For West Valley native Aaisha Haykal becoming an archivist is more than preserving the documents of our past; it about serving under-documented communities.  Specifically, for her it’s about preserving and disseminating the history of African Americans “I felt the history (of African Americans) wasn’t being told in the schools and in mainstream society.”   Aaisha feels it’s important to communicate the richness and depth of the African American experience to as wide an audience as possible. She is currently the African American Archival Fellow at the College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture.  Her work involves much more than cataloging preserving documents, she writes and maintains several on-line blogs and web sites celebrating Black history.

Aaisha grew up in West Valley, graduating  from West Valley Central School in 2005.  She received her BA degree in English and African American Studies from Syracuse University in 2009.  From there she went on obtain a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her sister, Aamina attends West Valley, and her parents Marayama and Hemza still live in West Valley.  Her work at the Avery Research Center began when she received the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program fellowship from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The fellowship is designed to address the very low number of African American archivists in the country.  To date less than 3% of all the nations’ archivists are Black.

When a family,  individual, or organization donates  papers and other materials to the center, it’s her job to go through the documents and create an inventory. Then she creates a finding aid to make the content accessible to the public. Some of her work has included the Lecque Family Papers, the Humane and Friendly Society, and Prince Hall Chapter No. 41 Order of the Eastern Star.  Her work is also posted on thehistorymakers.com, a web site devoted to celebrating the richness of African American experience.  At times donated materials may contain audio recordings; these oral histories are especially valuable on-line, where anyone “can listen to African Americans who have been important in our history.”  She also maintains the blog for the Avery Research Center and manages its Facebook page.

When asked about her dream job, her answer makes it sound as if she already has it, “I want to work closely with community organizations and individuals to preserve the records.”  But, she has aspirations to larger venues.  She has her sights set on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture being built in Washington, DC. With February being Black History Month, and with the release of George Lucas’ movie Red Tails about the Tuskegee Airmen; it seems Black history is moving a bit more into the mainstream.  If Aaisha has anything to say about it, that’s only the beginning.

Town Supervisor John Burrell opened the Town Board meeting Wednesday night with the news that the Jefferson Street Cemetery has been accepted for listing in the National Registry of Historic Places.  Supervisor Burrell then said he was going to go directly to the discussion about the Co-Operative Extension and Arboretum.   Mr. Burrell briefly went over the history of how the proposition for having the Town and Village take over the property arose.  The opportunity came along because Dianne Baker and Kate O’Stricker made a request to the Town and the Village to take ownership of the Co-Op building and Arboretum on the condition that the Co-Op continue to occupy the building.  Funding from the county has been cut so severely that the Co-Op can no longer afford to maintain the building and grounds.  Both Ms. Baker and Ms. O’Stricker were in attendance.  A committee had been formed with representatives from the Village, Town, and the Co-Op board to see what could be worked out.  Supervisor Burrell held up a drawing that showed the floor plan for the building.  He pointed out a colored area that indicated the part of the building the Co-Op would continue to occupy.  He pointed to a larger colored area that could potentially be rented out to offset the maintenance costs of the building.  The rest of the interior could be used by the Town and Village for office space, a conference room, and auditorium.  Those areas would be available to the general public.  The Arboretum would also be owned by the Town and Village and would still be open to the general public.

The Supervisor then introduced Village Mayor Charlie Coolidge who rose to address the thirty or so citizens attending the meeting.  The Mayor pointed out that the Village Attorney had said that the Village cannot go into a combined ownership agreement without moving something over.  Possibly the Planning Board or ZBA could meet there.   He went on to say the “Arboretum is a beautiful place” and that to lose it to condo development would be a shame.  The Mayor mentioned that the Village currently cuts the grass on the soccer field and could handle the mowing for the Arboretum and Co-op building but they would need volunteers to for the Arboretum.  With that several hands shot up from the audience, all apparently willing to continue their support.   Paul Kingston, who is on the Arboretum committee addressed the crowd to lend his support.  He mentioned the committee of Master Gardeners saying, “what they have done in the past few years is amazing.”

The costs of maintaining the building came up.  The building and the Arboretum together cost $38,000 per year to operate.  Dianne Baker provided a breakdown of the cost of the operation.  Mayor Coolidge pointed out what one of the pitfalls of joint ownership would be. “You get two boards together and one board wants to do it one way, and we want to do it another way, and pretty soon you’re at loggerheads.”  He said the Village Board would like to have the Town take over the building and the Village take over the Arboretum.  Jack Kramer who owns Ellicottville Landscaping said “sometimes an opportunity is born out of a crises.”   He went on to point out that setting aside land for green space is in the Town and Village code books.  He added, “we legislate it, so we have to have it.”  He said he would volunteer a full landscaping crew once a year to take care of whatever needs doing. Jack Rogan rose to point out that a property tax levy of 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed tax would be enough to provide funds to support the property.  He figured it would cost homeowners about $6 to $7 per year in increased taxes.  As a sitting judge he pointed out that the current courtroom is inadequate for many trials, and that the Co-Op building would make a better space.  Nancy Rogan gave an impassioned plea to maintain the Co-Op and the Arboretum, “Mr. Nannan created a park, he built soccer fields, and he built baseball fields.”  She felt we owed it to his legacy to preserve what he had created.  Her comment was greeted with a round of applause from the group.

There were several comments about programs that have already had to leave the building.  The Senior Nutrition Program that includes Meal on Wheels had to find new space in the fire house.  An agricultural program that provided support to the small farmers in the area has been eliminated.  Several citizens expressed the desire to see those programs return to the Co-Op.

Supervisor Burrell pointed out that there are some negatives to taking over the building.  He pointed out that the $38,000 figure is strictly operating costs, and that the board has to be careful in taking on an obligation with the State’s 2% cap on property tax increases.  He said we don’t know how long the building will last: the parking lot needs paving, and the boiler could fail, or the roof could need replacing.  Someone asked if the board had heard any negative comments about the acquisition.  There was a general sense that no one had heard a negative comment.  Mr. Burrell said he had been urged caution by someone, and Kenny Hinman reported that he had been told to “make it work.”  Mr. Burrell thanked the people for coming to the meeting and the board moved on to regular business.

The regular business consisted of moving into executive session to discuss some employee matters and the Co-Op Extension.  When they came out of the session the board dealt with more prosaic matters:  The town’s financial report was accepted.  Officer- in- Charge Don Auge was authorized to consider purchasing a Taser.  He reported that the new police car was great for traffic detail because it does not have a roof mounted set of lights.  They are inside which makes them more difficult to see until they are turned on.  Dave Golly reported that with the changing weather “the roads are heaving up pretty good.”  Translation: The roads are getting frost heaves.  The board considered two bids for workman’s compensation insurance.  They voted to accept the bid that would cover all full time employees for $166 per month.

In an informal discussion after the adjournment Supervisor Burrell said no decision on the Co-Op had been made yet, saying “We still have homework to do.”  He said that he and Kenny Hinman, with help from other board members and the Town Engineer, would look into the situation and come up with a budget for the next board meeting.  Trustee John Northrup was quick to point out that “there are no negative feelings on the part of the board”

Buffalo native Brian McKnight will be bringing his Just Me tour to the Jamestown Ice Arena on February 23.  The rhythm and blues singer was born in 1969. Growing up he sang in the choir for the Emmanuel Temple Church where his grandfather was minister.  Originally he wanted to be a song writer more than a performer, but eventually he signed a recording contract and moved into performing.  Now a multi-Grammy nominated performer he makes his home in Los Angeles, and is currently touring the country with his Just Me concert.

Although Brian’s family moved to Florida when he was ten years old, he has many memories of living in Buffalo.  “Buffalo is still my home town,” he tells me, calling from his home in California.  “I have so many fond memories. You can leave Buffalo, but it will still live in your insides.  Sometimes when I am someplace cold, I think ‘ya, I remember that,’” he jokes.  His older brother Claude and his band Take 6 got a recording contract and soon Brian was passing his demo tapes around to record producers.  At 18 he got his first contract to be a song writer, but soon after was signed as a performer. In 1992 his album Brian McKnight was released.  A multidimensional guy, Brian plays Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion and Drums. “Only nine,(instruments)” he quips.  Since that first album he has released ten more albums, most of which have gone platinum.  To date he has sold 20 million albums. The names of people he has collaborated with reads like a who’s who of the recording industry: Mariah Carey, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Vanessa Williams, Quincy Jones, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Willie Nelson, and Josh Groban; to name but a few.  Even though he has kept some fairly stellar company, he sounds surprised at the people he has worked with. “It’s amazing when others that you admire want to work with you.  You get that call, that someone wants to work with you, and you’re like. ‘Me?’”

For a while he had a radio and television show.  For four years he hosted a radio show with Pat Prescott on a Los Angeles station.  In 2009 he hosted The Brian McKnight Show on television; a late night talk show aired in syndication.  The show lasted only one year, but Brian is philosophical about it, “for me if you are successful or if you flop, at least you tried.”  He mentions the show was a learning experience.  He even appeared in the second season of Donald Trumps Celebrity Apprentice.  In 2007 he took to the stage appearing in the Broadway production of Chicago.  “I made some really good friends.  It was great to be part of an ensemble.”  He adds it was fascinating to be exposed to the world of stage acting.

Brian has been nominated 16 times for a Grammy, making him the most nominated artist without winning.  He has won numerous other awards: The 2000 Image Award for Outstanding Male Artist, and the Soul Train Award for Best R&B/Soul Male Album.  When our conversation moved to the Grammys, the mood turned serious.  He mentioned Whitney Huston right away.  “I spent time with Whitney at a pre-ceremony party.  She was looking good, she seemed  happy.”  He says he was on a golf course when he got a text that Whitney had died.  “It was beyond words what that feeling was like,” he adds.

Brian describes his Just Me tour as “basically a one man show, telling my life trough my music.”  He goes on to say it’s “one part music, one part comedy, one part theatrical.”  The show sounds very much like his life.  He’s taking it “on my terms.”  Tickets start at $30, to purchase call 716-484-2624.

Village Mayor Charles Coolidge started the Village Board Meeting Monday night by opening the public hearings to consider two propositions.  The first was Local Law #1 of the year 2012 to authorize, if necessary, a property tax levy in excess of the 2 % cap established by state law.  The second was to create Local Law #2 amending Local Law #3 of 2009, previously amended by Local Law #2 of 2011.  The new law would establish a new Commercial 3 zone in the Village.  In explaining the need for new local law #1 the Mayor explained that  someday, “we may have no choice” to raise property taxes above the 2% limit established by the state.  He was quick to point out that this year’s budget does not contain a tax increase, and that the Village had “held the line” on budget items this year.  The new zoning plan affects two current proposed projects in the Village.  The first is the Paladino property at the corner of Mill and Washington.  The other is the old bat factory by Parkside.   Before he went on, Mr. Coolidge said he wants to schedule a public hearing on the Village budget at the regular board meeting next month.  He said the Village had received its sales tax check from the state and the total was $88,606.61 – down about $20 from last year.  The mayor opened the floor to public comment, but at the time there was none.  He left the public hearing open and went on with the agenda, promising to re-visit the issues under new business.
New Water Meters for DPW
Head of DPW Harold Morton reported that the next batch of water meters has arrived, and they are beginning instillation. The new water meters are able to report water usage back to the village office.  The village can get a print out of the high and low water usage.  It could be helpful for determining if a home has a water leak.  If a homeowner wants to contest a water bill, the village can show the owner their exact water use.  Mr Morton said, “in the last couple of weeks we’ve been going nuts repairing broken water mains.”  A large leak on Elizabeth Street has been repaired as well as several others.
Constable’s Report
Constable Howard Gifford reported in the past month 60 parking tickets have been issued and that payments received for parking tickets came to just over $1,800.  There was a single arrest for harassment, and there was verbal altercation outside one of the bars, but the bouncers had taken care of it.  An intoxicated man at the Wingate had forgotten his room number and apparently created a fuss trying to find it.  He was escorted to the proper room.
Engineer’s Report
The Village engineer reported that the construction cost for the new water tank will be $1,300,000.00.  He laid out a plan to finance the construction with either a 15 or 30 year bond.  He pointed out it would benefit both the Town and Village and from a safety (fire protection) aspect alone it is a worthy project.  He also said once it is complete the Village would be able to take its water tank off line to repair it.  The mayor reported that Iskalo Corporation sent a letter to him saying they are going to test the ground on the properties adjacent to the old Signore site. 
Limit on Property Tax Hikes
The mayor then re-opened the meeting for comments about the Local Law overriding the states 2% limit on property tax hikes.  There was no comment from the citizens attending the meeting.  A motion was made to adopt the local law which passed on a role call vote. 
Commercial Zoning
Two members of the Village Planning Board were present to answer questions concerning the addition of a Commercial Zone 3 to the established zoning laws.  The new zone was established to allow for the re-use of buildings that have been damaged or abandoned.  This relates to the plans to refurbish the old bat factory and establish new businesses in it.  The new Commercial Zone 3 allows for light manufacturing, however Nancy Rogan pointed out that full blown manufacturing would not be allowed.  The intent was to allow crafts type manufacturing of small wood products.  It was further pointed out that any business that wants to go into the bat factory will have to apply for a special use permit, and that will give the Village Planning Board control.  She also pointed out the new zone also gives the Village control over damaged buildings.  If a building is over 50% damaged it must be removed, or less than 50% damaged must be rebuilt.  The new zone also affects the Paladino plans to move the Kwik-Fill and Apple Market.  One section of the property on 9 East Washington Street is being re-zoned from residential to Commercial  to allow for some parking spaces.  A motion was made to adopt the new zoning law which passed.
Acquisition of Co-Op Extension and Arboretum
There was discussion about the acquisition of the Co-Operative Extension and the Arboretum.  The current plan calls for the Co-Op selling the building and the arboretum to the Village and Town for $1.00.  The Village Attorney pointed out that he could see “a cumbersome situation” if the Town and Village attempt to share ownership of both the building and the arboretum.  The building requires $38,000 per year in maintenance, but no break down of the costs has been provided.  Its unknown how much of that is spent maintaining the arboretum.  As the conversation progressed it seemed to make more sense if the Town bought the building and the Village took over the arboretum.  One of the board members commented that he felt the Village had a “moral obligation” to preserve the arboretum.  It was decided to table any further discussion until the Town Board had met.  The mayor said he would talk to John Burrell about having the Town take over the building, and the Village the Arboretum. 
HoliMont Extension
As the board was about to go into executive session to discuss the HoliMont lawsuit Mr. Doug Oak rose to address the board.  He said the board was ignoring a positive aspect of allowing HoliMont to extend the lift down into the Village.  He pointed out that two properties have recently changed hands for $1,000,000 and $1,600,000, and that the new owners had bought the properties with the hope that the lift would be extended.  He said that the lift extension would increase the property values in the area.   Going on he pointed out that the board would not need to worry about passing a exception to the 2% property tax cap when the Village would have an increased tax base “right there, without spending a dime.” adding “the proof is in the tax records.” He was challenged by one of the board members who said Madison would be a street also affected by the lift.  He asked if anyone had asked the residents in the area if they wanted the lift.  Cindy Goodin pointed out that she had poled the area residents and found that a majority approved the plan.  The board member responded that he knew  several people on the Madison extension who are against the extension. The board then moved into executive session to discuss the lawsuit.

Coming soon to 42 Mill Street in Ellicottville, New York, Mill Street Gallery and Studios will feature workspace and a gallery showroom for regional artists Sean Huntington, Nance Jackson and Barbara Fox. The Grand Opening is taking place Saturday, February 25 from noon-9:00 p.m., with an opening reception from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Beginning February 26, regular business hours will be Thursday-Sunday from noon-5:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Huntington, Fox and Jackson have known each other for several years, having met through the Cattaraugus County Arts Council. Sean had the idea to open the gallery, which is just a short walk out of town up Mill Street. When he asked Barbara and Nance to collaborate with him, they jumped at the idea. The three artists typically spend a lot of time alone in their studios, so this new workspace will be very exciting for them as they will “not only have exposure to a new audience, but will be able to feed off of each other’s energy,” said Nance. Each artist has their own unique style, but you can see in their work a mutual passion for vibrant color and a fresh approach to the images they capture.

Raised in Bradford, Pennsylvania and now living in Great Valley, New York, Sean is primarily a landscape painter known for his large-scale watercolor portraits of trees and the abstract shapes created by them. In addition to getting the Mill Street Gallery ready for its grand opening, he is currently wrapping up his latest exhibit – “A Walk Among the Hills” at Holiday Valley’s Tamarack Club in Ellicottville, which runs until February 22.

Barbara was born and raised in California, but has lived in Western New York for nearly 20 years. Her favorite medium is watercolor and she is nationally recognized for her vivid and unique style. In addition to her realistic still life and floral pieces, Barbara also paints and draws portraits, figures and landscapes, and is a coin designer for the United States Mint.

Nance paints stunning modern landscapes in acrylics and combined media. While she occasionally works from photos, she prefers to work intuitively. Nance is from Salamanca and currently lives in Little Valley, New York.

For locals and visitors alike, the Mill Street Gallery and Studios presents a welcome opportunity to see some of the newest and best pieces from these distinct artists, as well as the chance to watch them at their craft. For more information, visit www.millstgallery.com or call (716) 244-3806.

It’s hard to find anyplace higher in Ellicottville than High Meadows Road, only the tops of the ski areas are loftier.  The view from the highest part of the road looks out over the meadows (hence the name) and across to the mountains.  This home perched at the summit has been designed to make the most of the view.  From the outside the first thing you notice is the two story bank of windows and the wrap around deck.  Inside the living room is dominated by the widows.  On this bright sunny day the windows flood the room with light.  Through them the view is blue sky, mountains, and snow.  The high pitched cathedral ceiling makes this 1,900 square foot chalet seem even bigger.  The living room is warmed by a field stone wood burning fireplace.

The oak cabinets in the kitchen match the light toned flooring.  The dining room is just off the living area and shares the view out the windows.  A sliding glass door provides deck access.  Two bedroom and a full bath are on the main floor.  Upstairs in the apex of the peaked roof is the master suite, with a large bedroom and bath. The suite has own private deck that looks out the the forest.  On the ground level is a nice game room, another bedroom, full bath, and a large storage area.

Outside the chalet sits of five acres of mostly groomed property.  The landscaping around the house makes for dazzling summertime displays.  There is a two car garage with an upper story that can be finished off as an extra bedroom or artists studio.  This chalet is about as high up as you can get in Ellicottville, and it’s only minutes from HoliMont and Holiday Valley.  It’s a perfect spot to meet up with the gang any time of the year.  For more information about this home contact Dave Blanchard Associate Broker for Holiday Valley Realty Company 716-699-3954.

The kitchen features a double sink, electric stove and microwave.

The living room is warmed by the field stone wood burning fireplace.

The upstairs master suite has a full bath and its own private deck.

Restoration of the Larimer and Norton Building

The former Larimer and Norton building on Elizabeth Street in Ellicottville has been closed for several years.  But renovation plans are moving forward.  Plans were recently reviewed by the Cattaraugus County Planning Board, at their January 26^th meeting in Little Valley.  Additional governmental review lies ahead.

Kody Sprague of Springville is working to restore the building and is excited about the proposed renovation, as is Nancy Rogan of the Village Planning Board.  They both commented following the latest meeting of the County Planning Board, which signed off on the project.

Years ago, Louisville Little League and miniature baseball bats were made in Ellicottville at the building, but the company closed the doors and shifted production to Louisville in September of 2006.  Sprague purchased the 25-acre parcel surrounding the building.  He’s optimistic, stating that “Hopefully the final stages of the approval process will start moving forward.”  A public hearing as to what can actually go in the building is expected at the village board meeting on February 13^th.

Sprague says, “Assuming everybody’s OK with what we’re trying to do there, we should have that approval.  We will work closely with the planning board on the exterior design of the building and the site plan for the building.  Once we have that all laid out, how we’re going to develop the property, then we can start entertaining ideas for businesses.”

Concerning the Larimer and Norton building, the County Planning Board approved the necessary re-zoning The Village Board must still take action.  Action could come at their February 13^th meeting. Then on February 14^th, when the village planning board meets, Rogan said, “We would be prepared to move ahead with the site plan for Ellicott Development (concerning plans to move the Kwik Fill as described below).  We don’t have a site plan yet for Larimar and Norton, but I expect that we’ll get it.  So it all looks very positive.”

Ellicott Development

In another matter which came before the County Planning Board, Rogan said proceedings are underway to move the present Kwik Fill across Washington Street to a vacant lot.  Developers need additional space for parking. Rogan said that a few feet there need to be re-zoned commercial. The plan from Ellicott Development is to demolish two buildings. One houses the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency, which will move its office to another house.

New School of Business Building at St. Bonaventure

The County Planning Board also reviewed the site plan for the new School of Business building on the campus of St. Bonaventure University.  County Planner Paul Bishop said his board saw no inter-governmental issues.  Bishop noted, “It’s a new two-story, 26,000 square foot building.  At least part of it will have that terra cotta roofing,” a campus wide signature style.   “Tentative schedule is to begin construction in the spring of 2012.”

Gravel Pit Extended Operating Hours

In other action, the County Planning Board approved a request from Giardini Brothers Gravel Pit to extend the operating hours for their gravel mine on Gargoyle Road in Allegany.  Currently, operating hours for November through April are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.  “They want to extend that to the same hours as the May to October hours.  So that would be changing to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

for the November through April time period. So they’d be the same year round.”  Board members saw no significant noise issues with the Giardini proposal.