projected for completion in early 2008.

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

Ellicotville, New York

Ellicottville Prepares for a Busy July with Plenty of Live Music

BY JEANINE ZIMMER
"If you count the number of concerts we have lined up from June 29 to July 29, it's truly amazing," boasted Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce.
That number would tally in the Summer Festival of the Arts, Island Weekend, the Jazz Festival and the Gazebo Series, and it would total over 25 outdoor performances … and that's just outdoors!
The Summer Festival of the Arts, June 29-July 1, 2007, will host four free outdoor concerts including Glenn Colton, the Dennis George Original Variety Show, and more at the Village Gazebo throughout the weekend, as well as The Air National Guard Band Friday on the slopes of Holiday Valley. That Saturday, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra featuring the music of Batman, Spiderman and Superman will take the stage at Holiday Valley, accompanied by the cast of characters, followed on Sunday by Eric Burdon and the Animals and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.
Spotlighting the weekend-long event, Eric Burdon is bound to catch the attention of avid concertgoers in the region.
Burdon has carved himself a place in history as the founding member of The Animals, whose 1960's hits such as 'House of the Rising Sun' and 'We Gotta Get Out of this Place' have solidified his music in time. As part of the British Invasion alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Burdon's band was the only one properly identified by using the lead singer's and founding member's name. One by one, all of the band members have changed, but Burdon continues to tour under the name Eric Burdon and The Animals.
A Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Burdon, now 64, was born in Newcastle and has earned strong popularity in Europe and the UK, as well as in the U.S. with his blues-infused music that carries with it a message and a rhythm that resonates throughout time.
One reason Burdon is excited about his upcoming performance in Ellicottville is because, he said in an interview with The Villager, "there is a big chance that Hilton Valentine, the original guitar player of The Animals, will join us at the gig." Additionally, he commented, "I will try to please everyone in the audience by performing old Animal hits, but for my own creative needs, I will put a different spin on them as well as perform songs from my latest album, 'Soul of a Man'."
Two weeks later, Ellicottville will unveil its newest addition to the summer festival line-up with Island Weekend, July 13-15. There will be two days filled with free outdoor concerts featuring the Caribbean themed music of Pirate Dreams, the Dreadbeats, Caribbean Extravaganza, and Riddm Posse. The bars and restaurants of the village will offer additional tropical music throughout the night and will also feature Caribbean food and drink specials. Don't miss this weekend of island dreams; you'll find yourself humming 'Away Again' when you walk down the palm tree-lined oasis streets of Ellicottville.
The following week, Ellicottville's reenergized Jazz Festival will kick off July 27-29 featuring the music of the Jim Tudini Band. Headed by the Canisus High School music teacher and member of the Buffalo Musician and the Greater Niagara Musicians Associations who has played everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Paris and concerts by the sea in Redondo Beach, this star-studded lineup cultivates a cadre of well known talent including Buffalo's favorite saxophonist and flutist, Bobby Militello. The serious musicianship and skill of this group is par for the course of what you can expect from Ellicottville's newly transformed Jazz Festival.
The streets of Ellicottville will be humming through the month of July. Keep your eye on the schedule for more surprises to be added to the Summer Festival of the Arts and complete lineups for Island Weekend and Jazz Festival.
Presale tickets for the Summer Festival of the Arts are available in Ellicottville at the Wingate Hotel, the Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Valley, E-Ville Spirits, and the Village Wine Rack. They are also available at the Country Inn and Suites in Olean, NY and at the Best Western in Bradford, Pa. or by calling 1-800-349-9099.
Stay tuned to The Villager next week for an in-depth description of another one of our new festivals coming at the end of this month. Women's Weekend, a weekend to honor, educate and celebrate women, is scheduled for June 22-24, 2007. It will feature an event-filled two days for females only and is geared towards a healthy, happy lifestyle.
For more information on Ellicottville and its events, log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.ellicottvilleny.com" www.ellicottvilleny.com

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

Bach & Beyond

Bach for a 12th year

BY MICHAEL RUKAVINA OBSERVER Staff Writer

OBSERVER Photo by Justin Goetz Musicians perform Friday night during the annual Bach and Beyond concert at the Fredonia Opera House.

6/9/2007 - Some of North America's most talented musicians are gathering to pay homage to comedy in baroque music during the 12th annual Bach and Beyond music festival. The first of three concerts began Friday evening at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House to the delight of baroque and music connoisseurs alike.



Every year the festival is set to a theme with this year's theme being comedy in baroque music. Fredonia Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis said audience members will be able to enjoy work from some lesser-known composers who were inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach.

"The Bach, refers to Johann Sebastian Bach, which is the foundation of the festival," Davis said.

"But the 'Beyond' means that some of the lesser-known composers who took their inspiration from Bach, so this year you could say it's a bit more of a 'Beyond' concert."

If you closed your eyes during the performance you could actually paint a picture rather easily — a jester, a queen, high tea — any and or similar elements that tickled your fancy were easy to imagine during the performance. This year's concert, although much different from the Mozart theme of last year, was in fact the driving force behind this year's theme.

"Last year we focused on Mozart, but that didn't mean we were becoming a Mozart Festival," wrote Artistic Director and Conductor Grant Cooper. "It was Mozart's enormous contribution to last year's festival that led me to think about Haydn. Much has been said about Haydn's penchant for humor in his music which is how this summer's program evolved from last year's festival. Humor in music, and especially in Haydn's music, usually involves an expectation unrealized. In all cases, as in all humor, the joke only comes across if one knows the expected outcome, in order to be surprised when it is not realized."

During Friday evening's performance the likes of Croft, Monteverdi, Telemann and Bach were performed by 16 artists who played as if they were 100. Saturday concert-goers will have the chance to listen to pieces by Tartini, Sperger, Telemann, and P.D.Q. Bach. During Sunday's matinee, Haydn, Telemann and Vivaldi will be featured.

Artists performing over the course of the festival include: Julie Leven, Margie Cooper, Ian Jessee, Jennifer Peracchia and Inga Malejs Yanowski on violin; Brian Walnicki on viola; Bryan Eckenrode and Amber Ghent on violoncello; Jon Pascolini on contrabass; Karl Paulnack on keyboard; Susan Royal on flute; Cheryl Bishkoff, Mark DuBois, and Sarah Hamilton on oboe; John Gillette on bassoon and Marc Guy on horn.

Davis said the musicians who perform put a lot into what he calls the communities chance to witness baroque music in the community living room.

"My sense is that it was an attempt to extend the baroque music to an audience beyond the college," Davis said in regard to the start of the festival. "Because you can attend a lot of these classical music concerts at the college, and this being the communities living room so to speak, we wanted to bring baroque music to the communities living room and introduce it to a wider audience."

The festival continues tonight beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the box office between 2 and 5 p.m., or up until show time at the door.

Bach & Beyond

The 12th annual Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival kicks off its three day run this Friday, June 9 at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. The festival has long been a great place to hear rarely performed baroque pieces, with many of the works performed making their area premieres. The theme for this year's festival is humor in music and Artistic Director Grant Cooper has unearthed some rarities, such as the 1701 Suite: The Comedy Call'd the Funeral by William Croft as well as better-known works such as Haydn's Quartet Op. 33 No. 2, known as The Joke. Of course, some listeners might feel that one of the works to be performed might have better been left buried—the cantata Iphigenia in Brooklyn, by P.D.Q. Bach. On the other hand, no one who enjoyed the highly entertaining production of P.D.Q. Bach's The Abduction of Figaro at King Concert Hall last April will want to miss this performance. Visit www.fredopera.org for more information.

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

Chautauqua Lake County Events

6/17/2007 - Strawberry Festival , Floral Hall - Chaut. County Fairgrounds, Dunkirk , Chautauqua County Noon to 6:00 p.m. Chiavetta's Chicken Bar-B-Q, children's games, music, and silent auctions. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-366-1395. 136

6/17/2007 - Summer Solstice w/Aubrey Atwater & Elwood Donnelly , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7 p.m. Celebrate summer with a special program of traditional American and Celtic folk music. Mandolin, tin whistle, dulcimer, banjo, guitar, limberjack and a variety of other instruments combine with Appalachian clog dancing and French-Canadian footwork for a Father's Day evening of folk music, fun and frivolity. Cost is $10. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 72

6/23/2007 - Summer Exhibit , 67 Washington St., Jamestown , Chautauqua County June 23 - October 20: "Noble Barns": Explore the beauty, nostalgia and stories of the barns of Chautauqua County. Photographs, art and more. Cost is Museum admission cost. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 99

6/23/2007 - Old Home Week Parade , Main Street, Allegany NY, Allegany , Cattaraugus County This is the final night of Allegany's Old Home week which runs from Tues 6/19 - Sat 6/23. Following the parade, there will be carnival rides, refreshments available at the food and beer tents and a band at the carnival lot pavilion. Anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact the parade committee at PO Box 95, Allegany, NY 14706. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: www.allegany.org. 10

6/24/2007 - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7 p.m. Recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands of the Big Band Era, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra led by Buddy Morrow continues to tour the world creating warm, sentimental and always danceable music. Cost is $25 , $23 Opera House members. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 73

6/30/2007 - Red, White and Blue: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes , Crown Theater, Jamestown , Chautauqua County 7:30 p.m. "Red, White, and Blue: A Tribute to our Hometown Heroes". Celebrate through music, dancing, re-enactors and heartfelt stories of the Civil War, WWI, and WWII from our hometown soldiers and sailors. Cost is $15 per person , $25 per couple , $5 discount for members.. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 100

7/21/2007 - Mike Randall is Mark Twain Live , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7:30 p.m. Mike Randall has been bringing America's greatest humorist and author to life for more than 30 years. Three hours of make-up combined with Twain's own words and mannerisms create a startlingly realistic portrait of "America's original stand-up comedian." Cost is $15. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 74

7/30/2007 - A Day In the Life , 67 Washington St., Jamestown , Chautauqua County "A Day in the Life": live in the Victorian times through the eyes of a variety of children from the city, country and everywhere in between. For students entering 1st through 3rd grade Cost is $50 per week. , More Info. at: www.fentonhistorycenter.org. 102

8/17/2007 - An Evening of Comedy & Magic , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 7:30 p.m. It's contemporary vaudeville on the Opera House stage! Marvel at the magic and illusions of Rob & Carol Allen. Laugh at the comedy of Nick Siracuse and juggling antics of Nels Cremean; and watch in awe at the talents of bubble man Doug Rougeux. Fun for the whole family! Cost is $12 , $10 seniors, $5 students/children. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 79

8/18/2007 - 10th Anniversary of Operation Equip India , Midway Park, Maple Springs , Chautauqua County Operation Equip India - 10th Anniversary Celebration , Midway Park, Jamestown , Chautauqua County 10th Anniversary Celebration of the ministry of Operation Equip India, a disability ministry of Joni and Friends reaching India's disabled. The ministry was founded by Jamestown native Tim Swauger and his wife Aruna and is supported by many churches and individuals in the Chautauqua County area. Contact Dave Rishell for more details. Cost is FREE , bring dish to pass. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: 716-665-6517. 118

9/19/2007 - Chad & Jeremy , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. The famed 60s pop duo with hits including Yesterday's Gone, Summer Song and Willow Weep For Me, on tour for the first time in 30 years. One of the most successful of the British invasion acts, Chad Stuart & Jeremy Clyde still deliver the lush sound that made them folk pop royalty! Cost is $22 , $20 Opera House members. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 80

9/23/2007 - Folk in Fredonia Free-for-All , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 3 p.m. Fredonia Folk music favorites Dick & Carmen Gilman gather friends from throughout the state for a great afternoon of fun folk music and dance. Cost is FREE. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 81

10/20/2007 - The Ying Quartet , 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St., Fredonia , Chautauqua County 8 p.m. The quartet-in-residence at the Eastman School of Music, the Ying siblings have been performing together for nearly 15 years and are one of the nation's most sought-after string quartets. Cost is $15 , $12 Opera House members, $10 students. , More Info. at: www.fredopera.org , 716-679-1891. 82

Buffalo Bill

1878 Buffalo Bill Billboard Restored

By CAROLYN THOMPSON

An 1878 billboard promoting a "Buffalo Bill" Cody stage show has been restored, five years after it was discovered beneath the crumbling brick facade of a former hotel.

The shadow of David Schein, executive director, Arts Council for Chautauqua County, is shown as he speaks during a news conference , Friday, June 1, 2007, announcing the restoration of a 129-year-old billboard of "Buffalo Bill" Cody discovered in Jamestown, N.Y., (AP Photo/David Duprey) AP

The 24-by-10-foot paper billboard had been pasted to an unfinished exterior wall of the hotel during construction 129 years ago and was sandwiched in by brick when the building was completed.

The billboard, a montage of the Wild West folk hero and scenes from his show, was revealed when part of the wall fell away from the building in June 2002.

"It's a miracle that it even exists," said Dr. Juti Winchester, curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyo.

Printed from engraved wood blocks, the billboard resembles a watercolor painting in hues of orange, brown and blue. A multicolor, life-size depiction of the bearded Cody _ clad in fringed buckskin and holding a rifle _ is of particular importance, said Winchester, who traveled to western New York for Saturday's unveiling of the finished work.

"We don't have much of this early imagery of Buffalo Bill," she said.

William F. Cody, who died in 1917, was a prospector-turned-Pony Express rider and Civil War veteran who later hunted buffalo to feed railroad construction crews. According to legend, he earned the name Buffalo Bill in a daylong shooting match with a hunter named William Comstock, presumably to determine who deserved the title.

He became a national folk hero in dime novels written by Ned Buntline, who in 1872 persuaded Cody to tell stories of the Wild West on stage.

Crews would put up the billboards to advertise the shows. Most were pasted over when the next show hit town.

"The only reason this survived was a completely unique set of circumstances," said Michael Flaxman, who was involved in the restoration, which was funded by a $52,000 federal grant and matching private donations.

Experts used tissue paper and steam to remove the fragile billboard in strips and shreds from the wood sheathing. Though protected from the elements, the paper had become brittle and torn and some pieces disintegrated before they could be removed.

Paper conservator Laura Schell was hired to piece back together the work, and images of Cody _ in one scene atop a horse and swinging his hat overhead _ painstakingly emerged.

"She cleaned and stabilized all these hundreds of pieces of what was a giant, very fragile jigsaw puzzle," said Pat Anzideo, the restoration's project manager. "She put it back together again, without the benefit of a picture."

The billboard will be displayed under glass in six wood-framed panels, each 7 feet high and at least 4 feet wide, at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, a restored 1920s vaudeville and movie house in downtown Jamestown.

___

On the Net:

http://www.reglenna.com

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Chautauqua Summer Events

Food, Drinks, Other Fun

Chris Scarano, chef at the Ironstone, will prepare multi-course food tastings for customers who call the West Fourth Street restaurant in advance. Submitted photo

6/1/2007 - Friday always seems to come early when the week is only four days long. Thanks, Memorial Day! And despite there not being a holiday this weekend, Southern Chautauqua County is jampacked with all different kinds of entertainment events. From a wine festival in Bemus Point, to a jamboree in Sherman and several other music events happening throughout the area, there's little reason to stay in and do the same old thing. Summer is here and Chautauqua County has much to offer in terms of food, drink and fun.

¯ SPOTLIGHT ON TASTING MENUS AT THE IRONSTONE — Most restaurants restrict customers to ordering from what's on the menu, but give the Ironstone's staff some notice and they will serve your party a unique multi-course feast.

On Wednesday, I experienced The Ironstone's food for the first time and have truly never tasted anything like it. Maybe it helped that I was with a group celebrating the birthday of a friend who happens to work for a Food Is Good restaurant, but Chris Scarano, chef at The Ironstone, says anyone who calls in advance can experience the same sort of six-course meal.

''I suggest this to anyone who is looking to entertain friends or looking for a more outside-of-the-box and ambitious type of dining,'' Scarano said. ''If you call ahead, we will be more than happy to do something special for you. That's how we find excitement in our kitchen.''

Arriving at The Ironstone, our party was told to just order our entrees from the menu and the kitchen staff would take care of the rest. Our waiter, the knowledgable James Saullo, suggested the perfect wines to pair with the four appetizer courses.

Though a six-course meal may sound like a lot, the purpose of it is in the small portions and the presentation. First up was a chilled gazpacho with crabmeat and what Scarano called a tomato toy box. Shortly after that we each received a single tortellini stuffed with goat cheese and a side of red pepper marmalade, followed by a small cappuccino-sized cup of asparagus soup. Then came the truffle risotto, the entree and dessert.

''It's how I like to eat and that's why I like to do these tasting menus,'' Scarano said. ''If you put a big pile of something in front of me, I'll eat a quarter of it. But if you bring small samples of foods, it's new tastes and new flavors. It keeps your mouth excited and it keeps you wanting more. That's what we enjoy doing here. We enjoy putting together tasting menus for the more adventurous diners.''

For the fine dining they specialize in, the Ironstone's prices are more than reasonable. And the bill for our six-course dinner was no more than what a complete meal for nine people for nine people would have cost had we ordered our own appetizers and desserts. The difference is the way the meal was presented. We received more courses, but the portions were smaller and the eager staff was always at hand to explain the intricacies of the meal.

The Chautauqua Restaurant Row of the Food Is Good company includes Olive's, serving classic Northern Italian cuisine; House on the Hill, which has a beautiful view in addition to a delicious breakfast and lunch menu; Bonjour, a cafe and patisserie; The Watermark, specializing in steak, seafood and more; La Fleur, serving French country cuisine and the Hot Fish Shop, Bemus Point's newest family restaurant.

¯ MARKING ONE YEAR OF MAYVILLE SHOWS — Mayville Shows will mark one year of bringing hardcore, metal and indie rock acts to the Hartfield Bay Cafe this Saturday. Hard to believe this group of dudes from Chautauqua Lake High School have been booking monthly shows at the Hartfield bar for 12 months already. Time flies, I suppose.

''It has been a really great experience,'' said Hunter Benson, one of the Mayville Shows crew. ''I think we've reached a lot of people. Our audience has grown and I think having all these little venues like The PF Cafe in Russell, Pa. is great. There's a really great movement that's happening and I think we need to continue it.''

This month's concert will feature performances by Crimson Raid, Kaeolyn, Don't Shoot the Messenger, The Line Dance Massacre and Hello, Star Vega. Headlining the event is Tugnut, a band on tour from Cambridge, Ontario. The show starts at 6 p.m. and costs $6 admission.

''More places need to let kids do shows,'' Benson said. ''There are plenty of bands out there to book, but we just don't have enough places to do it. We're proud of what we have done. We've brought bands from record labels like Metalblade, Emerald Moon and Five Point to little old Mayville.''

See SPOTLIGHT on Page C-2

From Page C-1

At a year and still going strong, the Mayville Shows crew have no intentions of ending their monthly gigs at the Hartfield Bay Cafe. According to Benson, there are shows scheduled through September.

In addition to Benson, Mayville Shows is comprised of Jake Haskin, Matt Shang and Justin Newsome. For more on the bands and Mayville Shows, visit MySpace.com/MayvilleShows. The Hartfield Bay Cafe is located at 6040 Lake Rd (Route 430) in Hartfield and can be reached by calling 753-7711.

¯ THE PLACE TO BE THIS WEEKEND — Less than a week since legions of music-loving campers descended on the Cole Family Farm, Sherman is again The Place To Be This Weekend as the Hypnotic Clambake will be hosting their 11th annual O.U.R. Music Festival. The two-day jamboree event begins tonight and is again being held at the Brushwood Folklore Center.

In addition to Hypnotic Clambake, festival favorites like Leigh Stoner and the Smoking Jackets, Baby Gramps, Redheaded Stepchild, and Stewed Mulligan will return this year. Other performers include Gumshoe, Zydeco Vacation, Buddhahood, New York Klezmer Orchestra, Joann Vaccaro and Mad Tea Party. Local soul band Smackdab will also play the festival.

For more information on the bands, the festival or tickets, visit OURMusicFest.com or HypnoticClambake.com. The Brushwood Folklore Center is located at 8881 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.

¯ FIVE OTHER THINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND — Can't make it to Mayville or Sherman, but still want to see some quality live music? Or are you looking for something non-music related to do this weekend?

5. The Infinity Performing Arts Program will present the Infinity Showcase Concert tonight at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and will feature performances by Steel Pan Alley, Midas, Milestones, I Kandy and Deja Blues. 4. Jack The Dog will play The Village Casino in Bemus Point tonight. 3. Pending inclement weather, try walking the Chautauqua Gorge in Westfield. 2. Yankee Zydeco Company will play BruceFest 2007 on Saturday at the Tsintzinia Society on Jackson Avenue in Celoron. 1. Ever been schooled at darts? Chances are I'll be at The Wine Cellar at some point during the weekend if you're looking for a challenge.

¯ DELICIOUS DRINK(S) OF THE WEEK — Paris Hilton is scheduled to begin her 45 day jail sentence on Tuesday and I, for one, will be shedding tears each day the socialite is behind bars — which the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says may only be 23 days in total. While searching the Internet for news on my favorite heiress, Google yielded the following three drink recipes bearing a likeness to her name:

To make a ''Paris Hilton Cocktail,'' mix two ounces of vodka with two splashes of orange vodka and three ounces of Mountain Dew. Pour the ingredients over cubed or crushed ice. To make a ''Paris Passion,'' mix eight ounces of Bacardi (or any rum) with two ounces of chocolate syrup and two ounces of Bailey's Irish Cream.

To make a ''Paris Is Burning,'' which also goes by the My Bloody Valentine song title ''Soft As Snow But Warm Inside,'' you will need one tablespoon of granulated sugar, two ounces of brandy, two ounces of Chambord one slice of orange and one slice of lemon peel. When mixing the drink, start by dissolving the sugar in the brandy and adding the orange slice. Then tilt the glass carefully and ignite the drink with a match. Stir with a long spoon until the flame is extinguished. Strain the liquid into a punch cup, add the Chambord and garnish with the lemon twist.

¯ COMING NEXT WEEK — Sweet Ass Cream Corn will play the Bull Frog Hotel next Saturday. Look for more about the band in next week's edition of Late Night Spotlight.

¯ QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Which Beatles album was released on this day in 1967? Technically, the album was released on June 1 in the U.K and June 2 in the U.S. And here's a second question: What female Canadian singer-songwriter was born on this day in 1974? She has won seven Grammy awards, sold millions of records and played the role of God in the movie ''Dogma.'' In answer to last week's question, Lauryn Hill is the member of The Fugees who has won eight Grammy's and was born on May 25, 1980.



Nick Dean is a Post-Journal staff reporter. Comments on this column can be sent to ndean@post-journal.com. Suggestions and items for submission can be sent via e-mail or by calling the newsroom at 487-1111, ext. 251.

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