The monthly newsletter of the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
April 2012

 

Grant Will Create Small Business Assistance
Program Network
 
The Chautauqua Chamber Development Corporation has been awarded a $50,000 grant to provide outreach and assistance to small businesses regarding health care and health insurance.
The grant, from the Community Service Society of New York will establish a statewide network for outreach, specifically geared toward small businesses, to help them better understand their health insurance options, the Affordable Care Act, and any tax credits or subsidies they may be able to access to lower health insurance costs. 
Thirty proposals were submitted, and CCDC was one of 13 organizations statewide to be selected for participation in the new Small Business Assistance Program. 
CCDC functions as an arm of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. The not for profit organization has its own Board of Directors, which oversees and acts as a fiscal agent for six community Chambers of Commerce in Chautauqua County to promote their interests in improving the business climate, encouraging tourism, and speaking with a unified voice on issues important to the business community. 
 
 
2nd Annual Chautauqua in June Learning Festival Announced
May 25-June 17, 2012
 
The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau in southwestern New York State announces the second annual Chautauqua in June, a learning festival held in the tradition of lifelong learning popularized by Chautauqua Institution more than 138 years ago. Visitors as well as residents can register for classes and learn landscaping techniques, take lessons in creating artwork and crafts, join guided walking tours, discover new hobbies like birding or biking, and expand their knowledge of local foods, wine, and beer. The three week schedule from May 25 – June 17, 2012 includes more than 50 different workshops in gardening, creative, cultural, and culinary arts, outdoor recreation, and history and heritage. Classes are held in both indoor and outdoor classrooms across Chautauqua County.
Many of the favorite activities from the first Chautauqua in June will return this year. Julie and Steve Rockcastle, organic farmers from Green Heron Growers, will again offer Fun with Fungus, a Shiitake mushroom growing workshop. Several wineries and local chefs will host winemaker’s dinners or wine making experiences such as a Boot Camp with Liberty Winery, Double A Vineyards, and Walkers Farm where participants will learn to choose and plant grape vines, make their own wine, and select wines to serve with dinner. Johnson Estate Winery will head outside with Nass Daylily Farm, cultivators of over 350 varieties of daylilies, to teach propagating skills, while Sara Baker Michalak, a natural gardener and artist, will introduce students to cottage gardening at Lana’s The Little House, a Cotswold style cottage. Local artists Thomas Annear, Audrey Dowling, and James Hoggard will teach painting and photography techniques out in the field.
Experiences new to the June festival include kayaking and paddling, standing up or sitting down, along with cycling and geologic tours of the region. Tea tastings are prominent on the menu of offerings this year, along with farm-to-table, locavore, and Amish cultural events. There will be opportunities for sewing, knitting, and spinning yarn, and even a workshop in film animation. Architectural and cemetery tours, a boating museum, and a 132-year-old hotel provide several opportunities to learn more about the heritage of the region.
In addition to classes, several notable events take place during the festival. Visitors can tour the homes and studios of artists during the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail’s Open Studio Tour. The NJCAA National Golf Championship tournament takes place at the Chautauqua Golf Club. The annual Bach & Beyond Baroque Festival will be held at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House with an opportunity to have a conversation with the performers. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosts its annual Birding Festival, and on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, the LakeArts Foundation will present The International Festival of Arts and Innovation and Politics Goes to the Movies, classic films by Oscar-winning actors and directors.
The word Chautauqua evokes a place where people go to learn while having fun, a place to vacation with the opportunity for personal growth. For well over a century, visitors and residents of Chautauqua County have been gathering at lakeside assemblies and summer camps, attending lectures and cultural performances, and relaxing on one of several lakes.  This historic retreat atmosphere is preserved in the Chautauqua region today, with the addition of progressively new learning adventures. The Chautauqua in June festival highlights these new learning opportunities, many of which can be found throughout the year. It offers an opportunity to experience attractions like the historic Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution or wineries in America’s Grape Country in a non-traditional way.
Chautauqua in June is a learning festival promoted by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and held in collaboration with Chautauqua Institution, Jamestown Community College’s Center for Continuing Education, SUNY Fredonia’s Center for Lifelong Learning, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Planning and Economic Development, as well as area businesses including Webb’s Resort, Johnson Estate Winery, Portage Hill Gallery, and Camp Chautauqua. Chautauqua County is located in the southwestern corner of New York State with New York’s largest grape growing region, five lakes, Victorian and Amish communities, and Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown. For more information and a schedule of vacation learning events during Chautauqua in June as well as throughout the year, call 1-866-908-4569 or visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau website at www.tourchautauqua.com. Look for upcoming details on a new fall learning festival, Colors of Chautauqua, October 5-21, 2012.
 
 
 
 
 
 
State Budget Moves Toward Fiscal Responsibility
For the second year in a row, New York State is beginning the fiscal year with an on-time budget that controls spending with no new taxes.
The budget deal announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver limits spending growth to 2-percent or below to match the state’s 2-percent Tax Cap. This is a serious move toward improving our state’s economy.
The state budget agreement also launches the New York Works Task Force to create jobs and invest billions to rebuild roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure. The Task Force will coordinate capital plans across 45 agencies and authorities, and will oversee investment projects.
The budget also authorizes a second round of funding for the state’s Regional Economic Development Councils, including $220-million to implement regional strategic plans in new capital funding and tax credits.
One important aspect of the state budget is that it begins to provide mandate relief in Medicaid spending for counties. The package includes a state takeover of growth in the local share of Medicaid costs, and implements a phased takeover of local Medicaid administrative expenses. This is a big step towards easing the unfair financial burden on county governments for the Medicaid program.
The state is also moving to consolidate a number of boards and commissions, and in fact will eliminate 25 boards and commissions that are no longer actives or whose missions have been completed. These, too, are steps in the right direction for streamlining state government and reducing spending.
Heather Briccetti, President & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, said, “This sends a strong message to the state’s business community and the rest of the nation that New York has turned the corner and is moving in a direction that will lead to a better economy and an improved employment outlook for millions of New Yorkers.”
 
 
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier continue to urge all local businesses and residents to make their voice heard to save NRG Energy’s Dunkirk plant. Plans to “mothball” the facility could result in a loss to our region of up to $40-million in tax revenue, high-paying jobs, and locally purchased goods and services.
The New York State Senate has approved legislation which would require the New York Power Authority to conduct an analysis of electric generating facilities in Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties and to enter into power purchase agreements to keep them operating. That bill still needs approval in the State Assembly and must be signed by Governor Cuomo. There is still an opportunity to complete this legislation before lawmakers take a post-budget break. 
To lend your voice to this effort, call or email Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver at 518-455-3791, speaker@assembly.state.ny.us and Governor Cuomo at http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php.
 
Whether you’re organizing an event or advocating for change, the simple fact is that we get more done when we work together. That is the true strength of membership in the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. Our membership is what allows us to be effective – in networking, in offering opportunities in health insurance and employee benefits, and in creating a strong voice around public policy issues that impact businesses in our county.
There are many benefits of Chamber membership including: tools to increase profits such as Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks and discounts on services; connections to new customers through networking events, sponsorships, and business promotion opportunities; representation where it matters through legislative events and advocacy; and information and new ideas including weekly updates, monthly e-newsletters, training and development, and guest speakers. All of these things happen because of dedicated volunteers and staff at the Chamber, and they are all designed to improve conditions for businesses in our county. Our simple goal is to work towards making businesses more profitable by helping to reduce taxes and by offering products and services that cut expenses and increase sales.
Over the next six weeks, volunteers will reach out to businesses throughout Chautauqua County encouraging them to join the Chamber of Commerce. Businesses that join during the membership drive will be eligible for prizes which include a Sapphire GEM sponsorship valued at $1,000, a free membership for a year (2012-14 dues), and two free Chamber event passes of a year (excluding the Annual Banquet, Golf Tournament, and Community Chamber events.)
But it’s not the prize packages that count. It’s the focus on working together to improve our economic well-being, to provide better employee benefits packages at cost-savings to companies, and to bring business people together in our county. Those are the real reasons for joining the Chamber of Commerce.
For information, please visit our website at www.chautauquachamber.org or call one of our offices at 366-6200 or 484-1101.
Photo Caption:  Chamber Membership Drive teams meet for lunch at Roberto's in Jamestown.
 
 
 
 
2011 Direct Impact $3.6 Million to Region
The star of the hit show Mike & Molly, CBS’s #1 new series in 2011, comedian Billy Gardell will headline an event that last year had a direct impact of $3.6 million to the Chautauqua County economy: the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival August 1-5 in Jamestown NY.
The Pittsburgh native is known to more than 12 million TV viewers each week, appeared in his own hour-long Comedy Central Special in 2011, and will be performing to a house of 1,260 seats in Jamestown Saturday, August 4.  Tickets go on sale April 17 at www.LucyComedyFest.com.
According to an economic impact study conducted by Buffalo firm Paradigm Economics and commissioned by the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the 2011 five-day festival saw 13,000 attendees and had a direct impact of $3.6 million on the city of Jamestown and Chautauqua County.
Returning after contributing to this success, Paula Poundstone, one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest comedians of all-time and panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, will headline the Thursday, August 2 evening.
Attending this show and others, Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, will be in town to witness the Center’s new Legacy of Laughter direction, one pillar of which is comedic arts education.
That programming debuts this year with a set of comedy courses to take place the week of the festival, culminating with students earning stage time at Lucy Fest and the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City, named by USA Today as one of the top 10 comedy clubs in the nation.  Courses are presented in partnership with Jamestown Community College’s Center for Continuing Education, and registration for youth and adults begins April 17.
Classes include intensive training in the areas of improv, sketch and stand-up, and will be taught by Bill Chott, T. Faye Griffin, and Andy Engel, respectively.  Engel is the founder of Manhattan Comedy School and the Director of New Talent at the Gotham.  Griffin is a former writer and segment producer for both the show In Living Color and the BET Network, as well as a personal joke writer for Steve Harvey.  Chott toured alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in The Second City Comedy Troupe before re-uniting with former troupe-mates Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell to work on The Dana Carvey Show and Saturday Night Live.  Lucy fans will recognize him for his award-winning portrayal of Fred Mertz in I Love Lucy Live on Stage.
Friday, August 3 features a showcase of some of the hottest rising comics in the country, co-produced by San Francisco-based Rooftop Comedy, the world’s largest producer of interactive comedy programming.  Lucy Fest has featured performances by then-rising stars Ray Romano, Lewis Black and Ellen Degeneres, and aims to catch comics on a similar rise to the top with this showcase.
Saturday matinees will include the return of a live on-stage radio show, broadcast last year on SiriusXM and produced by Gregg Oppenheimer, son of I Love Lucy creator Jess Oppenheimer.  Also returning is the critically-acclaimed kids comedy troupe, Story Pirates. This non-profit creative writing organization will visit to do in-classroom story-writing workshops in the spring.  The stories from these Jamestown public school students will become the basis for the show Saturday, August 4.
Other festival events include Lucy Town Tours, shows featuring the best Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel impersonators in the world, a parade, memorabilia auction, “Party on the Plaza,” and the newly-formatted, largest, and most comprehensive “I Love Lucy” trivia contest ever believed to have been held.  This preliminary schedule will be updated as new events are confirmed at www.LucyComedyFest.com.
The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, or “Lucy Fest,” embodies Ball’s vision for her hometown legacy: a celebration of the comedic arts held annually on the weekend closest to her birth date, August 6.  Lucy Fest 2011 commemorated Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday, set an attendance high at 13,000 attendees, featured more than ten comedians from NYC, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and Los Angeles performing over five days, and made international news with the setting of a Guinness World Record for “Most People Dressed as Lucy Ricardo” with 916.
The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is the first pillar in a four-pillar Legacy of Laughter vision for the organization, including a comedic arts education program, comedy film festival and the establishment of the first national comedy museum and hall of fame.
The mission of the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is to preserve the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and enrich the world through the healing powers of love and laughter through its commitment to the development of the comedic arts.
 
 
Tech Tour 2012 was a resounding success thanks to a number of people and organizations who put all of the pieces together to create a high-energy and productive event. Nearly 300 students from ten local high schools and the Cassadaga Job Corps Center were able to tour manufacturing facilities in the area and the manufacturing technology facility at Jamestown Community College. The day was organized as part of Dream It Do It, which is focused on encouraging students to consider careers in advanced manufacturing. As part of the event, students had a chance to try their hand at a computerized virtual welding system which was made available for the day.
Special thanks for this hugely successful event go to Dave Johnson, Industrial Services Coordinator for the Chamber/MAST; Brent Harkness, Welding Technology Instructor at JCC; Welders Supply Company; and the following companies for opening their doors for tours: Cummins, Weber Knapp, Dawson Metal, AFA Foods, Ulrich Planfiling, Blackstone Business Enterprises, TitanX, Dahlstrom Roll Form Hanson Sign, Hope’s Windows, and Ring Precision.
 
 
Social Media Partnership to Help Improve Sales
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative to utilize social media to help our members increase sales. Expanding on the success of the ‘buy local’ Shoptauqua initiative and the Chamber’s gift check program we are providing an opportunity to utilize digital and social media to help grow your business.
Through a partnership with TexTivia, members of the Chamber of Commerce will receive a free Facebook page setup. If you currently have a Facebook page, TexTivia will make sure it is set up to effectively drive sales to your business. In addition as part of this offer, TexTivia will provide a free month of its services to get your page up and running successfully.
Through traditional means of marketing the Chamber has demonstrated a $1.9 million impact on the local economy with the gift check program, and through social media we will increase our impact. Consumers throughout Chautauqua County connect everyday through Facebook and by targeting this audience we can attract these consumers to your business.
For more information, contact TexTivia at 716-785-4815.
 
 
A Wellness Feature from Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services
April Fools Day marks the start of National Foot Health Awareness Month and this is a perfect time to renew focus on your feet. This is important for everyone. For someone with diabetes, it’s extremely important because uncontrolled diabetes can often lead to complications. Problems with circulation in the feet are often the first concerns that develop. The foot is affected by diabetes because of poor circulation and also nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. There are many things you can do you prevent problems from developing over the years:
·         Wash your feet daily using mild soap and lukewarm water. Pay close attention to in between your toes and be sure they are free of moisture after washing.
·         Inspect your foot daily for cuts, bruises or any irritation. Be sure to use a mirror if needed to check the bottoms of your feet.
·         Visit a podiatrist at least once a year. Get their professional guidance on how to cut toenails.
·         Be sure your shoes fit properly.
 
Properly fitting shoes is very important to avoid complications in your feet. Diabetic shoes are available and designed especially to offer added protection. In 1993, the government recognized foot complications in people with diabetes, so they enacted the therapeutic shoe benefit for Medicare to cover most of the cost. They recognize that a diabetic is at higher risk for ulcers and amputation due to the fact that they have a lack of sensation in their feet. They might get a blister that won't heal which may become an ulcer, because they may not feel it. A diabetic shoe should protect the foot from irritation. These shoes are typically a little wider and deeper in order to accommodate a special insert. The most common area for ulceration is the bottom (or plantar) part of the foot. A specialized insert is heat molded to help offset pressure points, friction and accommodate any bone deformities.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when purchasing new shoes:
  • Make sure the shoe fitter is experienced.
  • Get your feet measured each time you buy new shoes.
  • New shoes should be comfortable when purchased and should not need a "break-in" period.
  • Shoes should fit both the length and width of the foot, with plenty of room for the toes.
  • Avoid shoes with high heels, pointed toes or tight around the toes (these put too much pressure on parts of the foot and can contribute to ulcers).
For information on diabetic shoes and insurance coverage, please contact Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services at (716) 664-5092.
 
  
 
Guest Editorial By: Catherine Weber, J. H. Bennett Moving & Storage
As business owners, we all face common issues. We work hard to maintain stability and produce financial growth. Every day we are servicing our customer relationships with buyers and sellers. We face human resource challenges that affect our every effort to be successful.
Don’t do it alone. One such challenge arises when you have decided to pay the moving expenses for either a new hire or an exiting employee that you are relocating. What do you authorize? How do you estimate the expense? What are normal moving costs? A Human Resource Executive who wants to coordinate their upcoming relocation alone must account for the research, time and effort that will be diverted from your daily company tasks to focus on the move. 
Some companies shift the responsibility by offering a moving stipend, asking their employee to do all of the moving tasks on their own. 99% of the time, the relocating employee is not a professional moving expert. How do they know if a moving company is reputable? Insured? Accurately estimating all possible charges? Money and inexperience are not a good combination. These two choices can cost a company serious time, money and energy while running a risk of encountering a moving disaster.
Today’s relocating employee is going through an exciting, yet stressful time. They are facing the challenges of finding a new home, living in a new city and adjusting to new job expectations. Statistics have shown that moving is the 3rd most stressful experience a person can have, next to death and divorce. 
J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage has been in a leader in the moving industry since 1914. A near century filled with over a million customers means J.H. Bennett knows about high quality customer service. When you are ready to “make a move”, a personal Move Coordinator is assigned to every relocating individual. They are committed to being the central point of contact to all parties, ensuring no detail goes unattended. Move Coordinators alleviate the stress of moving and are the driving force behind our exceptional customer relationships. 
The laws of supply and demand drive the moving industry as they do the airline industry. Wouldn’t it be great if airplane tickets were the same price all year long? Fortunately, J.H. Bennett boasts its ability to “Price Lock” moving expenses for its business account clients. Now, whether you have a move in the dead of winter or during the bustling summer moving season, you will never be at the mercy of the changing economic climate. 
Every move is not the same, and J.H. Bennett can customize its services in tandem with your budget like no other moving company will. Every Human Resource Director and Company Owner is approached with a unique plan. A team of National Account Development Specialists will prepare a comprehensive Tiered Package Option Plan, tailored to fit all relocation scenarios, all at no additional expense to your company. Our versatility ranges from household goods to office moves, shipping sensitive electronics and exhibits, plus various storage options.  
Ninety-eight years of growing, learning, building trust and nurturing a “Customer For Life” philosophy puts J.H. Bennett Moving and Storage in the position to thrive for another one hundred years. Now is the time for you to look ahead and have a Transportation Plan in place before your company opens the door for its next employee relocation. Let the experts at J.H. Bennett Moving and Storage make your next move, your best move.
You can reach J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage at (800)542-8668, online www.jhbennett-moving.com, on Facebook J.H.BennettMoving&Storage, on Twitter JH_Bennett_Erie and on LinkedIn J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
W.C.A. Services Corporation is seeking paramedics/EMT-CC/EMT-1 for full-time, part-time, and occasional work. 
At W.C.A. Services Corporation, it is our mission to provide comprehensive emergency response and medical intervention to the people of our communities. W.C.A. Services Corporation has a proud heritage and tradition of providing high quality service. We offer innovative emergency medical service and medical transportation programs to the people of our primary service area of Chautauqua County. We have a strong commitment to our moral, ethical, and community values. We regard our patients and employees as stakeholders, treating all with the utmost respect.
W.C.A. Services Corporation hires the best and brightest men and women in our industry to meet the high demands of the communities we serve. We provide our staff with the most up to date industry equipment and fleet to meet the demands of their challenging jobs. Our management team is dedicated to provide you with the training and tools you need to excel.
If you are interested in becoming part of a progressive and growing organization please contact: Robin Muscaro, Human Resource Manager, W.C.A. Services Corporation, 28 Maple Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, phone 716-664-4709 or email robin.muscaro@wcaservices.com.
 
 
Boyz II Men to Perform at JSB Arena
The Jamestown Savings Bank Arena is excited to announce that “Boyz II Men” has been scheduled for June 8, 2012.  Boyz II Men is the most successful R&B group of all time, having sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. The group from the City of Brotherly Love deliver their listeners to the heyday of Motown with their a cappella harmonies, and are responsible for transforming hip hop into a mainstream music genre.
Boyz II Men was formed at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and their first single to reach number one on the Hot 100 Pop Charts was 1992’s “End of the Road”. Other number one hits include, “I’ll Make Love to You” and “One Sweet Day” with Mariah Carey, which still holds the record for most consecutive weeks (16) at number one on the Hot 100.
Boyz II Men has produced eleven albums including their most recent, Twenty (2011). The group’s melodic rhythms earned them four Grammy’s in the 1990’s and two more Grammy nominations in 2009. Most recently, Boyz II Men collaborated with Justin Bieber on his movie, “Never Say Never” as well as his Christmas Album, Under the Mistletoe.
Tickets for the Boyz II Men concert at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena start at $39.50 and will go on sale at 10 am on Friday, March 23. Tickets can be purchased at the Arena Box Office located at 319 West 3rd Street in Jamestown, NY as well as over the phone by calling 716-484-2624 or online by visiting jamestownarena.com.
 
 
JBC Names Rosanne Johanson Vice President
Jamestown, N.Y.--Jamestown Business College (JBC) has recently named Rosanne Johanson as its Vice President. In this role, she will assist the President with overall functions of the college.  Johanson has been with the college since 1978 as an instructor, Director of Financial Aid & Career Placement, Director of Career Development, and most recently as Dean of Student Affairs. She also serves as the JBC liaison to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and as a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission and the New York State Education Department.
“Mrs. Johanson has been a true asset to the JBC community,” said JBC president, David Conklin. “We are excited about the new possibilities and are confident that our programming will only strengthen with her knowledge and expertise.”
Johanson said, “Jamestown Business College continues to grow in so many positive ways. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and the students in my new capacity.”
Jamestown Business College offers business-focused Associate and Bachelor degrees and certificate programs that include targeted professional development activities. For more information on registering for these programs, call 664-5100 or visit us online at www.JamestownBusinessCollege.edu.
 
 
Lindell named Dean at JBC
Jamestown Business College (JBC) has recently named Gretchen Lindell, Ed.M, as Dean of the college. In this role, she will oversee all academic and faculty endeavors.   A University of Massachusetts and Boston University graduate, Lindell has been with the college since 2005 as a faculty member, Educational Technologist, and most recently as Associate Academic Dean.
“We welcome Mrs. Lindell’s expanded role at the college,” said JBC president David Conklin. “With an increased focus on academic success, this step is a great fit for the students at JBC.”
Lindell said, “I look forward to working with students and administration in this new role. We also have a great faculty team, and I look forward to working with them to achieve optimal success in the classroom.”
She lives in Lakewood with her husband and has one child.
Jamestown Business College offers business-focused Associate and Bachelor degrees and certificate programs that include targeted professional development activities. For more information on registering for these programs, call 664-5100 or visit us online at www.JamestownBusinessCollege.edu.
 
 
Peters Named Chair of Retention Committee at JBC
Jamestown Business College (JBC) has recently named Jennifer Peters Chair of the Retention Committee. In this expanded role, she will oversee the faculty committee dedicated to student success and retention.
A recent graduate of St. Bonaventure University’s MBA program, Peters has been with the college since 2006. Along with her new post, she maintains her position as Associate Director of Admissions for the college. 
“Mrs. Peters has made significant contributions to our team,” said JBC President, David Conklin. “She is committed to helping our students grow and is a great team player. I look forward to her contributions in this new capacity.”
Peters said, “The college is truly committed to student success, and I look forward to working with students, administration, and faculty in this new role.”
She lives in Lakewood with her husband, has one child.
Jamestown Business College offers business-focused Associate and Bachelor degrees and certificate programs that include targeted professional development activities. For more information on registering for these programs, call 664-5100 or visit us online at www.JamestownBusinessCollege.edu.
 
 
Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy Adds Therapists
Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy is excited to announce the addition of two talented therapists to our team. 
The first is Tessa Mosier, PT, DPT to the clinical team. Ms. Mosier is joining the group as a physical therapist. She is dividing her time working with young children in the Early Intervention Program through Chautauqua County and a variety of patients in the outpatient clinic in the Riverwalk Center. 
Ms. Mosier is originally from Corry, PA and received her advanced degrees in Psychology, Sport Exercise Science and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Gannon University in Erie, PA. She was inspired to become a therapist when she was a child. Her father was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. After observing his rehabilitation, she learned that physical therapists impact the lives of many and are critical in helping patients achieve their functional goals. 
In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, trying new food, places, shopping and is excited to watch her two favorite teams; the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Buffalo Sabres.    
Julie Luce, MS, CCC-SLP/L has been a speech language pathologist serving Chautauqua County for more than 13 years. Mrs. Luce is experienced in the field of pediatrics as well as a variety of individuals ranging in ages and diagnoses. Mrs. Luce received her Bachelor’s Degree from Edinboro University and her advanced degree from Fredonia State to complete her Master’s Degree and Graduate studies. 
With this new addition of speech services, we can now offer a comprehensive approach to our community through physical, occupational and speech therapy services.
Mrs. Luce is married and has two beautiful daughters. She works with children and adults who can gain from speech therapy to welcome more efficient communication and reduce frustration. She enjoys water skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities with her family.
As Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy celebrates 16 years of serving the community, our entire team has grown to a total of 21 on staff. We are looking forward to continued growth and 16 more years of treating our community with quality physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Call us at (716) 488-2322 for your free consultation today.
 
 
Audubon Receives Community Arts Grant for Enchanted Forest
The magic of the Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s Enchanted Forest was recognized March 24 when Audubon received a grant to create two new costumes for the fall event.  The $2200 Community Arts Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program and administered by the Cattaraugus County Arts Council, was presented during an Award Reception at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building in Salamanca.
The Enchanted Forest is presented at the Audubon Sanctuary in early October. Children, their parents and grandparents have a fun – but not scary – experience when they are escorted around a luminary trail by volunteer “fireflies” who light the way with lanterns. Larger-than-life-sized animals tell about their lives, sharing fascinating, fun and educational information through dramatic and entertaining stories.
Audubon volunteer Freda Pyles accepted the award from Programs and Grants Manager Courtney Blackmon. Pyles explained that spaces are always reserved well before the popular event, and that it is important to have new “animals” for the children to learn about each year.
Audubon’s new Enchanted Forest animal costumes will be created by Pam Moran, art instructor for grades K-5 for Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School. Among her many accomplishments, Moran was a co-founder of Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theatre, a nationally acclaimed puppet company in which she performed across the country and coordinated hundreds of workshops ranging from puppet construction to script and production development.  
A total of $47,000 was awarded at the reception that was attended by grant recipients from Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.
To learn more about the Audubon Center and Sanctuary and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit www.jamestownaudubon.org.
 
Photo caption: Volunteer Freda Pyles being congratulated by Courtney Blackmon (left), Programs and Grants Manager for the Cattaraugus County Arts Council, administrator of the grants program.
 
 
Audubon’s 3rd Flight of Spring Gala Dinner and Auction Slated for Warren
Invitations will soon be in the mail for the Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s Third Annual Flight of Spring Gala Dinner and Auction to support Audubon’s mission of raising environmental awareness.   As a change of pace, the May 4 event will be held this year at the Conewango Club in downtown Warren, Pennsylvania. 
“Audubon has a lot of supporters from the Warren area,” noted Jamestown Audubon Society President Ruth Lundin, “and we needed more space. The Conewango Club seems like the ideal solution!”
Club member and active Audubon volunteer Patrick Farrell will be the emcee, and Mike Peterson will return as auctioneer for the evening. The live and silent auctions will feature works donated by the artists who participated in the 2011 Art in the Woods festival as well as other great items. Among these are a guided drift boat trip on the Kinzua Tailwaters offered by NYS DEC licensed fishing guide Jeff Moore, a pet wellness basket, a “Pollinated Dinner” provided by Audubon’s education staff, and tickets to the Great Blue Heron Music Festival.
Some auction items are posted on Audubon’s web site, http://jamestownaudubon.org/. Arrangements will be made for bidding by those who are unable to attend the event.
Harpist Ellen Paquette will entertain guests as they arrive. The meal will the highly-regarded Field to Fork dinner made of local produce, meats, and dessert.
 Seating is limited for this delightful affair and the deadline for reservations is Monday, April 30. Contact Audubon at (716) 569-2345 or info@jamestownaudubon.org to make reservations, receive a printed invitation or donate your own distinctive item or gift certificate.
 
  


 

  

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