Little Valley native Ira Joe Fisher launches new poetry collection
also three previous poetry collections: “Some Holy Weight in the Village Air,”
“Songs from an Earlier Century” and “The Creek at the End of the Lawns.”
With writing in his soul and a passion for poetry, Fisher delighted in the written word. Coupled with his drive to perform, he launched a storied career as an award-winning writer, poet, actor, reporter, educator and stand-out communicator.
BORN IN SALAMANCA, Fisher hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He speaks fondly of Little Valley, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1965. Known as “Joey” to his hometown friends, his love of poetry dates back to English class, where he encountered the likes of Walden and Thoreau.
“I’ve always said I grew up in a poem with the hills, forests, snow and beautiful leaves of Western New York,” he said. “It’s a poetic place.”
His broadcasting career began at age 16 when he worked at the WGGO radio station in Salamanca. After high school, he spent four years in the U.S. Air Force and then worked briefly in Texas at KWFR radio.
After military service, Fisher continued his writing and broadcasting career in
Spokane, Wash. He wrote for Spokane Magazine, hosted a radio show on KHQ Radio and was a reporter on KHQ-6 TV. Next was a post at WKRC in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked alongside news anchor Nick Clooney — actor George’s father
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•
“I had a broadcast career which went beautifully, and I was so blessed, but I had a parallel career as a writer. I wrote for magazines and newspapers,” he said. “In those particular pursuits, I wrote in prose. However, even with my prose I attempted to give it the burnish of poetry.”
DURING HIS 40 years of working in the TV business, Fisher was known for his ability to write backwards on plexiglass during his weather forecasts. He strongly affirms that he was not a weatherman or a meteorologist, as many articles about him have led readers to believe.
He was just a reporter.
“I was a weather reporter, and that distinction is so important to me because I was an entertainer, actor, writer and disc jockey,” he said. “I was hired for that reason, not for any scientific knowledge.”
— his longtime mentor and friend, to whom he dedicated “The Birth of Snow” for the profound effect the senior Clooney had on his life. Fisher headed for the Big Apple, where he enjoyed reporting at ABC, then took a stint back to Cincinnati and hosted “The Ira Joe Fisher Show” and, finally, returned to New York to work at NBC and CBS where he appeared for many years on CBS Television’s “Early Show.”
In addition to a radio and television broadcaster, Fisher is also an actor, performing on the New York stage in the longrunning hit musical, “The Fantasticks,” the Broadway production of “The Prince and the Pauper,” and in the film, “California Girls.” Among his many talents, he has become an educator in more recent years. First teaching Creative Writing (Poetry) at the University of Connecticut Stamford and Western Connecticut State University, he currently teaches at Mercy University in Dobbs’s Ferry and also in Ridgefield, Conn., at Founders Hall. Fisher and his wife, Shelly, are residents of Ridgefield, where they have resided since 1990 and raised their four now-grown children.
“Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher is truly a town treasure. Ira Joe freely shares his wit and wisdom through his poetry, teaching and workshop sessions and his support for organization across our community. The Ridgefield Library is thrilled to be the site of the book launch for Ira’s latest volume, ‘The Birth of Snow,’” said Library Director Brenda McKinley. Fisher’s new book is available at Books on the Common in Ridgefield, Conn.; from online booksellers and from the publisher, Athanata Arts Limited. To learn more about the author, visit irajoefisher.com.
Photo courtesy Dylan Fisher
One of Cattaraugus County’s most recognized celebrities has written and published his fourth book of poetry. Ira Joe Fisher, two-time Emmy-winning broadcaster and acclaimed poet, will launch “The Birth of Snow” at a March 26 book signing hosted at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, Conn.
Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board is now accepting letters of interest for the area development grant program funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Letters of interest will be for project activities beginning mid-year 2026. This is a matching grant of between 50% and 30% cash or in-kind match based on each county’s economic status. The deadline for the two-page letter of intent is 4 p.m. Friday, April 11. Eligible applicants are municipalities/ local governments and incorporated not-forprofit organizations. The maximum ARC grant request has been set at $150,000 per project proposal.
Southern Tier West seeks proposals for activities that take place in Allegany, Cattaraugus or Chautauqua counties that strategically advance the mission of the ARC, New York state and local development priorities. The ARC supports a broad range of eligible activities in both programmatic and
small-scale construction or related projects, including workforce development, economic opportunities, educational opportunities, critical infrastructure, access to healthcare, entrepreneurship, leadership and community capacity, promotion of natural or cultural assets, main street revitalization as well as planning and assessment.
In partnership with the state’s Department of State and local development district agencies like Southern Tier West, project proposal solicitation and first phase review begin in a decentralized and scaffolded approach at the regional level to target the investment of ARC funds to communities or programs that will provide a sustainable response to a documented need or opportunity and that also demonstrate the potential for additional leveraged private investment. Southern Tier
West works closely with applicants in the development of eligible project activities and the preparation of a competitive grant proposal.
The application process occurs over several phases of review at the local, state and federal levels. First-time applicants are recommended to attend one of the three information sessions held in person at each of the counties. Community information sessions will take place at 10 a.m. March 14 in the IDA conference room in Jamestown, March 19 at STW conference room in Salamanca and March 21 at the Crossroads Commerce & Conference Center in Belmont. Be sure to RSVP to fpalmer@ southerntierwest.org.
All applicants are required to schedule a meeting with STW staff to review the grant-making criteria and to determine project eligibility. Information
about the Appalachian Regional Commission,
Southern Tier West, documents and links related to the Area Development Program grant are available at southerntierwest.org/ arc-funding.and also in Ridgefield, Conn., at Founders Hall.
Fisher and his wife, Shelly, are residents of Ridgefield, where they have resided since 1990 and raised their four now-grown children.
“Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher is truly a town treasure. Ira Joe freely shares his wit and wisdom
through his poetry, teaching and workshop sessions and his support for organization across our community. The Ridgefield Library is thrilled to be the site of the book launch for Ira’s latest volume, ‘The Birth of Snow,’” said Library Director Brenda McKinley. Fisher’s new book is available at Books on the Common in Ridgefield, Conn.; from online booksellers and from the publisher, Athanata Arts Limited. To learn more about the author, visit irajoefisher.com.
BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY
OLEAN —While New York is one of nine states across the country with current measles outbreaks, there are no known cases in Cattaraugus County.
A quarter century after measles was declared eliminated in the United States, 2025 is shaping up to be a critical year for the virus, Dr. Kevin D. Watkins, the county’s public health director, reported March 5, and the area’s comparatively low vaccination rate could be a concern.
Cattaraugus County’s vaccination rate for measles is about 74%, Watkins said, somewhat lower than neighboring Allegany County’s 79.2% and Chautauqua County at 83.7%. In Erie and other counties to the north, the rates are nearly 90%.
“Those within our county can improve just a little bit if we want to get to herd immunity,” he told members of the county Board of Health. “To get to herd immunity, you have to have a vaccination rate somewhere around 95 percent.”
So why do these Southern Tier counties have a lower vaccination rate?
“Our Amish population,” Watkins said. “That’s what stands out for Cattaraugus County.” Most Amish aren’t vaccinated due to religious beliefs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 164 measles cases have already been diagnosed in the United States this year as of Feb. 27 — up from 41 during the same period in 2024, which saw about 280 total cases for the year. Watkins said most cases were reported in children who had not received a vaccine.
“We see this cyclaclly,” he said. “Year after year of these measles outbreaks.”
Of the nine states with reported cases so far, Texas has the largest outbreak, with 159 as of Friday. Watkins said about half of the cases were unvaccinated individuals, while the vaccination status of the other half was unknown.
“They indicated that there was one death. This one death was a school age child,” he said. “There are some reports that it had something to do with brain swelling, which can be one of the complications from measles.”
Watkins reported there have been two cases in New York City as well as 44 cases in Canada, 33 of which were in unvaccinated people.
“But beyond New York City, New York state has not identified any positive cases of measles,” he noted.
Most U.S. children receive two immunisation shots to protect against the illness — one at about 12–15 months and a second between 4 and 6 years old — which together are 97% effective in protecting against measles, according to the CDC.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases that we have out there,” Watkins said. “If you cough or sneeze, you can pass on measles.”
Initial symptoms are similar to a cold or the flu — fever, dry cough, runny nose and sore throat — but after several days, a rash will emerge on the face and head and spread to the rest of
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the body. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, often as high as 104 or more.
“If we want to get this herd immunity, a community needs a 95-percent vaccination rate,” he emphasized. “Because we have a rate around 74 percent, we have some work to do.”
Meanwhile, the influenza season is beginning to wind down, but it could linger a little longer in Cattaraugus County.
When Watkins reported on influenza in December, he said there’d only been about 55 cases reported so far between Oct. 1 and Dec. 12, 2024, which was a lower rate than many other counties in the state.
“Remember, these cases that we see are cases that go into a provider’s office or are symptomatics, and that’s really just a bird’s eye view,” he said. “Not everybody who has symptoms goes into their provider.”
However, as of March 5, he said there are 382 cases in the county — roughly 40 cases per week, Watkins said. Of that total, 14 are influenza B. He also noted that most cases, about 250, were in February.
“The number of influenza cases (statewide) is trending downwards, so we’ll start to see improvements in the next month or so,” Watkins said. “But we’re one of the last counties to really show prevalence of this influenza, so we’ll lag behind the other counties in reducing numbers and trending downward.”
In the meantime, Watkins said those who have not received a 2024–25 flu shot can still receive one and help reduce the likelihood of having to go to the doctor or being hospitalized.
“This year’s vaccine seems to be pretty effective,” he added. “We still have influenza in the community, and it’s not too late.”
In other business:
• March is Colorectal Cancer Month. Watkins presented information on colorectal cancer, the second leading cancer killer after lung cancer. Between 2016 and 2020, about 37.8% of people were diagnosed with the disease, and about 13.2% of people died from it.
Watkins encouraged regular screening for age-appropriate individuals as the key to catching the cancer early.
• The board and health department staff reviewed updated pamphlets made available to patients of the county’s family planning clinic. Board members gave their feedback on the informational items presented in the pamphlets and recommended two changes.
• Lynne Moore, director of nursing, updated the board on activity with the certified home health agency, the lead testing program and reports of diseases during February. Moore said 90 lead tests were conducted and two children tested with levels between 15 and 20 micrograms per deciliter (μg/ dL). Another handful was between 5 and 15 μg/dL, with the remaining 83 at less than 5 μg/dL. Of the influenza cases reported, 2 were H1H1 (swine flu). Additionally, 25 tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus and 42 tested positive for COVID-19.
Distracted driving is a major threat on the roadways. Anything that takes drivers’ attention away from the road can be considered a distraction, and that includes phones, food, passengers, and even vehicle features like a GPS system. However, distracted driving is preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that involve a distracted driver. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people in 2022. In addition, data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicates distracted driving contributed to an estimated 22.5 percent of fatal collisions and 25.5 percent of serious injury collisions in 2021. These distracted driving numbers reflect a growing trend of distracted driving-related incidents.
‘HillTap’
Festival returns to Holiday Valley this summer
ELLICOTTVILLE —
The fifth annual HillTap Festival will return to Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville on Saturday, July 26. This popular event, at one of the most unique venues in the region, integrates a full day of outdoor activities and live music from three bands on two stages.
The HillTAP Festival begins with a chairlift ride to Spruce Lake, where live music, adventure activities, and craft food and beverages are featured. The festival then heads back down the mountain for two additional bands to wrap up the full day of activities.
“There is no better place to merge great music, adventure, and craft beverages, I cannot think of another festival in the country where you take a ski lift from one stage to another. HillTAP is truly a one-of-a-kind event,” said 42 North Brewery Founder John Cimperman.
Niki Klein, director of resort services at Holiday Valley, adds, “It’s great to partner with 42 North on this event. Their adventurous spirit fits our DNA. We encourage attendees to spend the morning hiking and biking the trails and then spend the afternoon up at Spruce Lake.
The HillTap Festival’s music lineup will feature three popular regional bands on two stages. The Leroy Townes Band will bring its high-energy
American sounds to the top of the mountain beginning at 1 p.m. The band is a regular at 42 North Brewing Company and the Sportsmen’s Tavern and has played the main stage at the Borderland Festival.
The music then heads back down the mountain with two bands. Kody & Herren, hailing from nearby Springville, will bring their band for a mix of original and classic roots music. The festival then concludes with a special performance from Uncle Ben’s Remedy.
Uncle Ben’s Remedy is deeply rooted in country music with a unique, up-tempo style that will reverberate off the slopes of Holiday Valley. Uncle Ben’s Remedy won the 2014 Battle of the Bands at Buffalo’s Canalside and played the
Borderland Festival.
The vendor line-up at HillTAP includes SUP Erie Adventures, Mud, Sweat & Gears, Tom’s Pro Bikes, Holiday Valley E-Bikes, Snow Child, and Hatchet & Hops. Each vendor will offer product exhibitions and demonstrations so attendees are encouraged to bring their adventure gear to take part in the adventure. Additionally, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse and Dina’s will have food onsite during the festival.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for $35 and include free parking, a lift ticket up to Spruce Lake, and a full day of music and adventure sports demos and clinics. A twilight ticket will also be offered that provides admission to the base of the mountain for the final two musical performances. The event runs from noon until 9 p.m. For tickets and more information on the HillTap Festival, log onto www.hilltapfestival.com.
JESUS SAID, “I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (JOHN 14:6)
Photo provided
Uncle Ben’s Remedy will headline the fifth annual HillTap Festival at Holiday Valley this summer.
