THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE VILLAGE OF ELLICOTTVILLE AND THE TOWNS OF ELLICOTTVILLE, GREAT VALLEY AND MANSFIELD,
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 7 FREE
NY
www.EllicottvilleTimes.com
APRIL 19-25, 2013
Firefighting Calls for Commitment from Volunteers By Jesse Mast
© 2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS © 2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS
The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2011 there were 1,100,450 firefighters nationwide. Nearly 70 percent of these were volunteers. April is National Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment month, and this is a good time for Cattaraugus County residents to learn how they can be involved in volunteer fire departments. Being a volunteer firefighter is no small commitment. Ed Fredrickson, volunteer firefighter and former Fire Chief of Ellicottville Fire Department, said that “volunteering is getting harder and harder,” as people juggle increasing commitments and responsibilities. Ellicottville Fire Chief Kevin Morton described the process of becoming a volunteer firefighter. It begins with filling out an application, after which the applicant is expected to begin training at fire school, usually within one or two years. Fredrickson explained that this is to ensure commitment on the part of the applicant, since the fire company invests around $1,500 for every trainee. Depending on the desired level of certification, training may take as little as a few months or as much as a few years, according to Christy Wiser of the Great Valley Volunteer Fire Company. In addition, the Cattaraugus County of Emergency Services provides fire courses for free. Morton said volunteers are encouraged to take as many of these courses as they want. Once they have completed the required training and have become firefighters, volunteers are on call. What does “on call” mean? Exactly what it sounds like. Although volunteer firefighters work at other jobs, See Volunteer Firefighters page 11
Cattaraugus Creek’s Rapids Provide Thrilling Ride By Jeff Martin
Over at Catt Rafting Adventures in Gowanda, the persistent spring rains of late have created ideal outdoor circumstances for the three friends who once wanted nothing more than to offer premiere outdoor adventures. Christine Baer, co-owner along with David
Schall, spent last weekend hosting a whitewater rafting trip with the University of Buffalo’s Outdoor Adventure Club. Rising and falling in freezing temperatures, the group had the time of their lives. Rapids along the Cattaraugus Creek were at their prime, measuring near Class V. But such trips are the norm for Baer, who three years ago helped start the company with Schall and Oren Barris. “It was a dream of ours to do it,” Baer said. “A lot of rafting companies have started here and there are ones that continue to thrive, but I think we offer something special here.” Trips include several rafting trips down the Cattaraugus Creek during the spring, summer and fall months, and hiking trips during the off-season. In addition, the group offers special trips. In June, participants will travel to the See Catt Creek Rafting page 4
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival Engvall and Madigan Headline • Aug 1-4 By Eva Potter
The great comedienne Lucille Ball once said, “I’d rather regret the things I have done than the
things that I haven’t.” And that’s the only reason you need to attend the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, N.Y., August 1–4, 2013. This year, the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy is featuring national headliners Bill Engvall and Kathleen Madigan, along with a “Comics to Watch” showcase of upcoming comedians presented by Pandora. The festival weekend kicks off Aug. 1, when the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy and Pandora internet radio present the stand-up showcase “Comics to Watch.” Visitors can also look forward to an interactive exhibit from Pandora’s Comedy Genome Project, which spans 12 genres and adds 10,000 comedy clips from over 700 comedians. The exhibit will be located at the Jamestown Gateway Train Station. On Aug. 2, Kathleen Madigan, who has never been hotter in her 25-year career, will perform at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. She is a frequent See Lucy Comedy Festival page 4
Ellicottville Town Board Meeting EMS Volunteers Needed Sidewalk Plow Purchase Considered
By Jennie Acklin
Town Supervisor John Burrell opened the April 17, 2013, board meeting reporting the town had acquired the requested air conditioning units and a refrigerator for the Cooperative Extension Service Building, and NYSERDA had sent a check for 75 percent of the entire cost. Also noted was a 20 percent increase in CHIPS from $82,021 to $103,952. Emergency Services: Rick and Glenda Jackson, Ellicottville residents and owners of the Ilex Inn, spoke about an incident approximately eight weeks ago
about a call to local EMS that essentially went unanswered. Rick’s mother, Andree McRae, called for help when her mother became weak. After 20 minutes and no response from paramedics, McRae called again to tell them her mother had recovered, and the answer was, “Thank goodness, because we didn’t have anyone to send.” The Jacksons brought this to the town board’s attention to raise awareness that volunteers are desperately needed. Ellicottville is an all-volunteer department, and although there are currently some EMT
trainees in class now, there are no new trained volunteers ready to go. A discussion followed regarding dual certification for police officers and fire fighters, our large community of trained and certified ski patrollers at Holiday Valley and HoliMont, and the challenges of living in a rural community. Chief of Police Don Auge announced that the Ellicottville Police Department will respond to all fire calls effective April 17, after discussing the needs of more backup with Fire Department Chief Kevin Morton. Auge said, “We will See Town Board page 2
Home Show Great Kickoff for Home/Garden Projects
The 42nd Annual Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show welcomed more than 3,569 visitors April 12-14 (about 300 less attendees than last year). Seventy-four vendors were on hand to display and demonstrate products from hot tubs, to gardening supplies, along with heating and cooling systems. The event, hosted by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce,
was co-sponsored by their 48 corporate sponsors. The vendors at the Home and Garden Show were enrolled in a contest for “Best Booth” based on neatness, presentation, props, information and theme-related. The theme this year is “Where Inspiration Becomes Reality.” Winners for 2013 Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show go to: Best Use of Theme – Lee’s Wine & Beer, and Best Overall Booth – Scott’s Landscaping. Congratulations to both and thanks to the judges for their time and coordination. Prizes were discounts on 2014’s Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show rental. The winners of the door prizes were: GRAND PRIZE Barnsley 5-piece Dining Set winner Kerrie Crabtree of Olean; SECOND PRIZE Arrow Gazebo winner Ann Martello of Bolivar; THIRD PRIZE 22” Charcoal Grill winner Shawn Anastasia of Olean; FOURTH PRIZE See Home Show page 8