The Ellicottville Historical Society and Museum has announced a full slate of exciting programs and displays for the public to experience this summer.
At the museum, there is a brand-new display on skiing, and in the middle of last year, the museum was gifted an old desk from Fitzpatrick and Weller.
The museum plans to open in May — earlier than most years. The historical society is seeking anyone who loves history and meeting new people to volunteer a few hours on a Saturday or
Ellicottville Historical Society announces summer program schedule
Sunday in the museum.
To sign up or for more information about volunteering, call Ellen Frank at (716) 474-8528 or (716) 699-2276. Additionally, the historical society announces its meeting schedule and presentation topics to be held monthly through October.
Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Ellicottville Memorial Library, 6944 Maples Road. There will be a brief business meeting before the presenters. All meetings are free and open to the public. • May 7 – Lance White Eagle on “The History of Indigenous Leaders.”
Elevate the backyard experience
Chances are no one wants to replicate the side effects of the global pandemic anytime soon. Despite all of the upheaval it brought to so many people’s lives, there was at least one silver lining to the pandemic: a newfound appreciation for backyards and other outdoor living areas. Back in 2021, OnePoll, on behalf of the landscaping company TruGreen, found survey participants reported spending 14 hours outside every week, which marked a threehour increase than before the pandemic hit.
Outdoor spaces like patios, decks, yards, and even front porches remain popular places for homeowners and their loved ones to congregate. Various studies have shown
that those who spend more time outside in nature have lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Being outside is strongly associated with improved mental and physical health. Homeowners who want to maximize the potential of their outdoor spaces can look to these ideas to take backyards up a notch or two.
Establish a gathering spot A well-designed yard has one or more dedicated gathering spots, particularly areas that enable comfort underfoot. Homeowners can give consideration to hardscape that enables individuals to spend time outdoors without standing in soggy or buggy
situations. Whether they’re traditional decks, platform decks, concrete or paver patios, or areas separated from the lawn with pea gravel or another type of rock, homeowners can make the yard more useable through these spaces.
Invest in an outdoor cooking area
Grilling, smoking and even making brick oven pizzas outdoors is a major component of backyard entertaining. Outdoor kitchens can increase the convenience of prepping, cooking and serving food outdoors. Grills and other cooking gear can be built into weather-resistant counters and cabinetry.
Install a pergola A pergola or another
structure is the perfect way to add privacy to a gathering spot and create more shade and weather protection when Mother Nature does not want to cooperate.
Think beyond the summer season When making backyard
improvements, homeowners can incorporate ideas that make the yard more functional during different seasons. For example, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be a spot for making summer s’mores or sipping mulled cider in the fall. An enclosed three-season room
offers the opportunity to see nature and enjoy it without bearing the full brunt of chilly temperatures.
There are many ways homeowners can enhance the functionality and appeal of their backyards.
File photo
The Ellicottville Historical Society and Museum at 2 Washington St. in the village.
West Valley announces 3rd quarter honor rolls
WEST VALLEY —
West Valley Central School Principal Daniel Amodeo has announced the following students in grades 7-12 have been named to honor rolls for the third marking period of the 2024–25 school year.
High Honor Roll
Grade 7: Dalton Otto and Lily Quinn.
Grade 8: Finley FordGrover and Delia Shoup.
Grade 9: Alayna Kinney.
Grade 10: Samantha Fisher and Noah Klahn.
Grade 12: Magdalena
Parish and Jack Tharnish.
Honor Roll
Grade 7: John Atkinson Jr., Lorelai Fish, Skyler Fuller, Savannah Griffis, Nicholas Klahn, Carson Malcolm, Braydan Mitchell, Cullen Shaw Jr. and Connor Washburn.
Grade 8: Kolin Holstein, Madison Lawrence, Julienna Robbins and Abigail Tucker.
Grade 10: Logan Manaher, Isabella Mitchell and Ezra Tingue.
LEON — With excitement and fanfare, the Leon Historical Society announces a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative will bring the Pennyroyal Race Track history to life for the community and visitors.
The exhibit features over 70 black-and-white photos with documentation of the racetrack’s exciting past. Historical society officials are excited to bring this exhibit to the public.
Four special presentations will accompany the exhibit, along with two books and memorabilia. A video at the exhibit, developed by Don Veith of Memories in Motion, highlights the history and memories of the Pennyroyal Race Track.
The Leon Historical Society is open to all those interested in history, like to have a great time with great people and would like to help make the community shine.
The museum is located on Route 62 just north of the four corners intersection with Cherry Creek Hill and Leon New Albion roads. It opens May 3 and will operate 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through October, or by calling Pat Bromley at (716) 680-1161 or Klayton Peterson at (716) 574-9883 for other open times. Pennyroyal Race Track Program Schedule:
• May 10 – ‘Harness Racing, Sport of Farmers’ at 2 p.m. • July 19 – ‘Race Cars –Jalopies to Hot Rods’ at 2 p.m. • Aug. 16 – Leon Town Picnic, featuring the Pennyroyal Race Track at noon. Open to the public. Bring a dish to pass. • Oct. 11 – ‘Where Some NASCAR Drivers and Winners Actually Started – Driving to Fame.’
Historical society officials expressed their thanks to the Wilson Foundation grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Buffalo, for this opportunity to present this program in Leon. Part of that announcement includes $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the nine counties.
AUTO CORNER
Roadtripplanningpointers
Travelers take to the open road for any number of reasons. When traveling on a summer vacation, families may find it’s more affordable to travel by car than to pay for airline tickets for parents and kids. Others take driving vacations because they afford more freedom to move at one’s own pace than air or train travel. Whatever it is that motivates drivers to hit the open road, there’s no denying such trips are more enjoyable when drivers make an effort to plan ahead. With that in mind, travelers can keep these road trip planning pointers in mind.
• Choose a nearby destination. Driving to a faraway place may conjure romanticized visions of scenic roadways and heartwarming roadside cafés, but that may only appeal to drivers like retirees who have all the time in the world to get from point A to point B. Family travel is often dictated by how long parents can get away from the office, and in such instances shorter tips make more sense than spending days in the car. In addition, driving tends to be the more economical option when travelers
are only going short distances. Parents may think driving to a destination that’s a couple of days away from home by car is more economical than flying, but it’s best to crunch the numbers first. The cost of hotels, meals and gas to get there and back may negate the cost savings of driving over flying.
• Develop an itinerary. A trip itinerary does not have to be strictly followed, but it can provide some structure and help ensure drivers get to spend as much time at their desired destination as possible. Identify sights to see and restaurants to visit along the way, which can provide a welcome respite from sitting in the car. Do your best to stick to an itinerary that keeps the car moving toward your ultimate destination.
• Read the room. Who’s going to be in the car also merits ample consideration when planning a road trip. Parents know that young children will need to be accommodated with some in-trip entertainment to make any
lengthy road trip more enjoyable for all. But adults also may require some extra creature comforts and accommodations. For example, seniors about to embark on a road trip can identify pitstops along the way where they can use the restroom and even stretch their legs. And if the family pet is coming along, periodic pitstops for Fido to stretch his legs and burn off some energy will be necessary as well.
• Ensure you have support. Many automotive insurance providers offer roadside assistance to policy holders. Such plans are generally affordable and can provide a safety net for drivers taking road trips. They can be especially helpful when visiting remote locales. If an insurance provider does not offer a desirable roadside assistance plan, consider a membership in an automotive club like AAA.
Planning is a vital component of a successful and memorable road trip, which is something travelers can keep in mind regardless of where they’re going.
Abbigail Pinkowski
DiGiorgio, Isabella Gibson, Victoria Parish, Hailey Robbins and Slater Smith. Merit Roll
7: Emily Gestwick, Alexis Moss, Makayla Richardson and Gavin Ulinger.
8: Ryan Bartz, Matthew Ignatowski and Nia Schoepflin.
Grade 9: Jersie Czapla, Sebastian Froland and Karly Otto.
Grade 10: Eva Barnes, Scarlett Clarkson, Kara Troutman and Elizabeth Winsor.
Grade 11: Liliana Toms.
File photo
The West Valley Central School building on School Street.
BY DEB EVERTS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —
In her biggest project yet, author Alisa M. Murphy has penned a book about the historic, world-famous Nashville music club known as the Station Inn.
The Randolph, N.Y. native has detailed the history of the iconic bluegrass music landmark in “The World Famous Station Inn.” In collaboration with Station Inn owner Joshua Ulbrich, Murphy has documented the musical landmark’s rich history.
The book, released in March, includes an abundance of tales from artists who revere and perform at the iconic venue and who candidly shared their memories and unique perspectives with the author.
The book also includes a foreword by long-time executive director of the International Bluegrass Music Association, Paul Schiminger, and a very personal commentary by award-winning artist Vince Gill, who boasts a 50-year history with the historic listening room.
Murphy said she spent over two years researching and working on the book that includes 120 formal interviews with performers and countless on-the-spot customer interviews. She also worked alongside staff and interviewed Station Inn customers.
“I took an immersive approach to writing the book. I spent time carefully observing the musicians and their interactions with the crowd, as well as the reactions of the listener to the music,” she said. “It’s something special that happens in this venue that is quite unique. Musicians
Randolph native pens new book detailing history of iconic Station Inn
engage in a very up-close and interactive way with the listener. The listener ends up influencing the show through their energy, reactions and requests.”
Prominent bluegrass and traditional country artists shared their memories with her, from the inception of the Station Inn in 1974 to today, detailing how the beloved venue has impacted their musical development over the decades.
Her interviews included Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart, Larry Cordle, Jerry Douglas, Mark O’Connor, Sam Bush, Sharon White, Darrin Vincent, Jamie Dailey, Jenee Fleenor, Carl Jackson, Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, Charlie Worsham, Steve Earle, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and Dierks Bentley.
“I’ve always loved the small, intimate room and stage at the Station Inn. It seems as though the music can penetrate into the heart and mind more easily, being so up close and personal like that. I’ve always loved performing there,” Parton said. “The Station Inn is a special place and holds a special place in my heart.”
ACCORDING TO A press release submitted by Murphy, the Station Inn, located in downtown Nashville’s Gulch district, has been the foremost venue for lovers of bluegrass music for more than 50 years. The inn’s modest stage has hosted everyone from the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, to today’s popular picker, Billy Strings.
Known as the unofficial clubhouse for Music City’s talented stable of working musicians, it also serves as a welcoming home base for many of country music’s most celebrated icons.
in the Smokies,” in 2011. She said it’s a children’s book that teaches the water cycle, as well as the lesson of courage to take a leap of faith. It sells in local shops in the Smoky Mountains.
Her second book, “You Don’t Know Jack,” was released in November 2015. It profiles a U.S. Marine who served in the Iwo Jima conflict and tells the story of his lifetime of resilience. Murphy, who makes her home in Gatlinburg, Tenn., is a freelance writer and has written a wide array of human interest, travel and wellness articles for a number of magazines and publications. Writing is her first love, but by day, she works as a registered nurse.
The author hopes the book will spark interest in fans of bluegrass and traditional country to visit the listening room, and that documenting the Station Inn’s rich history will increase Nashville’s appreciation for the legacy and importance of the venue.
The venue is considered a must-play for any serious bluegrass musician advancing their resume.
“The Station Inn’s role in the development of bluegrass talent cannot be overstated, and its importance in maintaining an unbroken line of bluegrass presence in Music City cannot be denied,” Murphy said. “Being invited to play on that stage is an artist’s moment of arrival in the world of bluegrass.”
Murphy said Ulbrich took over the Station Inn in 2021 after the previous owner of over 40 years passed away. She said he’s a talented musician and Navy
veteran who has performed and worked at the Station Inn for many years.
“His knowledge of bluegrass music and the operation of the venue made him the perfect candidate to take the helm of the Station Inn at a time when it was on precarious footing and could have easily disappeared, to the regret of thousands of musicians
and fans worldwide,” she said. “Thankfully, he had the courage and foresight to see the venue’s deep history and importance in the world of music.”
THIS IS MURPHY’S third self-published book. She published her first book, “Jack the Drop Falls
“The World Famous Station Inn,” a full-color, hardcover book with over 150 pages, was printed locally at Register Graphics in Randolph, N.Y. Murphy said the staff at Register Graphics worked closely with her on the design and the printing. The book is available for purchase at the Station Inn and online at stationinn.com.
Photo provided
Former Randolph resident Alisa (Coates) Murphy has authored a new book detailing the 50-year history of Nashville’s Station Inn. She spent over two years researching and writing “The World Famous Station Inn.”
