Chautauqua Amphitheater Demolition Reconsidered

 By Mark Sommer | News Staff Reporter

on January 20, 2015 - 12:32 PM

, updated January 20, 2015 at 12:45 PM

The historic Chautauqua Amphitheater has been granted a reprieve from the wrecking ball for at least a year.
Critics opposed to a demolition that was to have begun this fall sought more transparency from Chautauqua Institution officials. They wanted the entire institution community to weigh in on the site’s future, and to have government preservation officials given a chance to consult on the future of the National Historic Landmark.
On Tuesday, Chautauqua Institution officials agreed to all three requests, saying they will put off a decision on the Amphitheater’s future – including whether to build a replica of the 1893 outdoor theater in its place – until a board of trustees meeting in August.
“Opening the door to a more inclusive and sincere dialogue with all stakeholders is exactly the right thing for Chautauqua Institution to do,” said Brian Berg, a longtime Chautauqua resident and a leader of the ad hoc Committee to Preserve the Historic Amphitheater, which had collected more than 2,100 online signatures on a petition to save the “Amp.”
“This dialogue will spark new ideas and elicit the best thinking, and the end result will be an improved Amphitheater with its historic character and integrity intact,” Berg said.
“This strikes me as a great decision,” said Jonathan Eig, who has taught and spoken at the institution on several occasions, and is the author of “Birth of the Pill” and “The Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig.”
“I think everyone is on the same side in this debate, in that they want the Chautauqua Institution to remain the wonderful place that it is, and that means preserving history as well as making the place great for future generations. This is a good first step.”
The privately run sanctuary for learning and contemplation was under increased criticism even as it was preparing to issue construction bids as early as this month, with the start of demolition planned for September following the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Thomas M. Becker, Chautauqua’s president, said the institution will renew discussions with the community this summer on how to proceed, and consult with a preservation expert from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which promulgates standards for National Historic Landmarks.
“Following a detailed review of the project to date, it is clear from the public and private communications going back and forth between the institution and various members of the Chautauqua community that meaningful re-engagement of our various constituencies – especially those who are so passionate in their views, both positive or critical, about the Amp and its future – should occur, especially during the summer season and before we move forward,” Becker said in a statement.
Becker, in a letter to board Chairman James A. Pardo, also called for a review of the project’s design, costs and timelines.
Last year, the board approved remaking the site into a modern $30 million Amphitheater to improve comfort, safety and the overall viewing experience; make load-ins easier for traveling performers setting up for shows; expand seating; create an orchestra pit; improve technology capability; and improve back-of-the-house functions.
However, it continued to call the project a “rehabilitation” – as opposed to a demolition – as late as October, after officials became aware their plans would require extensive demolition. That led critics to say the project had been misrepresented to the public, and that the new information warranted a full airing.
In addition, critics said the institution treated preservation as an afterthought, even if the project, by being privately funded, was not legally obliged to follow government standards for national landmark designations.
Becker said that all design aspects of the project, including historic preservation, “must meet the project’s safety, engineering, sustainability, and long-term programmatic objectives that form the foundation of the project.”
That was the same rationale behind the decision to tear the Amphitheater down and build a modern facility in its place.
email: msommer@buffnews.com








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Snowmobiling Season Generates Millions for Chautauqua County Economy

MAYVILLE,
N.Y -- Ben Webb, owner of Webb's Captain's Table and Cottage Collection
in Mayville, welcomed a handful of snowmobilers for lunch on Tuesday."As
soon as you do have good snow, it's like all of a sudden a switch gets
turned and suddenly there are people in the area," said Webb.

While some businesses close up shop for the season, Webb's and others bank on being a year-round destination.

"It's
because the area we live in has got four phenomenal seasons. We have
the opportunity for some pretty amazing winter recreation," said Webb.

"Even
though summer is a busier time, they still need year round revenue,"
said Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director.
"It's not as strong in the winter but it's still part of their overall
business scheme."

Nixon said snowmobiling is one of the area's
primary draws and generates anywhere from $3 million to $7 million for
the local economy. Nixon said over a 6- to 10-week period, consumer
spending is up for businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations.

"We
rely on the outdoor recreation enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers
so when they start to come, it puts money right in the pockets of
business who otherwise would be having a very slow time," said Nixon.

The
Visitors Bureau also advertises in several regional publications and
counts on social media to draw snowmobilers from several nearby states
to resorts like Webb's.

"All of a sudden, it creates a certain
energy and excitement that's noticed immediately, people start to come
into town, you start to see the actual motion and movement of the people
riding the snowmobiles," said Webb.

Business is expected to spike even more during February's annual winter festival in Mayville.


- See more at:
http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/800141/snowmobiling-season-generates-millions-for-chautauqua-county-economy/#sthash.mOPU8X7u.dpuf

MAYVILLE, N.Y -- Ben Webb, owner of Webb's Captain's Table and Cottage Collection in Mayville, welcomed a handful of snowmobilers for lunch on Tuesday."As soon as you do have good snow, it's like all of a sudden a switch gets turned and suddenly there are people in the area," said Webb.
While some businesses close up shop for the season, Webb's and others bank on being a year-round destination.
"It's because the area we live in has got four phenomenal seasons. We have the opportunity for some pretty amazing winter recreation," said Webb.
"Even though summer is a busier time, they still need year round revenue," said Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director. "It's not as strong in the winter but it's still part of their overall business scheme."
Nixon said snowmobiling is one of the area's primary draws and generates anywhere from $3 million to $7 million for the local economy. Nixon said over a 6- to 10-week period, consumer spending is up for businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations.
"We rely on the outdoor recreation enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers so when they start to come, it puts money right in the pockets of business who otherwise would be having a very slow time," said Nixon.
The Visitors Bureau also advertises in several regional publications and counts on social media to draw snowmobilers from several nearby states to resorts like Webb's.
"All of a sudden, it creates a certain energy and excitement that's noticed immediately, people start to come into town, you start to see the actual motion and movement of the people riding the snowmobiles," said Webb.
Business is expected to spike even more during February's annual winter festival in Mayville.
- See more at: http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/800141/snowmobiling-season-generates-millions-for-chautauqua-county-economy/#sthash.mOPU8X7u.dpuf

Snowmobiling Season Generates Millions for Chautauqua County Economy

MAYVILLE,
N.Y -- Ben Webb, owner of Webb's Captain's Table and Cottage Collection
in Mayville, welcomed a handful of snowmobilers for lunch on Tuesday."As
soon as you do have good snow, it's like all of a sudden a switch gets
turned and suddenly there are people in the area," said Webb.

While some businesses close up shop for the season, Webb's and others bank on being a year-round destination.

"It's
because the area we live in has got four phenomenal seasons. We have
the opportunity for some pretty amazing winter recreation," said Webb.

"Even
though summer is a busier time, they still need year round revenue,"
said Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director.
"It's not as strong in the winter but it's still part of their overall
business scheme."

Nixon said snowmobiling is one of the area's
primary draws and generates anywhere from $3 million to $7 million for
the local economy. Nixon said over a 6- to 10-week period, consumer
spending is up for businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations.

"We
rely on the outdoor recreation enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers
so when they start to come, it puts money right in the pockets of
business who otherwise would be having a very slow time," said Nixon.

The
Visitors Bureau also advertises in several regional publications and
counts on social media to draw snowmobilers from several nearby states
to resorts like Webb's.

"All of a sudden, it creates a certain
energy and excitement that's noticed immediately, people start to come
into town, you start to see the actual motion and movement of the people
riding the snowmobiles," said Webb.

Business is expected to spike even more during February's annual winter festival in Mayville.


- See more at:
http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/800141/snowmobiling-season-generates-millions-for-chautauqua-county-economy/#sthash.mOPU8X7u.dpuf

MAYVILLE,
N.Y -- Ben Webb, owner of Webb's Captain's Table and Cottage Collection
in Mayville, welcomed a handful of snowmobilers for lunch on Tuesday."As
soon as you do have good snow, it's like all of a sudden a switch gets
turned and suddenly there are people in the area," said Webb.

While some businesses close up shop for the season, Webb's and others bank on being a year-round destination.

"It's
because the area we live in has got four phenomenal seasons. We have
the opportunity for some pretty amazing winter recreation," said Webb.

"Even
though summer is a busier time, they still need year round revenue,"
said Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director.
"It's not as strong in the winter but it's still part of their overall
business scheme."

Nixon said snowmobiling is one of the area's
primary draws and generates anywhere from $3 million to $7 million for
the local economy. Nixon said over a 6- to 10-week period, consumer
spending is up for businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations.

"We
rely on the outdoor recreation enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers
so when they start to come, it puts money right in the pockets of
business who otherwise would be having a very slow time," said Nixon.

The
Visitors Bureau also advertises in several regional publications and
counts on social media to draw snowmobilers from several nearby states
to resorts like Webb's.

"All of a sudden, it creates a certain
energy and excitement that's noticed immediately, people start to come
into town, you start to see the actual motion and movement of the people
riding the snowmobiles," said Webb.

Business is expected to spike even more during February's annual winter festival in Mayville.


- See more at:
http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/800141/snowmobiling-season-generates-millions-for-chautauqua-county-economy/#sthash.mOPU8X7u.dpuf

MAYVILLE,
N.Y -- Ben Webb, owner of Webb's Captain's Table and Cottage Collection
in Mayville, welcomed a handful of snowmobilers for lunch on Tuesday."As
soon as you do have good snow, it's like all of a sudden a switch gets
turned and suddenly there are people in the area," said Webb.

While some businesses close up shop for the season, Webb's and others bank on being a year-round destination.

"It's
because the area we live in has got four phenomenal seasons. We have
the opportunity for some pretty amazing winter recreation," said Webb.

"Even
though summer is a busier time, they still need year round revenue,"
said Andrew Nixon, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau executive director.
"It's not as strong in the winter but it's still part of their overall
business scheme."

Nixon said snowmobiling is one of the area's
primary draws and generates anywhere from $3 million to $7 million for
the local economy. Nixon said over a 6- to 10-week period, consumer
spending is up for businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations.

"We
rely on the outdoor recreation enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers
so when they start to come, it puts money right in the pockets of
business who otherwise would be having a very slow time," said Nixon.

The
Visitors Bureau also advertises in several regional publications and
counts on social media to draw snowmobilers from several nearby states
to resorts like Webb's.

"All of a sudden, it creates a certain
energy and excitement that's noticed immediately, people start to come
into town, you start to see the actual motion and movement of the people
riding the snowmobiles," said Webb.

Business is expected to spike even more during February's annual winter festival in Mayville.


- See more at:
http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/800141/snowmobiling-season-generates-millions-for-chautauqua-county-economy/#sthash.mOPU8X7u.dpuf

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Snowmobilers Reminded to Play it Safe on Chautauqua County's Trails

Snowmobilers Reminded to Play it Safe on Chautauqua County's Trails



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Winter Returns to Ellicottville and Ski Country

Winter Returns to Ellicottville and Ski Country

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Peek n Peak Turns 50 Today

Peek n Peak Turns 50 Today - YourErie.com - Powered by JET 24 and FOX 66 Erie PA





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State to Chautauqua Institution: Dump theater demolition plan

By Associated Press Published: December 11, 2014, 10:10 am

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World renowned classical jazz flutist Jim Walker performs a free concert with the band Free Flight in the Amphitheater at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y., Wednesday, July 21, 1999. For the past 125 years, people have come to the Institution from across the world to take in its educational and cultural offerings. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. (AP) — State preservation officials are asking the Chautauqua Institution to scrap plans to demolish the organization’s historic amphitheater and replace hit with a modern replica.
The institute located on Chautauqua Lake in New York southwest corner plans to spend $30 million to tear down most of the 120-year-old outdoor theater and build a new one that would increase seating capacity from just over 4,000 to 4,500. Bids for the project go out next week.
The Buffalo News reports that the State Historic Preservation Office sent a letter to the institution last week asking that it back away from the plan.
Preservation groups are opposed to the plan to demolish the National Historic Landmark.
Lectures by leading political figures and performances by national acts are held in the amphitheater during the institution’s annual nine-week summer season.

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Video contest to promote Chautauqua County

MAYVILLE – It’s called the I Love CHQ Challenge, and a $1,000 grand prize is being dangled for the person submitting the most creative video extolling the virtues of Chautauqua County.
The contest was announced Monday by a trio of Chautauqua County officials: County Executive Vince Horrigan, Visitors Bureau Director Andrew Nixon and Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Todd Tranum.
The promotion is designed to share positive videos of what residents and visitors love about the county. It also will help build a library of digital images that area marketing organizations can use to promote the county.
The initiative is being organized by several county agencies and sponsors, including the Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Agency, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and Digitell Inc.
“We have a beautiful county with an exciting schedule of activities for all ages in all seasons that sometimes people overlook,” Horrigan said. “I encourage residents to use their creativity to showcase their favorite place or activity here in Chautauqua County.”
The I Love CHQ Challenge features four contest periods during 2015: Jan. 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. Participants may submit up to three videos per contest period and videos should be from one minute and 30 seconds to three minutes long, and based on one of the following categories:
• Local Flavors – agriculture, agri-beverage, agritourism, and local ingredients as part of great dining experiences.
• Outdoors and Recreation – Lakes, trails, forests, golf courses, ski slopes and more.
• Living Here – Places to live, quality of life, favorite activities.
• Working Here – from health care to Harley-Davidson, and welding to winery tour guides.
• Arts, Culture, History and Education – Fun, unique, and notable – Chautauqua is the World’s Learning Center.
A $250 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each of the five categories per contest period. All of the prize winners from the four contests will also be eligible for a $1,000 grand prize at the end of the final contest period.
For complete contest terms and conditions, visit the Visitors Bureau page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Tour.Chautauqua, or call 357-4569.






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Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau                                      E-NEWS    November 2014

what's  happening Through November 15, 2014 - Colors of Chautauqua learning festival    November 7, 2014 - Of Mice and Men,  1891 Fredonia Opera House   November 7-9 and 14-16, 2014 - Harvest Wine Weekends, Lake Erie Wine Country   November 7-9, 2014 - Holiday Open House, Bemus Point   November 7-22, 2014 - Les Miserables, Scharmann Theatre, Jamestown Community College   November 8-9, 2014 - What's New Fair, Jamestown Community College   November 11, 2014 - Cirk La Putyka Presents: Slapstick Sonata, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown   November 14, 2014 - Southern Tier Brewing Company LIVE Concerts: Dark Star Orchestra, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown   November 14, 2014 - Not So Silent Cinema Presents Chaplin!, 1891 Fredonia Opera House   November 14, 2014 - January 4, 2015 - Bird Portraits by Steve Cagan, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown   November 15, 2014 - Holiday Shopping in Amish Country   November 15, 2014 - Fall Art Day, Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail   November 20, 2014 - Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley presents John McEuen, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown   November 21-23, 2014 - Christmas in the Village, Westfield November 22, 2014 - Holiday Open House, Mayville   November 22, 2014 - Thanksgiving with the Birds, Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary   November 28, 2014 - January 19, 2015 - Annual Holiday Exhibit, Fenton History Center, Jamestown   December 5, 2014 - Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration, Jamestown   December 6, 2014 - Christmas Thru the Village, Findley Lake   December 6, 2014 - Miracle on Main Street, Fredonia   December 13, 2014 - Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena     For a full list of events in Chautauqua County throughout the year, see the online calendar. Holiday Shopping and Winter Preparations It's the end of October and most of vibrant colors have passed. Snow will soon be on its way, along with preparations for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, sharpening of snowboards and skis, and inspections of snowmobiles and trails. For those looking for unique gifts, home decorations, and fun holiday shopping experiences, there are plenty of opportunities in the region. Visit several villages around the county for special shopping days, village-wide celebrations, and sales. Bemus Point offers a Holiday Open House, November 7-9, 2014 with 20% off almost everything in participating stores along with specials at local restaurants. The Village of Westfield celebrates Christmas in the Village, November 21-23. Nearby, the merchants of Mayville will hold an open house on Saturday, November 22nd. On December 6th, Findley Lake hosts Christmas Thru the Village and Fredonia welcomes December with a Miracle on Main Street. Harvest Wine Weekends November 7-9 and 14-16, 2014 Celebrate the end of the grape harvest in America's Grape Country with Lake Erie Wine Country's annual Harvest Wine Weekends. Guests will savor delicious foods paired with select wines at each of 25 wineries. While there, be sure to stop at the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield. On November 15th, the Discovery Center hosts artists during Fall Art Day. Plan to return to the region February 13-15, 2015 and bring your Valentine for the luscious Wine & Chocolate Weekend. Holiday Shopping in Amish Country November 15, 2014 Take a tour through Amish Country on November 15th. Offered through SUNY Fredonia Lifelong Learning and Special Programs, Holiday Shopping in Amish Country offers a day-long tour through the Old Order Amish community. Learn about the Amish way of life and shop for handcrafted gifts at a quilt shop, toy factory, cheese shop, and bake stand. An Amish-style lunch is included, served at the Cherry Creek Inn. The cost is $59 per person and includes lunch and transportation. Be sure to register by November 7th at 716-673-3177.   Holiday Traditions Annual Exhibit and Candlelight tours For 36 years, the Annual Holiday Exhibit at the Fenton History Center in Jamestown has been a favorite local tradition. Stop by between November 28, 2014 and January 19, 2015 and enter into American holiday traditions of past and present in the grand 1863 mansion of New York State Governor Reuben E. Fenton (1865-1868). The elegant Mansion will celebrate "Tis the Season" along with fresh greenery, holiday decorations, and an upside down Christmas tree. Returning this year, costumed guides will give candlelight tours of the mansion and exhibit on Saturday evenings in December.   A Holiday Parade December 5, 2014 The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation announces Jamestown's 2014 Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration  will take place on Friday, December 5, 2014. The polar vortex will take over Third Street as Winter Wonderland celebrates the snowy culture the region is famous for. The parade begins at 6:30 pm and will travel east on Third Street to Tracy Plaza with a traditional tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display.

tourchautauqua.com Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau  P. O. Box 1441  Chautauqua NY 147122  866.908.4569

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Ellicottville Fall Fest Set For This Weekend

Ellicottville Fall Fest set for this weekend - The Salamanca Press: News - Ellicottville Fall Fest set for this weekend: News



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A Map to Find That Brewery You're Looking For

Enlarge Photo

David Bertola

Buffalo Business First Reporter- Business First

Email  |  Twitter  |  Google+

Kevin Klass is putting Buffalo area breweries on the map.
Klass runs taptrails.com, which identifies areas of the country with concentrations of breweries within a small area, creating a taptrail. Each taptrail has its own map that identifies locations of participating breweries that offer discounts when the map is presented. The total of the discounts offered by trail breweries meets or exceeds the $10 map purchase price, and often exceeds $40.
Each map has information and discounts for area restaurants and transportation services. Those who visit the participating breweries and fill their maps with stamps are eligible for prizes. Maps are sold at area Consumer’s Beverage Inc.
Eleven area breweries within a 15-mile radius of Buffalo are on the map, plus Southern Tier Brewing Co., Ellicottville Brewing Co. and Woodcock Brothers Brewery.
Klass launched the company a few years ago while living in Loveland, Colo. Wanting to spread the word about burgeoning breweries, he created the map. To date, hes created taptrails for Loveland and Buffalo.
“Buffalo is a great beer town, and the craft brew industry is growing here,” he said.
Klass, who works as a sales manager for a local veterinary medical company, added that a phone app is also under development. He said that while he earns money through map sales and some advertising, they don’t charge breweries to participate.
“It’s a fun side business with the hope that it can become something bigger,” he said. “One or two trails isn’t going to provide a significant amount of income, but if we can replicate in 50 or 100 markets, it can be financially viable.”
For more information, visit taptrails.com.

David Bertola covers small business, energy and marketing

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