THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE VILLAGE OF ELLICOTTVILLE AND THE TOWNS OF ELLICOTTVILLE, GREAT VALLEY AND MANSFIELD,
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 5 FREE
NY
www.EllicottvilleTimes.com
APRIL 5-11, 2013
Spring Has Finally Sprung in WNY! Black Bears End Hibernation One Ellicottville resident recently described our weather these past weeks as being schizophrenic, with snow falling despite sunny skies, icicles melting and reforming, and robins appearing and disappearing with the warmth or cold. But, it is officially April and it’s spring somewhere, judging from the grocery stores where spring flowers, asparagus and other signs of new life are abundant. Despite its somewhat late arrival (to the distinct pleasure of the skiers and snowboarders among us), Ellicottville and the region are preparing for spring with the confidence that it will, eventually, arrive. If you’re not heading to the slopes, perhaps you’re ready to do some hiking, birdwatching or strolling through parks and gardens. Just watch out for hungry bears cubs and their mamas, as they come out of hibernation to forage for food. Allegany State Park is open for all of those activities, along with camping, biking, fishing, picnicking and more. Nannen Arboretum, right here in Ellicottville, is another beautiful spot for a stroll. You can also volunteer there, get some great tips from master gardeners and learn about some unique species of trees and shrubs. For many, this is fishing season, which officially opened on April 1. The area’s streams, rivers and lakes are well stocked, as are the sporting goods stores all over the area. If you’re looking for an opportunity to see what’s new in fishing tackle this year, don’t forget to check out the Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s Spring Sportsmen’s Show in Little Valley on April 13-14 at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds. Western New York’s spring turkey hunting season begins on May 1. Don’t forget
© 2013 KEYSTONE DESIGNERS
By Jann Wiswall
Don’t miss DEC Senior Big Game Biologist Tim Spierto’s presentation on “The Magnificent Black Bear” at Allegany State Park on Friday, May 31 at 8 p.m. More details on page 4.
See Spring page 4
Quarterly News Review of Ellicottville
By Jann Wiswall
Ellicottville’s governments, developers, businesses and ski areas have had an incredibly productive few months so far this year. While there are too many achievements to list in one article, here are some that got a lot of buzz on the streets.
Ellicottville Central Schools Ellicottville Central School District voters approved a capital improvement project that includes facility renovations, enhancements and an addition. The measure passed by a margin of more than 3-to-1. The ECS Lady Eagles volleyball team became New York State Champions at the final tournament in Glens Falls, and the ECS ski team, in its very first year of existence, made it all the way to the State competition. Holiday Valley When it comes to new amenities in town, it’s a little hard to compete with Holiday Valley’s grand 66,000 square foot, $12 million lodge that opened in December. It’s been getting nothing but rave reviews from skiers, and it enables Holiday Valley to offer more flexible meeting, wedding and event space throughout the year. See Quarterly News page 6
Katy’s Café Marks First Anniversary
by Eva Potter
A one-year birthday is a major milestone in an infant’s life signifying a whole year of learning and development, and for Katy Herbach, owner of Katy’s Café and Cake Creations, it’s been a similar experience. The bubbly and energetic Herbach opened her café and bake shop one year ago and hasn’t looked back since. Realizing it’s already been a year, Herbach said, “Holy cow! It feels like it’s been three months!” Over the last year, Herbach
has put her personal stamp on the café with comfortable, overstuffed furniture and custommade tables to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. “We have also added artwork from some of our local artists both on the walls and in other places. I really love all of our local artists who have contributed to helping make Katy’s what it is today,” said Herbach. “I especially want to thank Bob McCarthy and Huey Dunne for their outstanding rustic furniture. Their pieces truly helped add character to the café.” In addition to physical changes, Herbach has hired a few employees. “I love all of the staff. Everyone is absolutely fabulous and I could not have gotten through my first year without them,” she said. You can walk into the café any time of day See Katy’s Cafe page 6
2013 Olean Home Show Displays Newest Home and Garden Ideas By Eva Potter
The annual Greater Olean Area Home & Garden Show is just around the corner, which means it’s time to take an inventory of projects to tackle during the warm weather months. And there’s no better place to get ideas than to check out the Home & Garden Show and chat with vendors. This year’s event takes place April 12–14, 2013, at the William O. Smith Recreation Center at 551 E. State St. in
Olean, N.Y., and is presented by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and its 48 corporate sponsors. This year’s theme, “Where Inspiration Becomes Reality,” punctuated by a lime-green and yellow color scheme, will infect you with creative ideas for new projects while vendors on hand will help you bring them to life. Close to 80 of the area’s leading businesses will be there, creating a unique opportunity
for one-stop shopping and to compare a wide variety of home- and garden-related products and services. Get on-the-spot expert advice for home improvement and repair, new construction, design, gardening and more. From floor to ceiling, the Greater Olean Area Home & Garden Show offers experts and ideas to create your ultimate living environment. Shop for windows, garage See Home Show page 2
Peters & Moriarty Moves to Monroe By Jann Wiswall
The law firm of Peters & Moriarty has moved to its new office space at 12 Monroe Street, and attorney Kathleen Moriarty couldn’t be happier. “It’s all clean and fresh and bright,” she said. Many Ellicottville residents remember the firm as Peters and Ploetz, which was formed in 1986 and was located on the
first floor of the 1887 Building for many years. After Ross Peters died in May 2011, Ron Ploetz invited Moriarty to join the firm, which she did in September of that year. Then, in 2012, Ploetz was elected Cattaraugus County Judge. The name of the firm had to be changed because judges cannot practice law, so Moriarty renamed the firm using Peters’
name “both for recognition and for local sentimental reasons,” she said. With all those changes in the works, the time seemed right to move, too, said Moriarty. She knew her aunt and uncle, Dennis and Elaine Edwards, were looking for investment properties, so she suggested they look in Ellicottville. The See Peters & Moriarty page 6
Spring Sportsmen’s Show Benefits Little Valley VFD By Jesse Mast
The Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department Spring Sportsmen’s Show will take place April 13-14, 2013, at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds.
Event chairman Jim Miller said the show has been held for 23 years and is a fundraiser for the Little Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Miller, a member of the fire department, explained the importance of
holding the event. “We use proceeds from the show to go towards equipment,” Miller said. This cost includes both the upkeep and replacement of equipment. See Sportsmen’s Show page 6