Chautauqua 10 Question Survey

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Jamestown, New York Audubon Center

Happy Trails

By Luke Anderson

State Sen. Cathy Young cuts the ribbon on the newly-renovated observation tower at the Jamestown Audubon Center. With her are, at right, Ruth Lundin, Audubon Society president and volunteers who built the overlook. The project was made possible by a $20,000 grant from the State Senate. P-J photo by Luke Anderson

1/5/2008 - landerson@post-journal.com



The elderly and people with disabilities will find it easier to visit the Jamestown Audubon Center, thanks to a newly renovated trail and overlook made possible by a grant from state Sen. Cathy Young.

The $20,000 grant enabled the Audubon Society to repave the 1,500 foot trail, originally built in 1994. The trail had since fallen into disrepair and was actually more dangerous than the sanctuary's non-handicapped accessible trails.

Grant money was also used to build a new observation tower on the grounds.

Sen. Young was at the Audubon Center on Friday to cut the ribbon, officially opening the new trail and tower.

''We're very fortunate to have so many outdoor opportunities in Chautauqua County. (The Audubon Center) is a jewel that attracts 15,000 visitors every year,'' she said.

''The repairs ... to the handicapped-accessible trail and overlook platform will help people with disabilities and their families better enjoy the Audubon Center and Sanctuary.''

Work on the project began in late June and stretched until the end of August. The trail was professionally paved, but the overlook was completed by a group of volunteer builders.

It was designed by John Whittaker, a volunteer and expert carpenter and completed by a group of volunteers working under project leaders Don Carlson and Hugh Wood.

The overlook was designed to accomodate more people than the previous structure and was built with a roof to protect visitors from the rain, snow and sun.

The paved trail is designed to be level and easy to walk for those with limited mobility. It is also accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Several organizations, including ASPIRE and The Resource Center take advantage of the accessible trail.

''The wheelchair-accessible trails and overlook will allow us to provide a safe and fun environment for all members of our community. We cannot thank Sen. Young enough for her proven commitment to the residents of our community,'' said Ruth Lundin, Audubon Center president.

The trails at the Audubon Center are free and are open daily from dawn to dusk. The nature center building at 1600 Riverside Road — housing a nature store and exhibits on biodiversity — is open Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is free for members and children. Non-member adults pay $5, and Sunday is free admission day.

 

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

Battling Cabin Fever in Chautauqua County

What You Can Do Locally To Get Rid Of The Winter Blues By Jessica Wasmund

Battling Cabin Fever

1/6/2008 - jwasmund@post-journal.com



Now that the holidays are over, there is no need to dream of a white Christmas. However, the snow has only just arrived, and will undoubtably be present over the next few months.

While these long winter days may seem bleak, there are many activities going on throughout the community to keep individuals from going crazy.

For the ski and snowboard enthusiasts, Peek'n Peak and Holiday Valley each offer a variety of activities throughout the winter, as well as the slopes.

Peek'n Peak's lift tickets range from $34 to $42 on the weekdays, and $34 to $48 on the weekends for adults. However, they also offer discounted tickets. College students are eligible for $19 lift tickets Sunday through Thursday evenings with I.D. They also have a program geared toward Scouts.

''We have three remaining scheduled Scout days, and if you're a Scout, whatever your affiliation, they just have to come and show their ID to get substantial savings,'' said Chip Day of Peek'n Peak. Scouts are also offered discounted tickets, just $34 for children aged 12 and older on Sunday, Feb. 10, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 8. The resort also offers accommodation ''Ski and Stay'' packages, ranging from $39 to $95.

''Tubing is also a great activity because it's fun for everyone, and you don't need to know how to ski. Those sessions start as low as $10,'' Day said. For beginner skiers, the resort also offers a package for the novice winter athlete. Equipment rental, lift ticket and lessons are offered together for $55 in the learn to ski or snowboard packaged.

For those who like the great outdoors but do not want to participate in downhill skiing, Peek'n Peak also offers prices for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail fee is only $8, while rental fees are $9 for skiis, or $6 for snowshoes.

For more information visit the Web site at www.pknpk.com/.

Holiday Valley also has packages available, including college nights (Sunday through Thursday) for $25 after 4 p.m. Seniors over the age of 70 may purchase weekday tickets for the junior rate, and any fourth grader may purchase a New York state passport book for $19, which allows them to ski for free three times.

Upstate Farms is also offering a promotional discount — if an individual brings in the cap from a bottle of Intense Milk, they will receive two tickets for the price of one on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings after 4 p.m. McDonald's is offering a similar promotion as well, giving away 2-for-1 coupons in their restaurants valid evenings, Monday through Wednesday. Both promotions also are available for tubing passes for Thursday and Sundays. For groups of 15 persons or more, discounted rates are also available.

General weekday tickets range from $30 to $42, while weekend tickets are priced from $32 to $52. More information is available at the Web site, www.holidayvalley.com/winter.cfm.

While outdoor activities may not be for everyone, those seeking an old-fashioned movie experience, complete with marquee, can get their fix at the Reg Lenna Civic Center on Third Street. The establishment started a Movies @ The Center series, bringing in a variety of films.

''We started the series last year and so far it's been fairly successful,'' said Jim Ewing, box office manager. ''We would like more people to attend.... it's about building the audience again.''

The movie series runs through the Reg Lenna's regular season of September through May. Starting Jan. 15, the center will be showing five new movies, including Lars and the Real Girl, For the Bible Tells Me So, The Hunting Party, Gone Baby Gone and Bella.

''We have a new concession stand we'd like people to check out because we had so many requests for popcorn,'' Ewing said. ''We also have a coat room in the new lobby which is nice during the winter.''

Tickets are $7 for adults, and $4.25 for children under 12. Books of 10 tickets are available for $60, providing a discount for frequent movie-goers.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House offers a similar movie experience, bringing to the screen in 2008 Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Into The Wild, August Rush and Lars and the Real Girl. Additionally, they have a ''Family Night at The Movies'' series, featuring free films the entire family can enjoy. This year's selection includes Snow Day, The Princess Bride, Charlotte's Web and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown. For more information, visit the Web site at http://fredopera.org/home/.

If curling up with a good book sounds like the perfect way to spend a cold winter afternoon, the Prendergast Library has a number of top-selling titles to choose from, as well as activities and programs taking place in the library itself.

''If you're searching for something to keep you busy, we have thousands of good books and videos to choose from,'' said Catherine Way, director. Select the ''Catalog'' option on the library's Web site www.prendergastlibrary.org/ to see almost 50 different recommended and best-selling reading lists. Additionally, The Sunday Post-Journal runs The Wall Street Journal's best-seller list each Sunday on page E-6.

Besides books, the library also offers different exhibits at its art gallery for anyone looking for a lazy afternoon. From Jan. 10 to Feb. 15 a series entitled ''The Unlimited Opportunities of Art'' will be open featuring works by art students at The Resource Center. From Feb. 22 through March 28 will be a series of photographs by James R. Butterfield, called ''Sky, Water and Architecture.''

Two programs are also running during the next few months. The first is children's story time, which begins Feb. 4, and lasts for eight weeks. There are three age levels offered: babies 0 to18 months, toddlers 18 to 36 months and pre-schoolers 3 to 5 years old. To register, call the library.

Adult classes are also offered for those looking to improve their computer skills. A basic computer training class is offered from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 8 through 29. An intermediate computer training class is offered from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 through 26. A workforce readiness credential training class, which helps develop skills for entry-level employment, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7 through Feb. 7. Lastly, a Web instruction page class called ''Project Vision'' will be offered from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 11 through April 3. Call 484-7135, ext. 225 to register.

 

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

 

Music Around Chautauqua

Rick & Julia,

Happy New Year. Just wanted to let you know that there will be two
opportunities to hear me play next weekend.

Happy Hour, Free Hors D'oeurves and Classical Guitar
Friday, January 11, 2008
5:00PM to 7:00PM
The White Inn
52 East Main Street
Fredonia, NY

Coffee, Lunch and Classical Guitar
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Noon to 1:30
Cafe Barista
7 East Main St.
Westfield, New York

David Allen Coester
Classical Guitar
Live Music for Weddings, Parties & Receptions
www.meantone.com
www.davidcoester.com
716 680-2259

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

5 Simple Ways to Increase a Home's Value

Daily Real Estate News  |  December 31, 20075

 

Simple Ways to Increase a Home's Value
Good home maintenance is key to creating and preserving a home's value. Not to mention, it also impresses potential buyers.

Here are five basic steps that every home owner ought to take — before spending money on dream bathrooms or gourmet kitchens.

1. Safety. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in good working order. Check fuel-burning appliances to make sure they are properly vented and no gas connections leak. Make sure the electrical system is adequate. Flickering lights and popping breakers are the sign of a problem. Anchor handrails and grab bars adequately.

2. Preventive maintenance. Repair any leaks in the roof, seal gaps in the siding, paint bare wood, replace damaged decking, patch cracks in concrete, and caulk around tubs and showers.

3. Conserve energy. Install a programmable thermostat, weatherstrip doors and windows, fix leaking faucets, upgrade insulation, and replace leaky windows.

4. Go green. Consider environmentally friendly materials for windows, doors, siding, decking, fencing, roofing, flooring, and insulation.

5. Improve comfort. Get rid of clutter, open up spaces, update window treatments to allow in more light, and organize closets and storage.

Source: The Associated Press, James and Morris Carey (12/29/07)

 

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Chautauqua Snowmobile Season Begins

Top 10 Reasons To Join A Club:

(An article in  Snow Goer magazine by John T. Prusak)

 

10  Snowmobile clubs gain land access to create snowmobile trails.  Without the clubs securing land leases and paying insurance costs, no trails would cross private property, and that means the sport as we know it would not exist.  All this takes time, effort and money.

 

9  Snowmobile clubs clear and create trails.  After the land access is received, somebody has to go out and clear away the brush, cut down interfering limbs, haul out trash and smooth the base of the trail.  They also must build bridges over creeks, rivers and low spots, and that takes a lot of work and a lot of money.  This is all done by volunteers who truly love the sport.  Without these hidden heroes, either the trails would not get cleared, bridges would not get built and most trails would close, or some entity (say, the state) would have to pay a team of workers to do the grunt work.  And if that happened, you could expect to pay several hundred dollars, maybe even a thousand, to register your snowmobile each year.

 

8  In most areas, members of the snowmobile clubs groom the trails.  Sometimes these groomer operators get a token fee for their hard work, but the dollar-per-hour rate is menial at best, and that's when a groomer operator actually gets paid.  Again, these are more of the hidden heroes who spend their time in a slow-moving groomer, tending to the trails and making them as smooth as they are.  Remember, if you are not a club member you have no right to complain about trail conditions.

 

7  While we're talking trails, who do you think puts up all the stop signs, the directional arrows and the signs that tell you the distance to the next gas station or restaurant?  If you said "the snowmobile clubs," give yourself 10 points and keep reading, because we've only just begun.

 

6  When funding is needed to pay for groomers, insurance or trails development, do you know where that money comes from?  Sure, the $15 or $20 people spend to join a snowmobile club helps, but in most states the money comes from snowmobile registrations and gas tax rebates.  Why does our sport get this money from the state?  Because our sport is organized.  If the state snowmobile association can talk about its 25,000 members, for example, and then those members call their local lawmakers and ask for support, the bill has a much better chance of getting funded.  Furthermore, it is the snowmobile clubs and state associations that fight the battles to open public lands to snowmobilers, and there is strength in numbers.  Become one of those numbers.

 

5  With some clubs and associations, membership brings financial benefits.  I know I get a couple grand worth of accidental death and dismemberment insurance, I get discounts at sponsoring businesses and I get the state publication.  All this and more, for a mere $15 a year.

 

4  Belonging to a club makes for better, safer snowmobiling.  That's right, surveys and accident statistics have shown that snowmobile club members have a much lower accident rate than non-club members.  Why?  Because club members tend to be conscientious, they tend to stress safety and they are aware of safe-riding issues.

 

3  Belonging to a snowmobile club gives you a great social outlet for your favorite hobby.  You can attend club rides, go to club meetings, take part in club fundraisers or take a club trip to a faraway snowmobiling destination.  Belonging to a club gives you a good opportunity to ride with different people, experience different area and hang out with people who have similar interests.

 

2  Belong to a snowmobile club makes you part of the solution instead of part of the problem.  If you think the snowmobile trails should be groomed more often, that a certain trial should move to the opposite side of the road or if you consider some corners on the trail dangerous or poorly marked, get involved.  Most snowmobile clubs seek fresh opinions and want more feedback from users.

 

1  And the No. 1 reason to join a snowmobile club:  It's just the right thing to do.  For all the reasons listed above and many more, you should belong to a snowmobile club.  The costs are minimal, the benefits are nice and it is your responsibility to support the sport,  It's cheap, it's simple and it's right.

 

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

 

WHAT’S HAPPENING NEW YEARS AROUND CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

• There will be a punk show at the Rec Center in Dunkirk tonight, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5. It's a good way to burn off some of those extra pounds acquired from eating all that holiday food with a little slam dancing. Plus you can show off the new Christmas sweater or Volcom hoodie, whichever the case may be. The following bands are scheduled to play: Maero, Sounds of Goodbye, Fallen Union, Done Deal, Wake up Dead, Lucy. The Dunkirk Rec Center is located on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds.

• Kool & the Gang will put on a show at the Seneca Niagara Casino on Saturday and Sunday, with performances at 6 and 8 p.m. each night (Sunday's shows are sold out). They are, of course, famous for such hits as "Jungle Boogie," "Celebration" and "Get Down On It."

• BJ's hosts their annual New Year's Eve Eve Party on Sunday, Dec. 30. This ever-popular fictional holiday is just like a regular New Year's Eve event, only a day earlier and free of the amateurs who will be stumbling around Fredonia Monday night. All the good stuff that goes with a party at BJ's will be there. Ages 21 and up only, please.

• At 41 West this weekend, Side Effects performs Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring Bill Smith and Marshall Seddon. On Sunday, there's football game watching and a fund-raiser for the Infinity Dance & Cheer Team, starting at 12:30 p.m. For $5, it's all you can eat; there will also be drink specials, raffles and half-time giveaways.

41 West will also have a New Year's Eve Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with DJ Joe Gould, no cover charge, drink specials and — a very good idea — designated drivers available after midnight.

• Of course, downtown Fredonia will be chock-full of New Year's Eve festivities — many of which are still in the works as I'm writing this, but walk into a bar downtown on Monday night and I'm sure you'll find a party.

• A New Year's Eve Ball will be held at the new Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center Dec. 31 in Mayville from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., with live music by Frank Sinatra impersonator Nick Ballistella and the Babalou Band, with a cash bar, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $15 per person and $25 for a couple. Call 269-STAY.

• The annual Torchlight Parade will be held at Cockaigne Ski Area in Cherry Creek at 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Skiers will ski a pattern down the slopes with lighted flares. For more information, call 287-3223.

THE BIG GAME

The Ice Bowl is only a few days away, with the Sabres playing the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 1 in the NHL's second-ever outdoor game, held 1 p.m. at Rich Stadium. For those Sabres fans who don't have tickets (i.e. most of us) it will also be televised on NBC. Will the weather cooperate? Will anyone be willing to pay $2,500 for two luxury box tickets, for sale on eBay? And, most importantly, will the Sabres do us proud? Only time will tell.

A big viewing party will also be held in HSBC arena (tickets are $5). Four lucky fans attending the festivities could win tickets to the game and will be taken to Rich Stadium in a limousine. Or, you could just stay home and watch the game.

I hope everyone's holidays were wonderful and that your New Year's Eve plans to have an awesome time will not be thwarted, as mine likely will be. Oh, and don't drink and drive.

April Diodato is an OBSERVER Staff Writer and can be reached at 366-3000 ext. 488 (leave a message if not there) or by e-mail at adiodato@observertoday.com or diod1163@fredonia.edu.

 

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Vacation Home Survival Guide

The Ins and Outs

Vacation Home Survival Guide
Andrew Beattie

The American Dream has undergone a fair amount of change over the last 50 years. Sometime after cars and televisions became a regular part of even the lowest income earner's life, it became fashionable to buy a second home--a vacation home. These are the cottages on the lakeside, the cabins in the mountains and the huts on the beach that sit empty 90% of the year while their owners are banking time for the next vacation--and footing the bill for the mortgage and property taxes.

There is, of course, an alternative to letting your cottage molder during the downtime. You can rent it out to other people looking to enjoy some time away from work.

Buying A Second Home
Keeping a primary residence is an enormous financial decision. Keeping a second home is a step up in magnitude because a second home has all the costs (often more) of your first home without the easy write-offs from the IRS. By and large, second homes are often a terrible financial burden rather than a good investment.

One of the litmus tests of whether you should have a second property is whether you can handle an all-cash purchase. This will help you to avoid passive losses because your mortgage payments will be nonexistent.

If you are set on getting a vacation home but don't have the capital for an all-cash purchase, do not take a second mortgage on your home. The IRS has closed the loophole where a person could use a second mortgage to purchase a separate investment property while still deducting his or her mortgage from taxes.

If you take a mortgage on your primary residence to buy a second home, you will not be allowed to deduct the payments as personal mortgage interest. If you intend to borrow for a second home, you will have to settle for another mortgage that is not tax-deductible. Again, it is probably best to hold off until you have enough capital to buy the property outright.

As It Stands
Current tax rules surrounding second homes, vacation homes and investment-class second homes have changed more frequently than those of primary residences. As of now, if you currently own a second home for personal use, you are allowed to rent it, or your primary residence, to another party for up to two weeks (14 nights) without reporting any of the income.

On the flip side, a second home is considered an investment property if you spend less than two weeks in it and then attempt to rent it the rest of the time. It is important to remember that, with the advent of resorts and such, the demand for a cabin in the woods may come only at the peak times--the same period of time you would probably want to use the property.

Although taxes for investment properties have been traditionally softer than for other types of investing, second homes seem to be a gray spot for the IRS. All rental losses are passive losses or hobby losses, and these can only be used against--written-off against--income from other passive activities like other rentals, a private partnership you don't help operate or an S-corporation.

Passive losses that you can't use are carried forward until you sell the vacation home. When you sell the property, the past losses can be used to offset any gains, and, if you have more passive loss write-offs afterward, you can claim them against regular income.

You can, however, deduct up to $25,000 a year, if your adjusted gross income is less than $100,000, or you actively participate in the management of the property. This tax break vanishes at $150,000 adjusted gross income. If you are between $100,000 and $150,000, you qualify for half the deduction. This seems foolish, as most of the people who can afford to buy a second home will have an adjusted gross income far above these numbers.

Still, the real challenge is in the second condition. You can use the yearly deduction if you or your spouse want to become a qualified real estate professional and actively manage the property that is posting the passive losses. Be warned, however, the IRS is not likely to believe that you hold a full-time job and moonlight as a property manager. You will need a detailed journal on why, when, where and what you are doing as a property manager in order to prove your case.

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

 

Should I Buy a Vacation Home

Like any investment, it can be risky. Location and current market conditions are extremely important when deciding whether to buy.

Other things to consider:

Will you be able to afford repairs, maintenance, insurance, and utilities?

What about fees to pay agents who rent the property for you?

If you live several miles away from your vacation home, who will clean up between tenants and take an inventory of household items once the tenants leave?

What if you are unable to rent your second home? Can your pocketbook withstand the strain of paying the mortgage?

 

The second home market has more ebbs and flows than the primary home market. Sales are iffy in a bad economy except, perhaps, on the high-end. That said, there is a growing trend toward the purchase of vacation homes. They are being bought for investment purposes, enjoyment, as well as retirement. In the latter instance, some people are buying with the idea of turning a vacation home into a permanent retirement haven down the road, a move that puts them ahead of the game now.

Some of the tax benefits of a second home mirror those for a primary residence. Before taking the leap, however, ask yourself if you can afford to carry two mortgages, maintain two households, and pay the extra utilities and maintenance costs. Also, learn about financing requirements and options, which can differ slightly from those on a primary residence.

 

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

 

 

Merry Christmas

Rick & Julia McMahon

 

Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail

Event Information

Wine and Cheese Weekend Date:  May 03, 2008 (Sat) - May 04, 2008 (Sun) Time:  10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cost:  $21 per person     Place:  All Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail participating wineries Forestville, NY 14063   Phone:  888-965-4800 Email:  Email Event Organizer Id:  #160369   * Confirm the details. LocalWineEvents.com is not responsible for erroneous information. Add To My Calendar   |   Send to Friend

Event Details

Join the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail for their annual Wine and Cheese weekend being held May 3rd and 4th, 2008. Each winery will prepare a special Heluva Good cheese dish to be sampled with a complementary wine - come celebrate Mother's Day in a special way. Ticketholders choose their own itinerary and may visit the wineries in any order over the course of the two day event. One winery is designated as the pick-up point for your souvenir wine glass, recipe packet and special gift. Order your tickets on-line at www.chautauquawinetrail.org or call 888-965-4800, tickets will be mailed to you with a wine trail brochure which contains a map. More Info:  Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail Please tell them you found this event on LocalWineEvents.com For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com