The Salamanca Press
■
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
■
C1
Try shopping local for those on your list
Press photos by Christa Nianiatus Sue Zaprowski stands next to wind chimes for sale at Hampshire Mills in Salamanca. BY CHRISTA NIANIATUS Press Reporter
Salamanca — While checking off your holiday shopping list, don’t forget to look in your backyard for some unique finds. Hampshire Mills, a community staple for almost half a century, isn’t just a stop on the way for the many area tourists, says co-owner Sue Zaprowski. It’s hub for unique gift items that may just be the right find
for those hard-to-shop-for names on your list. “We’ve got a nice variety here and we really try to find unique, different things than you might find someplace else,” she said. Among their selection, Hampshire Mills sells locally made jams and jellies, personal care products, childrens’ toys, winter boots and clothing, wind chimes, holiday decor, and much more. “The wind chimes especially are
Press photos by Christa Nianiatus A collection of jams, jellies and other food items ready to be purchased at Hampshire Mills.
very nice,” said Zaprowski. “You can put them out all year round. We’ve even had some people take them down to Mongillo’s to have them engraved. We have bamboo wind chimes and regular wind chimes that have been tuned by music professors from Fredonia. They said these are right on, so they’re tuned correctly.” “Another interesting item we have are these wax candle bowls,” she added. “It’s a scented wax with flowers put into the wax. You just set
them on your table and to give off a fragrance all you have to do is rub the rim. You don’t have to worry about a flame.” Hampshire Mills also has a wide selection of items for anyone in search of small gifts or stocking stuffers. “There's a whole section of gifts under $5 and other reasonable prices for anyone shopping on a budget,” said Zaprowski. The store owner also noted the convenience and importance of shop-
ping local, as many residents may not be aware of what’s right nearby. “We really have a great selection at reasonable prices for the whole family and you never know what you might find,” she said. “On top of not having to go out of town, you’re supporting a local business and contributing to the Salamanca economy.” For specially marked down items check the Hampshire Mills website at www.hampshire-mills.com or stop in to their Broad Street location.
Press photo by Christa Nianiatus A collection of holiday decorations for sale at the store, located on Broad Street Extension.
C2
■
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
■
The Salamanca Press
As temperatures cool down, shopping sales heat up Olean-based merchants chat about upcoming holiday shopping season BY GEORGE NIANIATUS Special to The Press
Holiday shopping sales are getting warmed up as temperatures dip and retailers of all sizes have their shelves and aisles chocked full with new and popular must-have merchandise for under the Christmas tree. In fact, shopping activity actually kicked up a few weeks ago at the Sports Locker, 711 W. State St., in Olean when St. Bonaventure University’s basketball season officially started Nov. 8 with an exhibition game. “We had an exceptional Saturday,” co-owner Tom Palumbo said of that day. For the holiday shopping season, his hope is what many retailers have: “Our expectations are high.” It’s his belief the Nov. 8 tipoff of brisk sales will continue throughout the entire holiday season. Along with a wide array of sports gear, “Our biggest category is winter wear with Columbia, North Face and Under Armour,” he said. Overall, “Our merchandise selection is strong — with newer versions and colors,” Palumbo said. The holiday season is so important for most retailers’ bottom line. For the Sports Locker, “We get a third of our total retail sales in November and December,” he said.
A few blocks away at The Paper Factory, 176 N. Union St., in Olean, owner Deb VanScoter said her business is stocked and ready for the crush of shopping activity she’ll receive. “People have been coming in already for holiday decorations and gifts,” she said. The miniature Department 56 village pieces have been a favorite at her two-floor store. “Customers have been coming in early to get those as well,” VanScoter said. Also, shoppers have been scooping up her Elf on The Shelf, comprised of a picture book and an elf for young children. Additionally, the store’s Vera Bradley collection of handbags and purses “is huge for the Christmas season with shoppers,” she added. The Christmas season is so vital to retailers. “We get a third of our sales during this season,” VanScoter said, urging shoppers to visit her store and Photo by George Nianiatus others throughout the greater Deb VanScoter arranges a Christmas village display at The Paper Factory in Olean. VanScoter said her business is stocked and ready for the crush Olean area. of shopping activity she’ll recieve. “We really need to support As holiday sales continue DVDs and video games; and jewelry for a friend or family shoppers will pay for their our local businesses,” said escalating this time of year, the 42 percent will buy toys. member, the highest percent gifts, 38 percent will use their Larry Sorokes, chief executive National Retail Federation Likely having loaded up on since 2006. credit card, the most in the officer of the Greater Olean (NRF) said the busiest shopwearable technology and new Gift cards will continue as a survey’s history and up from Area Chamber of Commerce. ping is yet to come. smartphones throughout the favorite for both shoppers and 28.5 percent last year. Although Santa Claus Unsurprisingly, apparel, toys year, slightly fewer people will recipients. Sixty percent plan Approximately 21.6 perLane starts 7 p.m. Friday on and video games will be popubuy electronic items as gifts to buy gift cards, the NRF cent of shoppers will pay with North Union Street for thoular gift items this year. (31 percent versus 33 percent), survey said. cash, and 38.4 percent will use sands of onlookers, shopping An NRF survey said 61 said the NRF survey. This makes gift cards the their debit or check card. Just jumps into high gear more percent of shoppers will buy Meanwhile, some people most requested gift item for 21.6 percent will use a check, than 12 hours earlier for the clothing and accessories; 46 are in for a treat. Twenty-four eight years in a row. the lowest in the survey’s hisday that’s called Black Friday. percent will buy books, CDs, percent of shoppers will buy When it comes to how tory.
Santa Claus Lane Parade is Nov. 28 in Olean
File photo BY CHRISTOPHER MICHEL Special to The Press
Olean — This year’s Santa Claus Lane Parade is happening 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Olean. The annual event is put on by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce to kick off the holiday season. The procession will feature lots of floats, plenty of holiday spirit, and a visit from Santa and Martha Claus, of course. And those thinking that the first phase of North Union Street’s $8.85 million overhaul, a $130,000 upgrade to the street’s only railroad crossing, will not impede the parade, should think again. “Everything is scheduled and set up as it always has been,” said Meme Yanetsko, the chamber’s chief operations officer. “The construction area is really where the beginning of the parade is and most people watch the parade south of the train tracks,” she said. “However, the construction area’s set-up won’t affect how we march too much. The floats just might have to carefully move in a single line.” Lighted garlands are wrapped around 30 light poles
on North Union Street, Mrs. Yanetsko said. “They’ll be lit red and green in an alternating pattern. Obviously, it’s not the same as having the garlands across the street, but we did a test pole back in July of what it will look like and it does look nice,” she said. Those passing through Olean may notice a new addition to Santa Claus Lane decorations — 16 lighted Christmas tree and star decorations that will be hung on the new aluminum utility poles along West State Street. “The new Christmas trees and stars are a lot lighter than the ones we used to have,” Mrs. Yanetsko said. “Our plan is to add 16 more to West State next year and 16 more after that.” The old Christmas tree and star decorations that once adorned Union and State streets still have a place in the city. “We actually sent 10 of them up to BOCES to have their welding students weld off the brackets on the decorations,” Mrs. Yanetsko said. “Once they’re ready, we’d like to hang them around Bradner Stadium on its panels and fencing.”
The Salamanca Press
■
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
■
C3
Don't forget about the gift shop for those park enthusiasts BY KELLEN QUIGLEY Contributing Writer
Red House — When you have that friend or family member who is nearly impossible to buy for, the Red House Administration Building in the Allegany State Park (ASP) has the answer to all your holiday shopping problems: the gift shop. Operated by John Marino, the little gift shop may not appear like much when you first walk in. But the stuffed, 6-foot black bear wearing a Santa hat welcomes you with open arms. For the holiday season, the shop is holding a storewide sale of 15 percent off all items. Christmas items specifically are 50 percent off. Sitting outside the shop in the lobby is a table loaded with little stocking stuffers and knickknacks. For those friends and family members living miles away, the gift shop has dozens of items bearing the Allegany State Park name or logo, including blankets, sweaters, hats and slippers for those cold winter nights. One shop employee suggested mugs as a great gift because there are perfect for this time of year. A hot cup of cocoa or coffee in your ASP mug will hit the spot. The novelty gifts that are more outdoorsy and nature related separates shopping at
Press photos by Kellen Quigley the gift shop from other stores this holiday season, said another shop employee, especially the ones specific to the Southern Tier. Many people have small collections of figurines with a common theme. In the gift shop, several shelves contain many ceramic animals in various poses and scenes. From a family of foxes cuddling in their den to the deer changing the “Deer Season” sign to “Rabbit Season,” you never
know what might next addition to your great aunt’s ceramic black bear collection. Every year the gift shop auctions off a 4-foot tall stocking stuffed with toys. Anyone who visits the shop is allowed to put their name in the drawing—no purchase in the shop necessary to qualify. From Christmas ornaments for the tree to magnets for the refrigerator. From jewelry for kids and adults to colorful rocks from the park
Give your pet something unexpected over holidays BY SUE MANNING The Associated Press
Los Angeles (AP) — Pet owners looking to launch the next Internet sensation or just longing for a new view of their dog’s dashing and digging won’t have to shop for long to find the perfect holiday gift. Wrap up a dog harness that holds any durable, wearable camera and watch Frisbee fetch, lazy lap naps and every memory in between come alive. GoPro Inc.’s Fetch dog harness fits over Fido’s chest or back and holds the small, waterproof camera known for attaching to helmets, surfboards, cars and wrists to film rugged adventures. Sony, Garmin and Kurgo also make camera mounts for dogs. The device is among a legion of gifts that retailers have rounded up for pet wish lists this year. Narrowing it down is tough, but the harness tops the more unique options and creates footage that lasts. The most pet-friendly camera in the GoPro Inc. line is the Hero4, which allows people to decide what the dog records and control all the functions with a touch screen, company spokeswoman Kelly Baker said. The camera sells for $399, and the mount costs $59. The chest harness captures bone-chewing and digging, while the back mount films running and jumping, Baker said. They adjust to fit dogs weighing 15 to 120 pounds. The canine camera view has proved popular. A video went viral of an eager Labrador strapped with a camera sprinting through trees and across rocks to an Italian beach, where it leaps into the ocean. John Duffield of Santa Monica, California, loves the footage he got from the GoPro he mounted on his two dogs. He got enough shots to make a short video shortly
before his chow-LabradorAkita mix, Lupa, died. But Duffield didn’t strap the camera to his Chihuahua, Pup, three months ago when he and his wife brought their newborn daughter home from the hospital. “Pup is like a member of the family, too,” Duffield said. “He belonged in this picture because he was welcoming home part of his family.” Those looking for pet gifts besides the traditional treats, new bowls and beds can give something unexpected such as: Ugly Sweaters They are the rage this year, so PetSmart Inc. will hawk ugly sweaters for cats and dogs from Bret Michaels’ Pets Rock line ($15.99), said Shelly Albrecht, spokeswoman for the national retailer. Swath pets in sweaters stitched with gingerbread men and Christmas trees and they could win worst-dressed at those seasonal ugly sweater parties popular with people. PetSmart also is selling leg warmers online and in stores from Top Paw and Luv-APet. “Star Wars” Gear Dogs will “use the force” with Petco’s line of “Star Wars” toys and clothing. Dress up dogs like Princess Leia with a headband sporting her signature bun hairstyle. The Death Star won’t menace when it comes as a treat dispenser ($7.49) or tug-of-war toy ($5.99). Plush squeaker toys feature favorite characters — R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader — for less than $10. And don’t forget the cats — the Millennium Falcon flies at the end of a teaser toy string for less than $5. Devices for Older Dogs Make it easier for your senior dog to get around safe-
ly with equipment from Solvit Pet Products (www.solvitproducts.com). Help them avoid injury in the car with a Dept. of Transportationtested safety harness ($30) and ease their way out of the vehicle with a ramp for those who can no longer jump ($159). Keep them close on a bike ride with a bicycle trailer or stroller ($399) or with a wicker basket ($89). Gourmet Fare After romping in the snow, pets can warm up with San Diego-based Honest Kitchen’s Winter Warmers Broths. Just add hot water to the dehydrated mixes in chicken consomme, beef and bone, and turkey stock flavors. The company, which focuses on natural food good enough for people’s palates, offers the $19.99 three-box sets for a limited time.
itself. From postcards, key chains and survival tools to gag gifts for the 7-year-old in all of us, there’s something for everyone no matter how young or old. The shop is opening 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
C4
■
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
■
The Salamanca Press
Nee
Need gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for young adult? BY DIANA MCELFRESH Special to The Press
The holiday season is fast approaching and now is the best time to begin shopping for gifts for the kids in their late teens and early 20s in your life. Teenagers can be difficult to shop for, as their tastes can be variant and liable to change. However, most young adults are easily pleased with many fairly simple gifts. People in their late teens and early 20’s always appreciate new clothes, especially if they have gotten used to purchasing their own clothes. Given the time of year and the climate, new boots will be cherished. For girls, Hunter Boots are a great option. Hunter Boots are Wellingtons from the United Kingdom and come in an assortment of bright, cheerful colors. The boots range anywhere from $98 to $225, but are very durable and quite stylish, especially for a rain boot. A great boot for both men and women are Doc Martens. Docs have been around for quite sometime but have made a comeback in the young adult fashion world. These boots are incredibly durable and tremendously comfortable. They come in a vast array of colors and styles. Doc Martens also come in a variety of fabrics. The archetypal black leather Docs cost $135 in both men’s and women’s sizes. If you are unsure of what clothes exactly to buy a young adult, gift cards to stores such as H&M, Urban Outfitters, J Crew, and Express are viable options. For any aspiring photographers, SLR cameras would be a welcome gift. SLR cameras can be fairly expensive, but offer a much higher quality of picture than the typical photo captured on an iPhone. A great SLR starter camera is the Nikon D3300. The D3300 costs about $550, but offers HD video, and takes 24.2 megapixel photographs. The camera is compatible with smartphone technology, so photos can be instantly shared on Instagram or Facebook. Bluetooth headphones would be a great gift for the musically inclined young adult. These headphones are a recent innovation and allow the user to listen to their music on a Bluetooth device without any of the hassle of plugging the headphones in and dealing with the easily tangled cords of traditional headphones. Because Bluetooth headphones are a fairly new innovation, they are still fairly expensive. The Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Wireless Series headphones cost $379, but feature noise-cancelling technology and have a 12-hour battery life. Of course, there are less expensive headphones that are almost of the same caliber as Beats. If the young adult in your life is athletic, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit headphones are a safe bet and are priced at $170. These headphones are designed for use while working out. They are sweatproof and include an armband for smartphone storage while working out. The holiday season also means the release of a host of console video games. Both
Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Unity will be released in time for the holidays. The games will be available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The games will cost about $60 upon their release. Also available for the same cost for the holidays is Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Dragon Age: Inquisition will also be released in time for
Christmas, and will be available on the same consoles as Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty, but will cost slightly more, coming in at $70. All college-aged students appreciate monetary gifts as well as the textbooks they will need for the upcoming spring semester. The burden of purchasing books can weigh heavily on students, so
putting that Econ 101 book under the tree might not be particularly glamorous, but will be absolutely appreciated. (Diana McElfresh is an Olean Times Herald intern and a freshman at St. Bonaventure University.)
The Salamanca Press
■
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
■
C5
Don't see your letter to Santa or didn't get yours in yet? We'll be publishing more in the coming weeks!
Dear Santa, Dear Santa, Hello my name is Jasmine Robertson. I am four years old. I’m trying really hard to be a good girl and not fight with my sister. For Christmas this year I would like a Spongebob game and a fish pond game. I would like a Hello Kitty bracelet and I would like Learning Resources Pretend and Play cash register and a new tea party set and a fake phone and I would like a pretend doctor set and some nice clothes size 5T shirts and size 5T pants. Love, Jasmine P.S. I will leave cookies and milk for you and some carrots for your reindeer.
This is my 3rd Christmas! I am so excited again! This year I love Doc McStuffins! Please bring me lots of Doc stuff! I would also like a new car seat. Can you bring some snow to my house, too?! I really like watching the snow and playing in it outside! Please do not bring me any dresses! If you bring me dresses my Mommy will make me wear them and I DO NOT like to wear dresses anymore! Thank you! I love you, Santa! Lissy King Hoag P.S. Enjoy your treats! You know where to find them!
C6
■
Nov. 27-Dec. 3, 2014
Christmas Gift Guide & Santa Letters
■
The Salamanca Press
Dear Santa, Daddy and Mommy tell me you watch over me every day. So you should know I’ve been a very good boy this year! I already have everything I need, but would like to ask you to bring me a hot wheels race track, a helmet and a BIG monster truck. I will leave you cookies that I helped bake. Love, Joe Joe Freaney 2 1/2 years old Great Valley
Dear Santa, Hi I’m Mannix. I’m 2 years old so I’m pretty new at this Christmas stuff, but I know “ho ho” is coming and I like Christmas trees. I try to be good and not get in trouble but it’s hard for me. Can you please bring me Bubble Guppies with the School Bus, “Frozen” playset, Disney movies, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Paw Patrol dogs. I want a new sled and food for my kitchen set. I like to read books, too! My mom and me will make cookies for you! My stocking is the Elmo one! Love you, Mannix Theodore Lounsbury-Runn
Continue to submit your letters throughout the holiday season! We will be printing them in upcoming editions of The Salamanca Press.