Just because it isn’t snowing does not mean you can’t enjoy winter.  You don’t even have to go outside!  With warmer temperatures interrupting our periodic if brief arctic blasts, why not take advantage of the weather by paying a visit to the Greater Olean Outdoor and Recreation Sports Show, January 28^th and 29^th.  Be sure to note the location.  The event will take place at the Daniel Carter Events Center, 2383 West Five Mile Road Extension in Allegany, just off Route 86 at the Allegany exit (24).

Meme Yanetsko, the Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, likes the mid-winter date.  This year’s event marks the third such sports show, but the first time it will be held in January, rather than September.   There was no sports show last year.  And it used to be held at the William O. Smith Recreation Center, near Bradner Stadium.  So why do the move?  Yanetsko said it was a great location because of the park and parking facilities, but timing did not work well for the vendors.  She noted, “Charters were still out on the water, and a lot of the outfitters weren’t gearing up yet.  This year, knock on wood, we’re looking pretty good.”  It should also be noted that Bradford will not be hosting a similar exhibition this year.

The Chamber sought out a different location for the outdoor sports show because it’s ice hockey season at the Recreation Center.  Yanetsko is pleased to be at the Daniel Carter Events Center.  The setup will be a bit different.  “We can fit about 56 booths in there, eight by eight (feet).  You could fit 100 in the Rec Center because it’s an ice skating rink.  But I feel like it (the change) should be a good fit for all involved.”

The number of expected vendors varies slightly from day to day, but Yanetsko expects to see 41 vendors at the show.  Exhibits will center on anything to do with outdoor sports, regardless of the season, such as camping, paddle sports, hiking, cycling, fishing, snowmobiling, bird watching, and sporting equipment.  Sponsors are CUTCO Company Corporation, Ka-Bar Knives, Ron’s Gun Shop, Microtel Inn of Olean, Premo Limo, Hertz/Mallory’s Autobody, and Amazing Aerial Photos.com.

Visitors to the sports show can browse, shop, and even schedule a spring fishing charter, according to Meme Yanetsko.  “Most of the fishing charters are coming with their calendars, so you can charter your boat trip out on any of the lakes or ponds.”

As for past attendance (in September of 2010), the show probably attracted about 50 vendors and 1200 visitors.  Yanetsko says this year, “With 41 vendors, I am happy with that number.  They are all in the (sporting) industry and are all paying vendors.  This year we are really targeting hunting and fishing, as well as the other (outdoor recreational) sports.”

Among this year’s attractions are special guest Roger Raglin, producer of the popular television show “Roger Raglin Outdoors.”  You can check out the Camp Cando Recreational Home by Owl Homes outside the Events Center.  There will be raffles for sporting goods prizes, or you can ask Dr. Al-Humadi about sports medicine or arthroscopic treatments.  Dr. Al-Humadi is attending courtesy of Olean General Hospital and will give a presentation as well as take questions.

Hours for the Greater Olean Outdoor and Recreation Sports Show are Saturday January 28^th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday January 29^th from 10-4.  Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors.  Children 12 and under are free with an adult.

The Cattaraugus County Planning Board put the lid on another year of activities during their December 8^th meeting.  But no worry, some items of long standing will carry over into the year 2012.

Salamanca Zoning Along Broad St.

The City of Salamanca had requested zoning text and map amendments for property along Broad Street (Route 417).  There have been no issues in obtaining zoning changes to allow plans to proceed, which would allow for future commercial development. Senior Planner James Isaacson said that the Planning Board previously looked at parcels on the south side of Broad Street.  The latest parcels are across the street from the previous re-zoning, and are on the north side. “We were not told of any specific proposals, it’s just a request to have that area re-zoned,” according to Isaacson.  The County Planning Board raised no objections.

Town of Allegany Comprehensive Plan

Also approved is the revised Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Allegany.  Town officials held an informational session open to Town residents earlier this fall.  Allegany is looking at an ambitious agenda to not only accommodate the retail-recreational Bonaventure Square complex on the former Castle properties, but to inject new life into the former K-Mart plaza near the Route 86 Allegany exit (Exit 24). The plaza has sat vacant for many years.  As in Ellicottville, the Comprehensive Plan encompasses non-glamorous but nonetheless important aspects like expanding the infrastructure, to allow for increased water and sewer use.  Allegany is also embracing a policy to allow for sidewalks along roadways leading up to new construction, to allow for better pedestrian access. The County Planning Board raised no objections to amendments made to the plan by the Town.  Copies of the plan are available on-line at the Town of Allegany web site.

Perrysburg Cell Phone Tower

The County Planning Board approved a request from the Town of Perrysburg for a special use permit to add a microwave dish on an existing cell phone tower.

HoliMont Greer Lift Extension

The county board reviewed a proposal by HoliMont to expand the Greer Hill Ski Lift by an additional 350 feet downhill from its current end point.  County Planner James Isaacson noted that, “The slope is being extended down primarily to provide an increase to the deceleration zone for skiers.  They needed a use variance which is what triggered it (the proposal) to come before our board.” The requested changes, however, were denied at the village level the week following the County Planning Board meeting.  The Zoning Board of Appeals cited the impact on residential neighbors.

Next Meeting

Looking ahead, the County Planning Board will take care of some appointments at their next meeting on January 26^th at the County Center in Little Valley.  Expect many if not all of the current officers to be re-appointed.  Board offices to be filled are for four officers, currently held by Chairman Charles Couture, Vice Chairman Paul Mager, Secretary Ann Padlo, and Assistant Secretary Michael Zaprowski.  Officers’ terms run for one year, with appointments set by the board at the beginning of the New Year.

In the pre-computer days of radio, remote start proved to be very handy.  Just imagine, an announcer could start and stop a tape deck from another room. Or turn the transmitter on and off by sometimes using an old fashioned looking dial-up rotary type telephone device. Kept you from having to go “up the hill” to turn on the power.

Snowmaking control these days is going steps well beyond such technology.  At Holiday Valley, which opened on Tuesday, they have turned to a web-based application.  Director of Mountain Operations Steve Crowley says the app can be accessed from a smartphone.  “It’s automation, something we haven’t done before.” The application allows an operator to remotely start and stop 28 automated snow guns at Holiday Valley, and is part of the resort’s capital project for this year.  “It cuts the startup time from an hour (down) to ten minutes.” The new application can currently control twenty eight automated snow guns.  That number will eventually be expanded. “We operate probably eighty to 140 guns at one time.” Startup the old-fashioned way requires someone to start each gun individually.

Automated snowmaking can also control the type of snow coming out of the guns. The ratio of compressed air to water can be controlled and adjusted to the temperature and humidity.  As the temperature and humidity drop, the guns can lower the amount of air being used, and vice versa. The quality of snow can be maintained.

Holiday Valley had originally planned to open on Wednesday, December 14^th, but decided to open a day earlier since the weather allowed.  Crowley noted that only a handful of trails would be open on Tuesday, with more lifts opening Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Donations and a community working together have risen over $160,000 to help cover the cost of the operation desperately needed by an Amish baby from Cattaraugus County.  Amos Hertzler, the 1-year-old son of Aaron and Katieann Hertzler, was born with a rare condition in which his esophagus does not attach to his stomach, called esophageal atresia. Esophageal atresia is a congenital defect of the digestive system where the esophagus fails to develop properly. This prevents food from traveling from the mouth to the stomach, and occurs in about 1 in 4,000 births nationwide.

The most common cases involve the upper esophagus from connecting to the lower esophagus and stomach, and the top end of the lower esophagus connects to the windpipe.  Cases of esophageal atresia need to be treated as quickly as possible to avoid potential damage to the child’s lungs due to stomach acid, and so the child can feed properly.  The infant could potentially breathe saliva and secretions into the lungs, so care must be taken to keep the lungs clear.

Amos relies on a feeding tube for nutrients, and has a tube in his throat to drain away the accumulating fluids, and major surgery is needed to save the child’s life, with his medical care costing about $250,000.  Currently, the child is scheduled to begin a series of complicated surgeries in Mid-December at Children’s Hospital in Boston, a process that could take a several months to complete. The Children’s Hospital in Boston is one of the few facilities in the nation that perform the surgery that would allow Amos to eat without the aid of a feeding tube.

The family plans to travel to Boston either by Amtrak or by car if they can arrange the transport.  The Hertzler’s, who are a traditional Amish family, do not have health insurance, since they believe that a family must be self-sufficient, and that as long as the community works together the way they are supposed to, they feel they do not need it. Therefore, they must raise money through donations, charity, and auctions to pay for the procedure.

In Mid-October, the Hertzler’s held an auction at the Cattaraugus County Fair Grounds in Little Valley, with over 2,000 attendants, which raised about $120,000, but are still seeking funds to cover the remaining costs.

Traditional Amish, or Old Order Amish, live according to the principles of rejecting pride, arrogance and haughtiness, and embracing humility.  The Amish shy away from drawing attention from the outside world, and avoid newspaper coverage and photographs, since they consider that to be setting them apart and being prideful.

The members of the Amish community can use many modern technologies, but rarely own those technologies themselves.  As such, you can often find Amish riding in cars with their “English” or non-Amish neighbors, but you will not find them owning their own car.  The Hertzler family has received help from Kaleida Health and care from Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

Noah Hertzler, the boy’s uncle, said in an interview with the Buffalo News that donations have come from as far away as Florida and Maine, thanks to news coverage.  The rest of the money has come from individual donations to the Cattaraugus County Bank’s Amos Hertzler Hospital Fund.  Donations can be made to The Amos Hertzler Hospital Fund at the Cattaraugus County Bank, P.O. Box 227, Little Valley, NY 14755.

Story and Photos
by John Thomas
Staff Writer

In a kid friendly town it’s hard to imagine a more kid friendly house than this one. Situated on a large lot on a quiet road, this is a great house in which to raise a family. The main floor is well laid out with the master bedroom and the two kids rooms on the same floor; assuring that Mom and Dad can hear if the kids have any problems. Wall-to-wall carpeting warms the main living areas. The kitchen and dining areas are spacious and well laid out. Downstairs is unfinished and available for whatever needs suit the new owners. There is plenty of space to create a family or game room. The oversized two-car garage also has lots of storage, and its own walk out door to the driveway.
A large deck wraps around two sides of the home, and has a nice view of the back yard, and the mountains. In the yard is a swing set, the driveway, and a parking pad on the upper level just off the front door. Everyone knows that the Ellicottville area is known for its non-school related activities such as skiing, golf, and hiking; but in fact, both the school district (Franklinville) grammar and high schools, are considered excellent. Many graduates go on to the major universities. Why would you want to raise kids anywhere else? For more information about this home contact Team Pritchard at (716) 699-4800.

The deck commands a view of the back yard as well as the distant mountains.

Just off the kitchen is the dining room. The linoleum floor keeps spills under control, and there is a sliding glass door to the deck.

The roomy kitchen has Corian counter tops, oak cabinets, a corner sink with windows, and a breakfast bar. It also has access to the deck to keep the barbeque close by.

The master bedroom is on the same floor as the kids bedrooms, for a little extra peace of mind. It has access to the deck and its own large bath.

The living room is painted in calming soft pastels, and wall to wall carpeting provides warmth underfoot.

By: John Thomas
Staff Writer

Town Supervisor John Burrell waited a full ten minutes after 6pm Wednesday night to start the meeting of the Town Board, in order to let the public find their way to the board room for the public hearing. At 6:10pm he called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. He then formally opened the public hearing. As there were no members of the public at the meeting, it moved along quickly. On Monday night the board had met to go over the preliminary budget, and Supervisor Burrell noted that he had increased the general fund by $10,000 to account for extra police presence for next years Fall Festival. He went on to announce that the property tax will be $1.21 per $1,000 assessed property value, up from $1.12 this year. He pointed out that this is in compliance with the states cap allowing only a 2% increase in property taxes. He also said he was pleased to provide a budget for the town that is also within the 2% cap. He mentioned the budget calls for paying off the loan for the restoration of the brick on the exterior of town hall. The move will save us interest in future years. Mr. Burrell also mentioned that there has been a tremendous increase in the costs of the state retirement accounts, and that workman’s compensation cost have also risen dramatically. But he pointed out that he and the board have effectively held the line on spending, and that the budget allows for a 2% pay increase for the towns non-union employees if they qualify. There was no input from the floor, so a motion was made and passed to close the public hearing. The Chairman asked the board members if they had any other questions or discussion of the budget. They did not and a motion was made to adopt the budget, which passed.
The Villager received an advance copy of the budget, and in looking it over can confirm that the only substantial increases in the budget are State Retirement and Worker’s Compensation, as the chairman had mentioned. State Retirement will go from $26,312 in 2011 to $42,399 next year. Likewise Worker’s Compensation increases to $9,817 from $4,673 last year. Costs will be decreasing in the Supervisor’s and Assessors’ offices, and there will be some savings in insurance payments. Copies of the budget will be available to the pubic at the town office on Friday.

Story and Photos
by John Thomas
Staff Writer

If you’re the sort of person for whom Winter can’t come soon enough, or loves to turn out gourmet meals for family and friends, or loves to curl up in front of a fire with a good book and a glass of wine, or has to be the first person on the lift every morning, or loves to rest tired achy muscles in a hot tub or sauna (because you were the first person on the lift), or if you’re like all of the above: have I got a house for you. Perched high up on Upper Road, just off Holiday Valley Road, this home is just a snowballs throw from Holiday Valley, perfect for getting your freshies (fresh power, in case you didn’t know).
But this house has more going for it than proximity to the slopes. With four bedrooms and three full baths, it’s got plenty of room for family and guests. The bottom floor has a large family room; one end has hooks and benches for stowing snow gear. The sauna has its own shower, and next to it a half bath. There is a large bunk room that can sleep six. Up a short flight of stairs is the main level. Two more bedrooms are on this floor, and a full bath. The living room has a view through the trees to Holiday Valley so you can keep and eye on the ski conditions. At the far end is a wood burning fireplace for curling up with your iPad. Along the interior wall is a fill bar with wine storage. The high open beam ceiling adds a touch of alpine lodge to the room. Outside are two large decks on each end of the house. The one off the kitchen holds the barbeque and outside eating area, while the other deck has a built in hot tub.
This house had a distinct chalet feeling to it, and yet it’s too big and too sophisticated to really be called a chalet. Let just say it’s just about the perfect ski house. For more information on this home contact Amy DeTine at 716-583-3769 or Ciji Riley at 716-244-8924, Both are at ERA Vacation Properties.

Kitchen: Beautiful cabinets set off the Viking gas range with griddle, and the side by side sub zero refrigerator. The Corian counter tops tie the colors together, and make for an efficient kitchen.

Living: The late morning sunlight floods the living room through the large bank of windows. A wood burning fireplace is at the far end of the room. The windows run all the way over to the dining area, and frame the view of Holiday Valley.

Dining: Just off the living room the dining area has room for an oversized dining table. Guests at the table can see Holiday Valley. Note the earth toned stone tile floor.

Master: The third floor master suite has its own private balcony, two skylights, his and hers closets, and a full bath.

It’s been another fantastic year for the Ellicottville peewee Eagles, who finished the regular season with a five and one record under head coach Brad Hurly; four of their five victories coming by way of consecutive shutouts. An impressive feat considering that the team of twenty-three featured only three 3rd year players, and fifteen first year players who have never taken a snap in a coached league.
Brad Hurly, who finishes his 13th year of coaching the Eagles, will be taking his team to the play-offs in the coming weeks. Sunday, October 2nd was “only the second regular season game we’ve lost in three years” says Hurly; the loss game at the hands of the Allegany-Limestone Gators in a day of bitter rain and cold. Assistant Coach Jess Stuve is “excited to see how we come back from the loss” and has confidence in a good postseason run, saying, “we have a good chance of going a long way in the playoffs”.
Overall, Hurly is extremely happy with the season and team that is “one of the youngest and smallest in the league; there is a 125 pound weight limit and only three of my players are over 100 pounds.” When asked if anything stuck out this season, Hurly quickly answered, “everyone stepped up and played really well this season; it was a total team effort”, adding he is “so proud of all the kids, they have come a long way since day one and I’m proud of every one of them”.
Nicole Rust, mother of two Eagle players – Jonah Rust (second year) and Hayden Rust (first year) – spoke of the season, saying she was “very proud of the team. For such a young team with so many first year players they have proven themselves to be a strong group. Some of the kids were told they shouldn’t expect to win many games because of the inexperience, but they proved them wrong when they won five in a row with four coming by way of shut-out”. Speaking of the coaching staff, Mrs. Rust has nothing but praise; “They put a lot of time and energy into the practice and the coaches give a slot of their time for these kids. I believe it is a combination of great coaching and dedicated players that have brought them this far, and I believe they can win it all”.
If the Eagles win their playoff round, they will have a chance to compete in the league’s super bowl game. Regardless of how the postseason ends, the Eagles have had a season to remember. Hurly says he is already excited for next season, which looks to be a promising one. “Only five players are moving up to midgets, so we should have a really solid team next year” mentions the coach, who looks to build on the growing talent he coached this year in his 14th season in 2012.

University at Buffalo Architect Students Opening Reception April 29th

Freshman architecture students from the University at Buffalo have designed and are building a 96-foot-long string of wooden micro-dwellings that will open to the public later this month at Griffis Sculpture Park. Assembly of “The Living Wall” will conclude the week of April 25.
The UB School of Architecture and Planning is inviting the public as well as students, professors and critics to attend an opening reception and dedication ceremony for “The Living Wall” at 1 p.m. on April 29 at the main entrance of the Griffis Sculpture Park, 6902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto in Cattaraugus County.
The installation will stay up for at least 18 months at Griffis, where visitors will be able to climb on, over and through the interconnected micro-dwellings. Information on Griffis is available online at http://www.griffispark.org.
“Creating a full-scale structure gives first-year students an opportunity to see, firsthand, what the design and construction process is like from start to finish. They’ve gone from drawings and models to building a full-scale project,” said Christopher Romano, UB clinical assistant professor and one of four coordinating faculty members overseeing the students’ work.
The other faculty members are Clinical Associate Professor Shadi Nazarian and Adjunct Assistant Professors Nicholas Bruscia and Matthew Hume.
This year’s Living Wall, which consists of 12 micro-dwellings, is the second of its kind. Last year’s freshman class erected a similar community of tiny buildings, but the faculty members say that this year’s project will be distinct in the following ways: Last year’s Living Wall was straight. The formation of this year’s wall is closer to that of a boomerang, with a bend in the center. Some of the pods that form this year’s wall are about 12 feet high — significantly higher than any part of last year’s wall. This year’s wall contains a wider variety of geometries, with some individual units incorporating curved or pyramidal forms.
Working in groups of six to seven, about 80 students were tasked with creatively transforming uniform, wooden volumes measuring 6 by 6 by 8 feet to incorporate an entrance, day lighting, natural ventilation, and a minimum of five sleeping spaces.
The collaboration required at every phase, from design through construction, is giving students a taste of what the profession of architecture is like in the real world. Teamwork is a critical skill for architects, who must work not only with each other, but with clients, engineers and contractors as well.
Currently, the students are fabricating their projects in the architecture department’s Materials and Methods Workshop on UB’s South Campus. After assembling the structures at Griffis, members of each group will spend 24 hours living inside the creations.
Occupying the spaces will give students a better understanding of the successes and shortcomings of their designs. Building and inhabiting a common structure also helps to instill a sense of community among freshmen who will be learning and studying together for three more years.
Ultimately, The Living Wall challenges us all to think about our notions of privacy and how much space we need to live comfortably.
The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

Buffalo’s Broadway Market in Full Swing this Holiday Season
By Dean Whitcomb
Villager Staff

Still looking for a family activity for this Easter Season? Still have a few goodies on your list for basket stuffers? Don’t worry, you don’t have to look far and you’re not out of time…yet! Just make a short drive up to Buffalo, NY to Broadway Market. You’ll not only find all of your Easter needs, but much, much more!
According to the market’s website, “Broadway Market is 121 years old. Started by a group of citizens on a city donated parcel at 999 Broadway in 1888, the Broadway Market quickly became a community meeting place–a place ideal for combining business with socializing and for sharing with one another the latest in gossip and news from the old world.“
Over time, the market has expanded and now covers an entire block, bordered by Broadway, Lombard, and Gibson Streets. From its inception, the market became a place to find many “exotic delicacies as dates from Africa, black olives from Spain, cheeses from Italy, smoked salmon, jellied eels, rare wines and Kosher concoctions, among other unusual and fine products.”
Three different “physical structures” have been the home of Broadway Market in its 121 years. “The first Market structure burned down at the turn of the century. It was replaced by a high ceiling building, without heat, but twice as large as the original market. A third structure built in 1956, is the market’s current home, and has 90,000-square feet of retailing with two levels of free parking for 1,000 cars. In the mid-1980′s the City undertook a multi-million dollar renovation of the building which improved both lighting and access.”

Although famous for its “old world shopping” atmosphere and experience, along with its reputation for selling exotic goods, there really is no time of year quite like the Easter season at Broadway Market! During this season, the market showcases several live acts and performances from local performers. The Easter Bunny himself makes a trip to the market daily throughout the season to see all of the children that make their way through in time for Easter Sunday!

And it doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, April 16th 2011 at 1:00 P.M, Broadway Market will hold “The 3rd Annual Broadway Market Peep Eating Contest. Registration and sign in starts at 9 A.M. at the Information Table on day of the event. Participation in the contest is free, but space is limited, so sign up today…For more information, call the Broadway Market Office at 893-0705. Children 6 years and younger can participate in the Mini Marshmallow Eating Contest, in which rules allow for only one marshmallow to be eaten at a time.”
It truly is a site and an experience to behold. Broadway Market is a must-see for you and your family, and is especially so during this Easter Season! Take a family day-trip today and see what all the hype is about! For more information on Broadway Market, a full schedule of upcoming live performances, or for any other inquiries, visit www.broadwaymarket.org