Hometown Holiday 11/23/21

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

H ometown H olidays | NOVEMBER 2021

Salamanca native’s Contents

Salamanca native’s Christmas song ........................2 Santa Claus Lane in Olean.............................................3 Bradford’s holiday traditions adjusted....................4 GOACC offers gift certificates for holidays..........5 Santa Claus Lane ornament 6 Portville plans for 2021 holiday season....................7 Ellicottville readies holidays ........................................9 Shop local save on gas.....................................................10 Holiday events throughout No. Tier of Pa...........12 Ellicottville Ski Tree........................................................ 13 Christmas in Gowanda preparations....................14

Publisher Jim Bonn Executive Group Editor Jim Eckstrom Advertising Managers Jill Henry and Preston Cochran Design/Layout Falicia Elom

814.368.3173 43 Main St. P.O Box 365.

Bradford, P.a. 16701

716.372.3121 639 Norton Dr. Olean, N.y. 14760

Christmas song ‘Silver Bells’

still loved 70 years on

BY KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

While Munroe and Raffi are currently working on a soon-to-be-announced project, they are thrilled to deliver some early holiday cheer through “Silver Bells,” now available for digital download.

In a December 2005 interview with National Public Radio, Evans told the story of, first, how he and Livingston were not sure they even wanted to write a Christmas song, and second, how the song was almost titled something else.

“This picture came along called ‘The Lemon Drop Kid,’ starring Bob Hope, and a Christmas song was required for it,” Evans told NPR. “Well, we had no enthusiasm for writing a Christmas song ’cause we Famed songwriter Ray Evans, a native of figured, stupidly, thank God, that the world had too Salamanca, is shown with one of his Academy many Christmas songs already.”

Awards for Best Original Song in front of the

Every holiday season, one of the most recorded Christmas songs in history rings out: “Silver Bells,” co-written by Academy Award winner — and Salamanca native — Ray Evans.

A lyricist who passed away in 2007, Evans teamed with songwriting partner Jay Livingston to turn out “Silver Bells,” a tune that has been sold on more than half a billion records.

“Silver Bells” was first performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the movie “The Lemon Drop Kid,” filmed in the summer of 1950 and released in March 1951. The first recorded version was by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards, released in October 1950.

Now, a new recording of the song is looking to Silver Bells continued on .................. page 15 become a modern standard for the 21st century.

World-renowned children’s entertainer Raffi and rising singer-songwriter Lindsay Munroe have teamed up to record a duet of “Silver Bells,” marking the latest collaboration between the two award-winning artists.

“As someone who grew up listening to Raffi’s iconic ‘Christmas album,’ it is such an honor to join him on this beautiful rendition of ‘Silver Bells,’” Munroe said of the collaboration. “I love Christmas music and this song has always been one of my favorites. I hope it brings joy and a smile to all who listen this holiday season.”

“Lindsay Munroe’s golden voice gives ‘Silver Bells’ new sparkle,” said Raffi. “I loved joining her in this duet for the holiday season.”

Ray Evans Seneca Theater in his hometown.

FILE PHOTO

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The Evolution of Santa Claus Lane in Olean

BY BOB CLARK OLEAN — It’s time again to fire up the lights for Santa Claus Lane in downtown Olean. This year’s edition shoves off at 6:30 p.m. Friday in downtown Olean.

The basic concept remains the same since 1929 — make downtown festive to increase shopping traffic and ignite the holiday spirit. But it has seen many changes since its inception in 1929.

Here’s a timeline of the event, and how it’s gone from evergreen arches to energy-efficient lights.

1929 — Hot on the heels of the great stock market crash in October, local business leaders sought a way to increase downtown shopping traffic as the nation headed into the Great Depression. The first Santa Claus Lane, directed by General Chairman Edward F. Devlin, placed evergreen arches across North Union and West State streets lit in red, white, and green lights.

1934 — Thanks to a resolution passed by the Olean City Council and the fundraising of the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, permission was granted to C.W. Gabler Electric to erect ‘festoons’ over North Union and West State Streets.

1955 — Olean merchants chip in to make sure Santa can make his trip to Olean, and his arrival will be the official signal for the start of Olean’s holiday shopping season.

1956 — Several large balloons were a part of the parade.

1964 — A 12 by 14-foot cottage was constructed

by Bradley’s Builders for Santa, hauled to Lincoln Park by R. J. Fitzmaurice Housemovers.

1966 — Organizers placed a big tree on the city building lot.

1969 — A tree sits in a permanent tree holder in the berm besides the city building.

Santa arrives by dune buggy.

1970 — Fourteen garlands cost $5,000. A permanent planted tree in Lincoln Park will take the place of the cut live trees previously used.

1972 — Santa’s Cottage and decorations damaged beyond repair in the June flood. The year marked a 14-year hiatus as the city and local businesses could not afford to replace the cottage and lights.

1986 — The Olean Business Improvement Association raised $81,137 to bring back the downtown decorations including 20 custom garlands, a 15-foot-tall Santa and more. Olean businessman Louis Marra was credited as providing the impetus for the revival of Santa Claus Lane. Marra, who died in 1991, is the namesake of the chamber’s top award, the L.O.U.I.E. 2004 — After more than 30 years, Santa gets a new cottage thanks to Home Depot. BOCES helped decorate Lincoln Park, with Belmont students working on trees, Ellicottville students working on Santa and his sleigh, and Olean students constructing Santa’s train.

2005 — Duggan & Duggan General Contractor assisted GOACC with the relocation of Santa’s cottage to the South Street side of Lincoln Park.

BOCES created two sets of candles to ‘light’ up the park.

2006 — John Caldwell of Portville created a Seasons Greeting sign that hangs on the City Building. Also, lights were added to War Veterans

Santa Claus Lane continued on .page 5

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Santa and Mrs. Claus come down North Union Street during the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade in 2019.

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Bradford’s holiday traditions adjusted in lingering pandemic atmosphere

BY DANIELLA GRIESBAUM Local residents can rest assured that Bradford’s annual Christmas parade will be taking place, albeit still a bit backwards.

The annual parade has successfully been adapted by the host, the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, to make this annual tradition a COVID-19 friendly event.

The Believe in the Magic of Christmas parade

will be a standing parade, similar to last year, held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, on Chestnut Street Extension. The floats and vehicles for the parade will line up and park along Chestnut Street Extension while spectators drive down the road, through the parade, admiring the festive floats and vehicles.

The parade will end at the Zippo Case Museum and Flagship Store with Santa Claus greeting children and elves handing out little surprises.

When discussing the reason the parade style changed in 2020, Bradford Chamber Executive Director Heidi Scrivo-Passmore stated, “The standing parade was started last year as a way to continue this holiday tradition while keeping everyone safe from COVID.” Passmore first came across

the idea for a backwards parade on social media, in a Facebook group she’s in with other chamber directors.

“People discovered that they liked this new model better in many ways,” Passmore continued.

According to representatives of the Chamber, this style of parade was quite popular last year because participants, including the children, were able to stay warm and spend more time admiring the floats. The organizations providing the floats also liked it, because they were able to have bigger, more expanded, floats since they stood still.

There will be a $250 prize awarded for the best float in five categories: Best Business; Best NonProfit; Best Entertainment; Best Emergency Vehicle; and the most donations to the Friendship Table.

“We are hoping that we will be able to provide entertainment such as a dance studio, band performance and/or a choir for this year’s parade festivities,” said Passmore.

Similar to last year, parade attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or monetary donations for the Friendship Table at the time of the event. Also, the United Way of Bradford area will sell hot cocoa at the beginning of the parade, with proceeds to benefit the 2022 campaign fund.

“Donations for the Friendship Table will be collected along the parade route,” said Passmore.

“We will collect items or money this year just before you approach the Zippo Case Museum and Flagship Store.”

If you are interested in being part of the Believe in the Magic of Christmas parade, reach out to the Chamber’s executive director, Passmore, via phone at 814-368-7115 or email Heidi@bradfordchamber. com.

The Chamber lauded the partnership of CNB in hosting this year’s parade. “We couldn’t do it without their support,” stated chamber representatives.

Give the Gift of Wellness and Relaxation The Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems float in Bradford’s 2020 reverse parade included Christmas favorite Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

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GOACC offers gift certificates for holidays OLEAN — The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate Program maintains steady sales for far for 2021.

Gift certificates sales have steadily grown since the program began in the mid 1990s. Currently, the program has $198,095.00 in gift certificate sales through November 15, 2021. The 2020 program had sales figure of $329,753, which is more than the 2019 total of $ 298,540. The month of December 2020 had sales of $156,130.

GOACC instituted the Gift Certificate Program in 1995 and that year, certificates totaling $9,000 were sold with 35 member businesses involved in the program. More than 270 member businesses are signed on for this year-round certificate program. The certificates are sold at the GOACC Chamber office at 301 North Union Street, Olean, in increments of $5, $10, $20, $25 and $50.

“The uniqueness of the program is that it encourages redeemers of the certificates to discover products and services available at businesses in our area, businesses that support the Chamber of Commerce. After all, it is good business to do business with Chamber members,” said Lisa Carpenter, GOACC’s Administrative Assistant.

The gift certificates are the right gift for everyone, won’t be returned, won’t be the wrong color or size (although some may want more money!). Local companies are purchasing them as holiday gifts for their employees, retirement presents, and even, workplace incentives.

Erica Dreher, member services manager, added, “The Chamber has established three ways to

purchase the Shop Olean gift certificates. 1 – Stop in the Chamber; 2 – Call in Order with Curb Side Delivery; and 3 – go online to shop.oleanny.com.”

“Businesses and residents’ support of the Chamber’s Gift Certificate program allow us to keep this program viable for the community.

Sales come in via phone calls and emails from customers in Arizona, California, Canada, Ohio, and Pennsylvania purchasing gifts for residents in the Olean area, not just during the holidays but year round,” Carpenter added.

Additional benefits of the gift certificate program will be further realized when the certificates are spent in 2022, generating local, county, and state sales tax. Although it is also difficult to measure, Chamber officials are certain that there are additional sales generated locally from the use of the certificates.

Dreher reported, “GOACC office hours will be extended until 5:30 p.m. the month of December.

The Chamber hours will be extended to 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, for Dec. 1-23, with Christmas Eve hours 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on Chamber gift certificates, please stop in GOACC at 301 N. Union St., Olean, or call (716) 3724433.

Santa Claus Lane continued from 3 Park. The electric service in Lincoln Park was upgraded allowing for more power at the Union Street corner.

2007 — A Santa on sleigh figurine was purchased and displayed on the wall of Bradner Stadium. Garlands and lights were placed on the Main Street bridge.

2008 — Electric was extended in War Veterans Park allowing for more figurines and lights to be displayed along East State Street lawn. Snowflakes were added to the Main Street bridge and Candy Canes to the South Union Street bridge.

2009 — Twelve wooden characters in Lincoln Park join the 50 foot Welcome to Santa Claus Lane sign; lights and garland on the pavilion in War Veterans Park; and the snowflakes on Main and South Union Street bridges are new decorations this year.

2010 — Ten cone-shaped, 8-foot trees were created by Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES and Mazza Mechanical Services.

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2011 — The Santa Claus Lane committee have continued to expand lighting throughout Olean: 5 cone-shaped 5 foot trees were created

by Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES and Mazza Mechanical Services 2014 — Refurbished the former pole tree decorations and hung ten decorations on the stadium fence at the Bradner Stadium. Santa Claus Lane committee purchased 8 new pole tree decorations and 8 new pole star decorations. Also, 30 street poles were wrapped in garland rope lights.

2016 — A fundraising campaign began in 2016 to raise funds for new decorations to go up on the new Union Street streetscape. Sixty snowflakes, 11 skylines and a live Christmas tree were added to the street thanks to the $50,000 raised by the community.

2020 — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no formal parade or lighting ceremony will be held.

However, lights are up on poles and businesses along the North Union Street corridor are encouraged to participate in a holiday decorating contest.

2021 — The parade returns with more decorations and special events planned, including the Jingle Bell Jubilee.

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Santa Claus Lane ornament depicts Olean Library OLEAN — The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Santa Claus Lane ornament is a depiction of the Olean Public Library.

Through the ornament sales, holiday lights are funded and can be lit in Olean from November to early January. The ornament, in a series created by artist Kathleen McDonald, is $25.

Included with each ornament is a brief history.

Olean’s first library began when a small group of citizens met on March 25, 1871, in the private school operated by Mary Lyon. By the end of their meeting, the Olean Library Association had been born, and the group spent the next several months raising funds and searching for a location.

The new library opened Aug. 15, 1871, in space donated by John G. Pelton within his tailor shop on the west side of Union Street.

Slowly the library grew, and by 1878 its collections could no longer be contained within the tailor shop space. During the period from 1878 to 1888, the library moved to several temporary locations, including a rented room on the Birge block, the second floor of the Exchange Bank, the Olean Opera House and 102 Hamilton St. Community business leader George V. Forman, seeing the need for a large and permanent space, offered to donate his former office property to the library association in 1888, asking that the association create an endowment. An enormous fundraising effort was made by individual

donors as well as by the Ladies Library Endowment Society, led by Julia E. Lamper Jewell, and the requirements for Forman’s donation were met. The Forman Library opened at 85 Union St. on April 2, 1889.

On Dec. 13, 1906, the institution was renamed “Olean Public Library” and became free to all citizens of Olean. By October 1908, the library board also donated the Forman Library property to Olean’s Union Free School District, allowing the library to be supported through annual school tax funding.

A new facility funded through the Andrew Carnegie endowment was planned to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Olean community.

Architect Edward Tilton was hired, and the cornerstone for the new building was laid on July 3, 1909.

By the mid-1960s, it became apparent that the magnificent building was no longer a practical facility for daily library operations. After considering doubling the size of the Carnegie building, the library board instead decided to renovate the former Loblaw’s Supermarket into a new library that would easily be handicappedaccessible.

The new facility opened in 1973 at 134 N. Second St. and Laurens Street and it continues to meet the changing informational needs of the community, providing access to computers, scanners, fax

H ometown H olidays | NOVEMBER 2021

The 2021 Santa Claus Lane ornament depicts the Olean Public Library, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

machines, c o p i e r s , audiobooks, e-books, digital magazines, databases and more.

Ornaments are available at the Chamber office at 301 N. Union St. They can also be purchased at the library. Ornaments can also be shipped outside Olean for an additional $6 for shipping/handling charges per ornament. All ornaments are available online for purchasing as well at the Chamber’s shopping site — shop.oleanny.com. For more information, call 372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com.

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Portville plans for 2021 holiday season PORTVILLE — Christmas in the Park is set — again this year on an abbreviated scale — for Nov. 27 with a tree lighting at 5 p.m.

The gazebo/band stand delights holiday visitors with its thousands of white lights, as does the additional lighting in the park’s tallest trees.

Before Santa arrives, there will be live music and it’s planned there will be individually wrapped cookies and hot chocolate available for the community.

A table time with Santa will take the place of children sitting on his lap this year so they can visit but will have some space between them.

This year there will be a Decorate for Colt house decorating contest this year. Anyone in the town or village can enter at a fee of $20, and proceeds will be donated to the family of Colt “Colt-45” Matz.

Judging will take place Dec. 1 and prizes will be given out for first, second and third place. To enter, call Tim Hollamby at (716) 244-1407.

Once again, a special mailbox will be set up in the Portville Post Office where children can mail their letters to Santa.

The village of Portville has been busy preparing Pioneer Park for it’s Christmas in the Park tree lighting ceremony.

There will be a house decorating contest through Dec. 1, with three prizes and proceeds to benefit the Matz family.

Photo by Cindy Wagner

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Ellicottville readies for holidays downtown and on the slopes

BY DEB EVERTS ELLICOTTVILLE — Make Ellicottville a holiday season destination this year by attending several special events downtown in the village or at Holiday Valley and HoliMont ski areas.

People come from all over to kick off the season beginning with the Christmas in Ellicottville event that will be held this year from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28.

Since its inception in 2006, the event has been all about kids and those who are kids at heart.

Enjoy the activities, the lights, the window decorations and good Christmas cheer in the village. The event offers a free, three-day weekend of family-friendly activities including the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree Friday night, horse-drawn wagon rides through the village, strolling carolers, fire truck rides with Santa, meeting a real live reindeer and even cookie decorating.

Jessica Wallace, business development manager at the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, said the event kicks off Black Friday and most activities are free.

“We have the annual village lighting ceremony where we turn on all the lights,” she said. “Then, there’s a huge presentation when we light our ski tree on the post office lawn.”

Come back to the village Dec. 4 for “A Christmas Stroll” to celebrate the holiday season with a living nativity scene complete with shepherds, angels, live sheep, a donkey and even

Eville Holidays on ............................... page 11

People come from all over to kick off their holiday season at the “Christmas in Ellicottville” celebration. The threeday weekend event runs from Nov. 26-28 and offers free activities for kids and those who are kids at heart.

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Shop local to support merchants — and save on gas

BY JOELLEN WANKEL Holiday shopping is upon us, and gas prices are high. There are a number of reasons why sticking close to home and shopping local is the smart move.

Support your neighbors and receive support inkind. That app or website doesn’t provide personal, face-to-face advice on what color to choose, how long the item may last or what alternative might be a better fit for the person on your list.

No one likes to see empty storefronts, and making sure businesses stay open within our community means understanding where those dollars go.

“When people shop local, that money stays here. Specifically, $68 of every $100 stays in the community when shopping at a local business,” said Main/Elm Street Coordinator Sarah Matzner.

“With supply chain shortages and shipping delays expected this holiday season, it’s extremely beneficial for customers to go into local businesses and do their shopping. In a small community like ours, oftentimes merchants know the person you’re shopping for and they can provide a personalized recommendation. Another benefit is this way, the product is in your hands that very day.”

Shopping local means leaving the house, strolling along a decorated Main Street and finding the right gift. You remember this, and the experience guarantees you don’t accidentally buy something twice.

Plus, shopping is a chance to get together with a friend or loved one and catch up, while you are available to give an opinion on a potential gift for the holidays. This is a great bonus to a fun day or night’s activity.

“When you support Small Business Season and shop local, you are supporting your neighbors and they are more likely, in turn, to keep the money you spent with them local as well,” Bradford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heidi Scrivo Passmore said.

If you tend to wait until the last minute, shopping local is a smart move. You get the item off the shelf yourself, so there’s no stressing that the mail won’t arrive on time. Also, it is a good idea to remember that shopping local is going to mean success this year, while the backups at the ports on the West Coast and the staffing shortages plaguing businesses across the US may result in disappointment.

Another option for the person on your list who is hard to shop for is a Chamber Gift Certificate, which can be used at local businesses and gives that person a chance to find something special for themselves.

“The Chamber is proud of our community who support Shop Local Season via our Chamber Gift Certificates. We sell approximately $45,000 in gift certificates during the holiday season and all of that money stays local. Chamber Gift Certificates can only be used at member businesses,” Passmore said.

Window shopping can mean inspiration for that person you aren’t sure what they want or need. Meanwhile, you never know what kind of opportunity you can stumble on while shopping local. Perhaps a career change is on the horizon, and a business you’d love to work for can offer you that option.

The Main Street Program is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 27.

Small Business Saturday was created

by American Express as a way to highlight local businesses, as opposed to the big box stores that take center stage for Black Friday.

Shopping local for Christmas helps out the buyer, seller and the community.

Last year, some folks took advantage of holiday sales to shop at Bradford Chocolate Factory.

FILE PHOTO

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Bradford publishing company. tuesday, November 23, 2021 According to Eshbaugh, Holiday Valley ended

Eville Holidays continued from 9 a camel. The event takes place at the village gazebo where children dressed as angels and shepherds met to honor Baby Jesus as carolers sing.

Wallace said there are no plans for a New Year’s Eve event at this time.

“Unfortunately, these events were not held last year due to the pandemic. We’ve had a lot of people inquire about this year’s status of events and we definitely wanted to have these events back this year,” she said. “Fortunately, we’ve been able to make this year’s events cohesive to the New York State guidelines. We feel it’s a step in the right direction, and I think a lot of people appreciate that.”

Wallace said Ellicottville was thrilled to have the border open allowing vaccinated Canadians to come back. She said it was wonderful to see the community effort in welcoming them.

For updated information on holiday events, visit the chamber’s website at ellicottvilleny.com.

Holiday Valley begins the season with a targeted opening day of Nov. 26. Marketing Director Jane Eshbaugh said it all depends on the weather. It has

to be cold enough to make snow and the ground has to be cold enough to keep the snow on the ground.

Eshbaugh said they plan to start the ski season out with a champagne celebration when their new state-of-the-art, high-speed quad chairlift opens at Yodeler slope. She said that’ll be their first event of the season, but they haven’t set a date yet.

Several events are planned during the holidays including the annual Demo Day that is scheduled for Dec. 18. The event gives people a chance to try out the latest ski and snowboard equipment for free.

Although Training Center Christmas Camp is more for the kids on Holiday Valley’s ski, snowboard and freestyle teams, Eshbaugh said anybody can register for it and come.

Holiday Valley’s New Year’s Eve Celebration will take place at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Eshbaugh said the first activity of the night will be the Groomer and Torchlight Parade that comes down Cindy’s Run at 11:30 p.m. Afterward, a fireworks display is planned for 11:45 p.m. to midnight.

“Anybody who can ski down Cindy’s Run can participate in the parade,” she said. “We usually have a band in the Main lodge, so people can come in and enjoy the music and get ready for the fireworks and the new year.”

Ring in the New Year in Ellicottville at Holiday Valley’s New Year’s Eve celebration, and then stick around for the rest of the winter with plenty of activities and events in the works.

FILE PHOTO

up with a successful season last year because so many people in Western New York had more spare time. She said a lot of them worked from home and they weren’t taking their kids to school sports, so they were really busy with local people at the resort.

“This year, a lot of those people are back at work and the kids have school sports again.

It’ll quiet-down a bit, but the Canadians will come and fill that little gap,” she said.

“We’re very excited to have them back and it’s great to see them again.”

Eshbaugh said the staff at Holiday Valley is looking forward to a more normal year. She said people had to wear a mask a lot of times outdoors, especially when riding the chair lifts but, hopefully, that’s not going to happen this year.

To find out more about Holiday Valley’s events, visit online at holidayvalley.com.

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The region is gearing up for Christmas, as seen by this Bradford home’s decorations.

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Holiday events scheduled throughout No. Tier of Pa.

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER The region is gearing up for Christmas, with festivities planned in all four local counties.

The 2021 Festival of Lights will be held at the McKean County Fairgrounds from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 26. The event, sponsored by the McKean County Fair Association, will have a drive-through event of holiday displays and lights. There is a fee per car and per bus.

The Emporium Volunteer Fire Department will hold a “Shop Small Saturday” craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 27. The address is 419 N. Broad St. in Emporium.

The St. Marys Chamber of Commerce plans to “light up the night” from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 27. Visit the diamond in downtown St. Marys to celebrate the season! The city will shine with holiday cheer and all the festive decorations. Santa Claus and his friends are coming to town with an exciting pa-

rade, and then he will sit and listen to your Christmas wishes. Prior to Santa’s arrival, visit all the area businesses that will have special activities.

The Emporium fire department will hold a Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 4. The event is sponsored by the fire department auxiliary and the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center.

The Olmsted Manor in Ludlow is holding a Christmas Open House on Dec. 5 and 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. both days. Tour the 1917 Tudor-style Manor House, enjoy live music from local artists and take home some Christmas cookies. Masks are required for all visitors while indoors.

On Dec. 11, the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum will host Santa in the Shay from noon to 3 p.m.

There is a cost to take part.

Santa will be in the Shay Locomotive to hear holiday wishes. Take an instant photo with St. Nicholas and make a super simple family-crafted ornament. Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Browse a holiday bazaar of local artisans. Admission to the

Santa in the Shay event also includes admission to the Lumber Museum’s exhibit galleries, so take the opportunity to learn some lumber and forest history with your family.

Be sure to dress warmly and wear boots because Santa and the Shay locomotive are outside in an

unheated building. There could be snow on the ground too, so be prepared. Guests will also have to climb a short flight of stairs to make their way into the cab of the locomotive, but Santa can come out to meet you as needed.

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Ellicottville Ski Tree already a beloved holiday tradition

BY GINNA HENSEL ELLICOTTVILLE — Black Friday deals, snow on the ground, decorations and returning college students are general signs the holiday season is starting.

However, in the eclectic and traditional town and village of Ellicottville, more personal holiday traditions are carried on, too.

A newer tradition has been around the past several years but is already a sight many look forward to each November: the ski tree next to the Ellicottville Historical Society Museum on Washington Street.

Ellicottville has had a tree in the past, but now with the new ski tree comes a new twist with the tradition. Several years ago, the Nelson Law Firm dreamt a dream to create something brand new for Ellicottville.

While it has seen a couple of different locations, the message remains the same: to bring the community together to make them proud of their home.

The idea came when John Nelson and a friend were out west and saw a ski tree. Magnificently standing above the other trees gleaming with repurposed skis living their new life.

Since the previous tree in Ellicottville was nowhere as extravagant as the ski tree out west, Nelson and friends decided to bring a ski tree to Ellicottville. Thus, the decision to have a ski tree was born.

A community initiative began asking locals to donate their old skis to the tree. Having the community’s own skis on the tree brought a whole new meaning to the tree. When the tree was completed locals could look on the tree and see

Eville Ski Tree continued on .......... page 15

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Christmas in Gowanda preparations set for Dec. 4

BY BILL PEGLOWSKI GOWANDA — The Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 2021 Christmas In Gowanda celebration.

Centered around the downtown business district, the annual celebration of the Christmas season is also the kickoff of the chamber’s “Shop Local” campaign heading into the holiday season.

While Christmas In Gowanda remains a Saturday-only event in 2021, many of the familiar in-person activities are scheduled to return. In 2020, the event was downsized from a Friday and Saturday schedule of activities to a Saturday-only one with parts of it being done virtually.

On Dec. 4, Gowanda’s New York & Lake Erie Railroad will be running the Santa Express train rides starting at 11 a.m. with additional trips at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 pm. Tickets are $22. Additional information can be found at nylerailroad.com.

The Hollywood Theater will be showing a children’s movie at noon that will be repeated at 5 p.m. Also starting at noon, the Gowanda Free Library will be hosting an adult’s and kid’s craft time until 2 pm. From 3-4:30 p.m., the Gowanda Moose Club will be hosting an ornament creation craft session. Horse-drawn wagon rides will begin at 1 p.m. along with police car and firetruck rides.

While the wagon rides will end at 3, the other vehicle rides will continue until 4 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Gowanda’s Love, INC to visit with the children from noon until 2 p.m. and then again 4-6 p.m. One of Santa’s reindeer will also be on hand for children to see. This very popular event is back and scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on the village square in front of Persia Town Hall.

The town hall will also be the place to get free hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by the town.

As always, the highlight of the event will be the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Chang-Hu Park on West Main Street. This event is sponsored

by the Gowanda Assembly of God and the tree will again be donated by the Dixieland Tree Farm. The tree lighting should begin around 7 p.m. with the annual Holiday Spirit parade following afterward.

Starting around 7:30, the parade will head back into the downtown area for the Christmas Fireworks display. This will be visible from the downtown area near the square. Gowanda’s Wicked Glen on Water Street will be holding an Ugly Sweater Party as the outdoor events conclude.

Some other events are also scheduled along with Christmas In Gowanda. The Enchanted Mountain

Blue Star Mothers will be at Love, INC taking collections for active military as well collecting holiday cards for the troops. More information can be obtained via e-mail at president.ny16@ bluestarmothers.us.

The Christmas in Gowanda Home & Store Front Decorating Contest is also back. Registration forms are available from Auto Wrench Connection, Village of Gowanda, Persia Town Hall or The Wicked Glen. Submission deadline is Nov. 30.

Winners will be announced on the Christmas In Gowanda Facebook page Dec. 4.

NOVEMBER 2021 | H ometown

H olidays

Bradford publishing company. tuesday, November 23, 2021

Silver Bells continued from 2

Eville Ski Tree continued from 13 their memories. Skis on the tree held significant memories reminding community members of loved ones, childhood memories and good times.

While Ellicottville’s first ski tree went up only in November of 2017, the tree is already expected to stand the test of time, creating a legacy.

“The intention was never to make the tree permanent,” said Nelson, the mastermind behind the project. “We did not expect as much community response as we received.”

The tree almost was removed in the spring of 2018 when the Ellicottville Village Board passed a resolution to have the tree removed. However, due to the outstanding community support, the tree remained.

Nelson and his wife organized several events to help continue to fund the tree. The “Save the Ski

Tree” fundraiser deputed in 2018, raising enough funds to help maintain the tree including moving the tree from one side of Washington Street, near where the old M&T bank is, to the other side of the street near the Nelson Law Firm is.

The second fundraiser, “Christmas in July,” debuted in 2019, raising even more funds to help cover the cost of new lighting.

This year, locals and travelers from afar can expect new strung lights on the tree. In addition, within the next couple of months, the ski tree in Ellicottville is on track to receiving the Guinness World Record for the tallest ski tree!

As you are strolling through the streets of Ellicottville this holiday season, do not forget to stop and check out the ski tree. It is located on Washington Street between the Ellicottville Historical Society Museum and the Nelson Law Firm. Check out the new lights and skis recently added.

Hopefully, this tradition will continue its legacy for this holiday season and many more to come.

In the film, Hope, being pursued by gangsters because of his gambling debt, disguises himself as Santa Claus. This gag led to the film needing a Christmas song. But what to name it?

“That was the story of why we had to write a Christmas song, so we shared an office with two desks facing each other,” Evans told NPR. “And on one of the desks there was a little bell. We said, ‘Oh, there’s our theme for Christmas and the bell makes a tinkling sound when it’s ringing, so we’ll call our song ‘Tinkle Bell.’

“Jay went home after finishing the song,” Evans continued. “His wife (Wilma) said, ‘Well, what’d you do in school today?’ or something like that. And he said, ‘We wrote a Christmas song called “Tinkle Bell.”’ Well, she looked at him in astonishment, ‘“Tinkle Bell”? Are you out of your mind? You can’t write a song with the word “tinkle” in it. Don’t you know what the word “tinkle” means? It has a double meaning.’ And Jay said, ‘I never thought of that.’

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“So we started to write a complete new song, get rid of ‘Tinkle Bell’ completely. But we liked the music that went with ‘Tinkle Bell’ except for the word ‘tinkle,’ and a lot of the lyrics. And we ended up with the same song we started with, only ‘Tinkle’ became ‘Silver Bells.’

“It’s a stupid, stupid story, but ignorance was bliss, and thank God we did because our royalties are very, very good from our song.”

In their heyday, in the 1940s and ’50s, the team of Evans and Livingston was much in demand in Hollywood, turning out songs for film after film that often became big jukebox hits. The team was formed after Evans met Livingston at the University of Pennsylvania.

Evans and Livingston received three Oscars for Best Original Song throughout their careers. The first was for “Buttons and Bows,” a tune from the 1948 comedy-western “The Paleface.” Next was “Mona Lisa,” written in 1950 for an Alan Ladd film called “Captain Carey, U.S.A.” “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” won a third Oscar for the team, was sung by Doris Day in “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956).

Evans died Feb. 15, 2007, at the age of 92. He is honored with the Ray and Wyn Ritchie Evans Foundation in Culver City, Calif., and the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in his hometown is named after him.

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Bradford publishing company | Tuesday, November 23, 2021

H ometown H olidays | NOVEMBER 2021