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The Magic of Lighting Up the Town
ELLICOTTVILLE - Each year as a part of Christmas in Ellicottville, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce lights up the village with holiday lighting on the streetside trees. “The project, which began in 2016, has been supported by many donations and from the Chamber’s operating budget, and I thought it might be a good time to provide some interesting facts,” said Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Since 2016, we have installed just under 30,000 feet of lights - new and replacements, which altogether equals 57,000 light bulbs! The average annual cost, with labor, over the 8 years since we started is $4,500. I must say that in the early years, we did a lot of experimenting with various types of lights and installation methods and we now have a solid plan in place.”
Warrior Fitness Opens Second Loction
New year, new you. That’s an old adage that becomes very prominent as we head from 2023 into 2024. Maybe you want to make some changes to your life - set new fitness goals, lose weight, take up a healthier lifestyle. Whatever your reason, figuring out how to start those plans and sticking to them is something we all struggle with. But help is here locally in the form of Warrior Fitness and Wellness and soon, there will be even more opportunity to “become a warrior” when their new location opens in Little Valley. ellicottvilleNOW spoke with owner Bradley Poole about what prompted the expansion and what his plans are from this point.
Welcome New Town Historian: Ellen Frank
When Mary Elizabeth Dunbar left Ellicottville to live with her family, the Ellicottville Town Historian post became vacant. Admittedly, Mary Elizabeth left behind big shoes, so it takes someone with energy and experience, with creds and with the ability to continue stimulating the community interest in our town and village’s history. Thankfully, Ellen Frank was in the wings, serving over the years in multiple capacities with the Ellicottville Historical Society.
Rail Trail Awarded Grant
ORCHARD PARK - In the latest round of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative awards, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. has been awarded an Environmental Protection Fund - Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grant of $278,800 through NYS Parks. These funds, along with a grant from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, as well as ECRT funds, will be used to assess the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford, and determine a cost estimate for a new decking design incorporating features based on public and stakeholder input. ECRT will also design and construct a trail approaching from the north to the bridge. This key bridge will be a highlight of the ECRT and future Southern Tier Trail.
2023 Year in Review
It’s a word you see often in ellicottvilleNOW: COMMUNITY. And it’s no wonder why. Our area has mastered the art of coming together - whether it be helping families in need and fundraising for local organizations, supporting school projects and cheering on our athletes, embracing the #shopsmallsbusiness movement by lifting each other up, or sharing in the many feel-good events and activities that take place in our corner of WNY that we just can’t seem to get enough of. No matter what the occasion, our businesses, our residents, our volunteers… we bring people together.
What Can Your Sign Expect for the First Half of 2024?
This is a special article to help you get a finger on the pulse of the first half of the new year!2024-2025 will bring so much upheaval and change, you won’t recognize your “old” life. Look at how our world has changed drastically and dramatically since 2020.
Why Do New Year Resolutions Fail?
Every time January 1st hits, so do resolutions. I am amazed at the number of quick fixes, diets and new fitness equipment that fills every available commercial spot year after year. Fitness equipment is now so amazing that all you need is 14 minutes a session and you will lose fat and get ripped. Interestingly enough, the person portraying the wanna-be-athlete is typically already ripped and super good looking. I have known too many folks who have bought into this fantasy, only to be sadly disappointed by the actual amount of work that needs to go into getting their fitness and health back on track. So disappointed, they quit altogether.
Toys for Tots 2023 An Epic Success
CHAUTAUQUA – ERA Team VP Real Estate and Vacation Rentals proudly announces the overwhelming success of their 2023 Toys for Tots Campaign, a heartwarming initiative that aimed to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season. With a goal set to collect 500 toys, ERA Team VP surpassed all expectations by collecting a remarkable total of 507 toys. This generous outpouring of support will undoubtedly bring smiles to the faces of countless local children during the holiday season.
Holiday Week in the 14731
“Snow or No Snow, Ellicottville is Always a Show.” This is the new slogan for this year’s holiday season. Truer words have never been spoken. (Probably.) We all know that the minute the snow flies and the lifts start turning, snowsports enthusiasts call our town their second home. Skiers and snowboarders from all over make the trip out here to hit the slopes for their outdoor adventures. And it’s always an amazing time. But the fun doesn’t stop on the hills. And it doesn’t stop just because the snow does.
Pancio Family Continues Heartfelt Tradition
OLEAN - In what was once an Olean tradition, Santa Claus would make a special visit to town to greet children and share his wisdom. Santa on the Rooftop, which began humbly in the 1960s on the roof of George Pancio’s Main Street house, would come to draw hundreds of children annually on a night just before Christmas.
What’s Happening at HoliMont?
Our highly anticipated opening day is just around the corner. We are thrilled to announce that we will be opening our doors to our members and special guests on Saturday, December 23rd, continuing through to Sunday, December 31st. Starting January 1st, we will be delighted to welcome the public Monday through Friday.
New Year’s Eve Plans?!
The holidays are upon us and that means that 2024 is knocking on the front door, waiting to evict 2023 like a ferociously aggressive landlord. It’s been a time, but we aren’t looking back today. (Pick up next week’s paper for the full reflection of 2023.) Today we are thinking about partying.
Insider’s Guide to Edna’s at The Tamarack Club
ELLICOTTVILLE - Holiday Valley, one of the leading ski resorts in the East, is thrilled to announce the opening of Edna’s at the Tamarack Club, which will take the place of the former John Harvard’s Restaurant. The name pays homage to Edna Northrup, one of the founding members of Holiday Valley and a pioneer in the resort's history. A complete renovation of the dining space began on October 10th to create an open concept dining experience.
Horticulture Training Program
ELLICOTTVILLE - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County’s Master Gardener Program is excited to announce their next Master Gardener 14-week training class. Classes begin Tuesday, March 5, 2024 and will occur every other Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm at 28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, NY. There is a remote Zoom option available if you are unable to attend in-person. Tuition is $125.00 which includes all materials.
New Restaurant Honors Local Legend
When one door closes, another one opens, and in this case, quite literally. John Harvard’s in the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley Resort is no more, but that left the space for something new to begin. Edna’s at the Tamarack Club (named after the local legend, Edna Northrup) is now open for business.
Local Salon Undergoes Transformation
It’s the time of year, not just for giving, but also for reflection. We’re heading into 2024 and making changes, growing, adapting - that’s what it’s all about. And that’s exactly what spurred local business owner, Trina Phillippi into reforming her space. EVL Hair Lounge is now open at 5 E. Washington Street in Ellicottville, in the former Enix Salon location.
City Garage Under New Ownership
Late in September on a sunny morning on the porch of 13 Elk Street, ownership of City Garage Ski Shop changed hands from Sean and Elizabeth Lowes to Trey and Mila Clauss. Sean reflects on his transition approach, “It is most important for me to maintain the legacy of The City Garage; it was never put up for sale on the open market – in my brain, the right answer was always to pass the torch to Trey who has worked so hard for us since 2001 and has, over 20 plus years, significantly contributed to the growth and direction that the shop has taken. The business never would have been successful without my sister Patra’s artistic merchandising skills and with Elizabeth managing all business aspects.”
Join a Winter Snowshoe Trek
SALAMANCA - Join Allegany State Park every Tuesday evening at 4:30pm for a trek into the sunset. Beginning January 9th, Park Naturalists will lead interpretive snowshoe treks, weather depending, or hikes if there is not enough snow. Witness a breathtaking winter sunset, visit a secret beaver pond or hike along a creek. Meeting places and hikes will vary. (See the schedule below.) Please be sure to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, water, a snack, and a sense of adventure. Do you need snowshoes? No problem! The Park has several pairs to rent for FREE! Please call to reserve snowshoes by noon the day of each hike. For more information contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-354-6263.
Audubon to Host Holiday Camps
JAMESTOWN – Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) is offering two Holiday Camps when children can explore the outdoors, play, climb, run, and engage their senses as they discover all that winter embodies. The Holiday Camps will take place Wednesday, December 27th for ages 5-11 and Thursday, December 28th for...
Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
The holidays can be a real challenging time of year for your waistline and fitness routines. You may wonder, “Is it possible to celebrate the season without packing on extra pounds?” The answer is YES!. Being health-conscious doesn't necessarily mean that you can't enjoy the holiday season and...
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ellicottvilleNOW is a locally owned & operated, community and tourism-driven newspaper promoting current news and events/activities in Ellicottville, NY and surrounding areas. ellicottvilleNOW is published every other Thursday, year-round, and is available for FREE in print and online at www.ellicottvilleNOW.com. Published by DesignPerks of Ellicottville, ellicottvilleNOW is supported solely by its advertisers and boasts attractive content and professional layout. With over 20 years of experience in the Ellicottville newspaper industry and backed by a team of experienced journalists and graphic designers, we maintain a passion to provide residents and visitors with an all-inclusive news source that is both informative and entertaining, greatly enhancing the paper’s desirability and our clients’ branding.
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