DECEMBER
30 2022
Ripley Community & Heritage Fund Accepting Grant Applications Dunkirk, N.Y., December 27, 2022- The Ripley Community & Heritage Fund (RCHF) is accepting grant applications. Charitable, not-for-profit organizations that serve the Ripley community are eligible to apply for funding. Interested organizations can find grant applications and guidelines at nccfound a t i o n . o r g /c o m m u n i ty-advised or by contacting RCHF Board Chair Richard Wade, 716-269-9304, or Co-chair Pete Ryan, 716-252-6542. Please mail completed applications to the RCHF, c/o Dick Wade 25 North State St. Ripley, NY 14775, postmarked by January 15, 2022. The RCHF was formed in 2000 with a mission to enrich the lives of Ripley residents. To help the community, the RCHF administers a grant program specifically for volunteer organizations providing valuable services within the Ripley community. The RCHF is a community donor-advised fund of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF). The grants awarded by the RCHF have been made available through the Ripley Community & Heritage Fund Endowment created at the NCCF by over 140 commu-
nity businesses, citizens, and organizations. To date, the RCHF has distributed over $64,000 to local organizations. Additional RCHF committee members include Mary Beth Chess (Secretary), Lew Barnes, Dave Bower, Terry Eggleston, Andy Knight, and Ryleigh Interline. Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $18 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a Nationally Accredited Community Foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of their community. For more information on the NCCF, visit w w w.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.
Chautauqua County Parks & Trails Winter Trail Etiquette As more people are getting outdoors and enjoying local trails during the past year, we need to be reminded that there are guidelines for trail etiquette. This is meant to be followed all year, along with some winter specific rules that need to be followed. The Chautauqua County Overland Trails, Rails to Trails, The Portage Trail, Allegany State Park, Long Point State Park, Lake Erie State Park, and the Audubon Riverside Nature Center are just some of the amazing trails for all to enjoy. These trails and others are open for our enjoyment, but we need to respect the rules and nature while out using them. When possible, snowshoers and hikers should avoid walking in ski or bike tracks. Walk beside them to avoid damage to the set tracks. It is difficult for the skiers to glide when the tracks are lumpy and have “post holes” from sinking into the deep snow and it makes it difficult for the mountain bikers as well. If the snow is deep be respectful of the other users and wear snowshoes instead of just boots. If you don’t own a pair, consider renting from a local business. Snowmobilers should be in control of their speed at all times and watching for other users. Other users should always be alert and listen for approaching machines; though you have the right-of-way, they may not see you, and can come
up on you fast. Step aside a. Snowmobiles yield to off the trail as much as pos- everyone. sible and wait for them all b. Bikes yield to skiers to pass. yield to snowshoers and hikers. Winter Trail Etiquette c. Skiers yield to snow1- Share the trail and re- shoers and hikers, unless spect Others and Nature; going downhill. stay on the trail and off prid. Everyone yields to vate lands. horses. 2- Be aware of changing 7- Respect slower trail usconditions on the trail. ers - Keep right - Announce 3- Make sure your in- your approach - Pass on the tended use is permitted on left. the trail you intend to uti8- Move to the side or just lize as many trails do not off the trail when stopping. permit motorized vehicles 9- Leave no trace; pack in or horses. and pack out all garbage. 4- Respect and avoid 10- No camping or fires cross country ski & bike except at designated camp tracks; walk or snowshoe sites. to the side of them. 11- Keep your pet leashed 5- Avoid post holing on where required. Clean up the tracks; use snowshoes after your pet and dispose or skis when conditions are of waste properly. appropriate. 12- Always report any 6- Respect the right-of- trail issues to the appropriway: ate trail management.
Respecting others and the outdoors are a must and will ensure not only your safety and enjoyment but that of others as well. Everyone needs to follow simple guidelines of being polite, respecting and educating others, following rules, supporting our parks and trails, and having fun. You can be an ambassador for the outdoors and bring a friend to share the beauty of the area and our local trails. Fresh air, natural beauty, majestic views, and great exercise are some of the many benefits you will get!
For more information visit hikechautauqua.com or chautrtt.org or chqgov. com (parks and trails) or parks.ny.gov (state parks)