<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>Chautauqua Lake Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Richard's Chautauqua Lake Live Living. This blog will provide updated post pertaining to Chautauqua Lake Region and surrounding areas. Including Chautauqua Institution, Lake Erie and Findley Lake NY. 
Please post any comments you may have.

Richar</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/magically-mesmerizing-preformed-in-jamestown.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/magically-mesmerizing-preformed-in-jamestown.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Magically Mesmerizing preformed in Jamestown</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


March 2, 2013


By Dusten Rader (drader@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal


Save | Post a comment |            




The people of Jamestown were treated to a night of enchanting guitar and intriguing storytelling at Infinity Cafe on Friday.


Acclaimed guitarist, Richard Gilewitz, of Tampa, Fla., brought his musical skills and humor to Infinity Performing Arts for a series a workshops and a live set.


According to Gilewitz, his performances can be described as a nervous breakdown happening in slow motion. But, every night he plays is almost the same at the end because he puts on his manager hat and begins to evaluate everything he did.




Article Video



 



Richard Gilewitz




"What I do during the break is almost like a football coach at halftime talking to his team about how the game is going," said Gilewitz. "So, I think of it like a game, and the job is to win. You don't want to call the audience your opponent, but in way you could envision them that way. It's not you against them, but it's you trying to bring them up. There's always going to be some people who it doesn't register with, and then there are always going to be the ones that just go nuts and love it."


During the course of his performances, Gilewitz picks reactions up from the audience to gauge what is going over well. One tune that he played that he felt was well received included "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," which drew sighs of enjoyment.


"That's when you know you have them and you try to tap into that," said Gilewitz.




Article Photos







Pictured is acclaimed guitarist Richard Gilewitz of Tampa, Fla., who came to Infinity Performing Arts for a performance in the cafe, in addition to a series of workshops.P-J photo and video by Dusten Rader






When he knew he had the audience, he tried out several of his originals, including "Mr. Sputnik" and "Tater Gun Strut."


"Those are fun to try because I know that having the opportunity to play them on stage adds live ingredients to the mix - it's like they are cooking in a different way that they can't at home." said Gilewitz.


"Mr. Sputnik" is a song that Gilewitz wrote after a friend of his told him a story about a dream he had when he flatlined for eight seconds. While dead, Gilewitz's friend experienced a dream in which everyone was a robot. When he awoke, he was afraid that he would be a robot too, and if he was, he preferred to be called Mr. Sputnik.


He also performed a tune entitled "Spanish Two Step." The song was played in honor of the man who inspired Gilewitz to learn his finger-picking style of guitar, John Fahey. Mention of Gilewitz's guitar teacher, David Wahlbert, came during the second half of the show before he played the song entitled "Echoing Gilewitz." There was even a tune by Elizabeth Cotten, some Johann Sebastian Bach and a short rendition of "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles.


Jeff and Maureen Dimas, of Jamestown, who attended Gilewitz's performance, were astounded by the level of talent that they were able to be exposed to thanks to Infinity, they said.


During the entirety of the show Mrs. Dimas sat with her eyes closed, a smile on her face, slowly nodding her head and tapping her foot to the beat.


"Jeff told me that it would absolutely take your breath away, and it did. I love this kind of music," said Mrs. Dimas.


Dimas, who attended Gilewitz's workshop both this year and last, did so because he has a strong desire to learn finger-picking style, he said.


"The way he broke it down in the workshop made it so simplistic - I absolutely learned a lot," said Dimas. "I first saw him perform at Trinity Guitars two years ago, and at that time I recognized that he is one of the best guitarists in the world. We are blessed to have him here again."


Shane Hawkins, executive director of Infinity, was also pleased with the results of the workshop.


"The workshops were great," said Hawkins. "We had a lot of new faces come in, and many of them were adults."


"The workshops were good last year, but I think this time in particular they went event better," added Gilewitz. "People were trying things, asking questions and coming up to me with comments about things they liked. One guy who could already play was interested in my hand stretching. It's not all about the physical playing, it's also about keeping your hands loose before the set and relaxing your body. He realized how stiff he was and chose to now share that with his students - I like that domino effect."


Hayley Restivo and Ryan Hawkins, students of Infinity who perform in Chautauqua's Got Talent as SYMBA, opened Gilewitz's Infinity Cafe show with a couple of tunes before he took the stage.


"For a young musician it is very inspiring to see someone grown up who is living out their dream," said Restivo. "I went to one of the workshops because I play guitar, and I actually learned quite a bit about finger-picking and his style of music."


Ryan agreed, stating that she was surprised by Gilewitz's mastery of the guitar. She said his finger-picking style made it appear as if he actually had speakers in his fingers.


"It was groovy, man, because he is a groovy man," said Ryan.


Ryan's brother, Alec, put Gilewitz's skill level up there with greats such as William Shakespeare and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.


"It was super, spectacular and awesome," said Alec. "I don't even think he is human."


The sound for the evening was provided by Cliff Obrist, of Buffalo, who regularly helps at Infinity's events and is a recording class instructor. The experience was just as inspiring to him as it was to everyone else who had the opportunity to interact with Gilewitz.


"We spent a lot of time perfecting the guitar tone before the workshops and the performance," said Obrist. "He is really particular about his sound, but it comes out really good. It was a great experience, and I think we kind of connected because it's nice to have someone who as particular about sound as I am."


The evening wrapped up to be an all-around success, and Gilewitz was invited back for future performances and workshops.


Infinity is located at115 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call 664-0991, visit www.infinityperformingarts.org or www.richardgilewitz.com.




 © Copyright 2013 The Post-Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Save | Post a comment |







- See more at: http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/618624/Magically-Mesmerizing.html?nav=5057#sthash.dPAjBemU.dpuf ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:45:59 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauquas-got-talent-begins-three-voted-off.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauquas-got-talent-begins-three-voted-off.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua's Got Talent Begins; Three Voted off</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 




February 19, 2013


By Dusten Rader (drader@post-journal.com) , The Post-Journal


Save | Post a comment |            




The first round of the fouth annual Chautauqua's Got Talent competition filled the seats and drew standing ovations.


The Spire Theater of Jamestown was packed with area residents on Monday evening as the fourth annual talent competition, presented by Big Time Productions and The Post-Journal, commenced. The evening featured performances by singers, dancers, instrumentalists and a hula hooper.


According to Angelo Giuffre, event organizer for Big Time Productions, this year has the highest number of contestants yet seen for the competition, and all of them have a ton to offer.




Article Video



 



Chautauqua's Got Talent Day 1




"I couldn't be happier with the turnout tonight - both from the stage and the audience," said Giuffre. "They are all so good, and it's really sad to see any of them go home. I really was not unimpressed with a single contestant tonight. They really brought it, and it's going to be a tight race when it gets down to the top five."


But, the audience made their choice and three contestants were eliminated including: David Hanley, 34, of Jamestown, who performed "Outside" by Staind; Leah Comstock, 16, of Jamestown, who performed the "Soldier Doll Dance" from "The Nutcracker" ballet; and Marisa Skinner, 11, of Bemus Point, who sang "Get It Right" as performed by the cast of "Glee." The remaining contestants are competing for a $500 cash prize, website, promotional press kit and a free dinner each month at Wing City Grille for a year.


The event started with a performance by Taylor Latour, 16, of Lakewood, who sang "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" as performed by Judy Garland. The show continued with Corey Osborne, 22, of Jamestown, who performed "Cough Syrup" by Young The Giant. He was followed by Halle Weston, 15, of Bemus Point, who played piano and sang "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat. Leisha Kolstee, 18, of Jamestown, then took the stage to perform "All I See Is Gold" by Bridgit Mendler.




Article Photos







 






The first duo act for the evening included Victoria McThian as a vocalist and Sean Gardner as a pianist, who are both from Jamestown. They performed "My Immortal" by Evanescence. The act continued with Corinne Edwards, 15, of Jamestown, who sang "On My Own" from Les Miserables.


Maia Davis, 11, of Jamestown, took the stage in a pink outfit and performed "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele. Davis was followed Samantha Elleman, 12, of Jamestown, who took on Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away." And, Victoria Campbell, 22, of Little Valley, "Set Fire To The Rain" with Adele's hit.


Cathy Covarrubias, 24, of Jamestown, surprised the audience with song and character acting from the "Princess and the Pea" musical. She was followed by Michael Earle, 16, of Jamestown, who performed the classic "Santa Fe" from the "Newsies" musical. Keeping with the classic vibe, Stephanie Bensen, 15, of Jamestown, sang and played guitar for "Let It Be" by the Beatles. Bensen was followed by Anna Paterniti, 13, of Jamestown, who performed a doll dance from "The Nutcracker" ballet.


The audience roared with cheers when Hayley Restivo and Ryan Hawkins, both 16 and both of Jamestown, performed "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King and "Time Of The Season" by The Zombies. The duo was followed by Ashley Paulus, 17, of Dewittville, who equally drew attention with her piano playing and vocals on "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles.


The stage was then taken by Austin Anderson, 13, of Jamestown, who sang and played guitar for "One Last Breath" by Creed. Then in a flash of light and sound Lindsey Hinger, 24, of Warren, wowed the audienced with a dance routine that featured a glowing hula hoop. Teal Weatherly, 30, of Jamestown, then belted out an a capella gospel song and the crowd went wild. But, it wasn't over as Donovan Gomez, 8, of Jamestown, performed "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5 in a fashion that Giuffre said reminded him of himself at a young age.


The evening included a lineup change because two acts dropped out. The acts who dropped out include Leanna Harp, a hula hooper, and a duo act called Angels with Voices. As a result K-la Fleurant, who submitted a video audition, was able to sing Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You."


"I think we got to see a fine sampling of what this area has to offer as far as talent," said Ylsa Giuffre, judge and CEO of Big Time Productions. "I think the audience had a good time and I think the contestants really enjoyed themselves. There was a very special energy in the air tonight. I'm definitely looking forward to next week because I don't feel like I'm judging, I feel like I'm being entertained just like everyone else and it's great fun."


Judges, who provide constructive criticism but do not vote, for the evening were: Jamie Lee, Higgs, Steve Davis and Paul Schermerhorn.


"Tonight I saw some amazing talent and some amazing potential for talent," said Jamie Lee. "I am thankful that I don't have to vote in this competition, but I am excited to give some feedback to people."


"You should come out next week because we had a lot of fun tonight, and don't you want to see the rest of the fun?" added Jilliane Dolce Higgs.


The second round of this year's competition is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at the Spire Theater, 317 E. Third St. in Jamestown. Tickets to each night are $6 pre-sale or $8 at the door, and a pass for all nights is available for $25. The tickets can be purchased at The Labyrinth Press Co., 12 E. Fourth St, Jamestown.


Sponsors of the event include Tim Hortons, Lutheran Social Services, Secret Garden Flower Shop, Odyssey Events and Wing City Grille. Each week an audience member is selected to receive a free dinner to Wing City Grille. Lighting for the show is provided by Prime Time DJ and sound is handled by Star-Sirch Productions.


For more information, call 450-7357, visit spiretheater.org or search for "Chautauqua's Got Talent" on Facebook.




 © Copyright 2013 The Post-Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Save | Post a comment |






 



 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:54:28 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/county-housing-market-jumps-in-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/county-housing-market-jumps-in-2012.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>County Housing Market Jumps In 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
February 17, 2013


							By Dennis Phillips (dphillips@post-journal.com)																,					The Post-Journal


 


A rise in confidence is one way to explain why there are more houses for sale in Chautauqua County.


According to the New York State Association of Realtors, 1,170 houses were for sale in the county at the end of 2012. That was a 46.6 percent increase when compared to 2011. The increase represents the largest of any county in the state. Delaware County at a 27.2 percent rise followed Chautauqua County.


Jan Murray, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors executive officer, said the increase in the number of houses for sale shows that people in the county are confident the house will get bought.


"People are getting more confidence that they will get a buyer," she said. "I think some people hold off when the economy is looking bleak. I think now people are more confident in getting a sale."


Murray said the increase in the number of homes for sale shows people also have confidence they will receive a good price.


"I do know if people don't think their house will bring what they want they will hold off unless they have to sell," she said.


The 847 houses closed in 2011, represents a 5.6 percent decrease when compared to 2011. Also, the number of homes closed in the fourth-quarter of 2012 also saw a similar decrease of 5.5 percent. A total of 241 houses were closed in the fourth quarter of 2012, a decrease of 14 when compared to the last quarter of 2011.


Murray said even though closings were down, pending housing sales were up at the end of the year.


"The pending sales were up 2 percent. I guess it took longer to close for some," she said.


The median price of a house sold in Chautauqua County only increases slightly in 2012, rising 3.3 percent. However, since 2008, the average price of a purchased house has increased 121.5 percent. The median was $39,055 in 2008 and was $86,500 at the end of 2012.


"I have a feeling a lot of high-priced vacation homes were sold to bring that number up," Murray said.


The overall state housing market finished 2012 with a 7 percent increase. There was a slight 1.2 percent growth in the median sales price.


"Looking at the year-end numbers we can confidently call the housing market in full recovery mode," said Duncan R. MacKenzie, state Association of Realtors chief executive officer. "The 2012 market featured four consecutive quarters of sales growth and inventory moved continually closer to a balanced market."


There were 93,582 closed sales in 2012 in the state, up from the 87,459 homes sold in 2011. The 23,694 closed sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 represented a 6.1 percent increase from the 2011 fourth quarter.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:51:06 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-events.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-events.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua Events</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


















 


Chautauqua 


Business Weekly


Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and


Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier


February 11, 2013













            






                
                







  















 


Chamber Supported Community Events and Chamber Member Events


 















 


 


 


2/11 - WCA Heart Center Strike Out Heart Disease Bowl-A-Thon.  For information or to register call 664-8423.


 


 


 


2/12 - Jamestown Salute to the Finest, 5:30pm.  Register Now


 


 


 


2/15-17 - Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival, Lakeside Park, Mayville 


 


 


2/22 - Business Council of New York State,  State Legislative Agenda Breakfast, Roberto's in Jamestown.  


 


 


2/28 - Free Energy Seminar for Business, Robert H. Jackson Center.  To register or for more information visit renewchautauquacounty.org


 


 


 


SUNY Fredonia Technology 
Incubator and Buffalo TCIE host Certified Lean Professional training in 
March and April.  For information and to register go to www.tcie.buffalo.edu


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 














 


      



Read our newsletter online 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 














Do you know a business owner who is not a member of the Chamber?  Forward this email and invite them to learn about the benefits of membership!


 











                






                    
                    





                    
                    
                    
                    
                    







Business Council Brings Legislative Agenda to Chautauqua County Feb. 22


By Todd Tranum, President/CEO


 


   The Business
 Council of New York State offers regional briefings each year on the 
Executive Budget, and this year will be hosting a session in Chautauqua 
County.     The leading business organization in New York State, the
 Business Council represents the interests of large and small firms.  
Its membership includes thousands of companies, chambers of commerce, 
and professional and trade associations.  The organization's main 
function is to serve as an advocate for employers in the state political
 and policy-making arena, working for a healthier business climate, 
economic growth, and jobs.    The Business Council's advocacy agenda
 for 2013 includes proactive initiatives intended to improve the state's
 business climate and promote new private sector investment and job 
creation.  Key topics being addressed are mandate relief, economic 
development, energy, health insurance, and more.  Read the full article...















Lucy Town Run Holds Great Potential


  
 Congratulations to Chautauqua Striders, the Jamestown Savings Bank 
Arena, and the Lucy-Desi Center for comedy as they prepare to host the 
inaugural Lucy Town Half Marathon and 5K Run this coming fall.  Over 400
 runners and their families are expected to participate in the Columbus 
Day Weekend event.       
 The weekend will include a 5K run, a sports expo, and a night of 
comedy.  It will culminate with a 13.1 mile half marathon run October 
13.  The USATF certified course will begin and end in Jamestown and run 
through Lakewood and Celoron, traveling near the childhood home of 
Lucille Ball and Lucille Ball Memorial Park.  Univera Healthcare is 
sponsoring the weekend events.     This creative and collaborative 
fundraising event will benefit the important missions of the 
organizations involved as well as bring a significant number of runners 
and their families to the community where they will spend time visiting 
our attractions, staying in our hotels and supporting our local economy.   For more information or to register or volunteer, visit www.lucyrace.com.















Jamestown Salute to the Finest Feb. 12


   The
 Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce will present a number of awards
 to local businesses during its annual Salute to the Finest on Tuesday, 
February 12.  The award winners are:  Manufacturer of the Year - Hope's 
Windows, Inc.; Retailer of the Year - Jamestown Mattress Company; 
Community Service Award - John Bauer; Pride of Jamestown Award - Gateway
 Station; Business of the Year - Robo Enterprises, Inc.; Service to 
Humanity Award - Eastside YMCA; New Business of the Year - Patient's 
Pharmacy.   The event begins at 5:30pm at the Lillian V. Ney 
Renaissance Center, 19 West Third Street.  The cost is $20 for a heavy 
hors d'oeuvre buffet with a cash bar.  You can register through the 
events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 484-1101.  Register now.















Winter Festival Calendar Now Online   
 Once again, a full slate of winter events is being planned for the 
Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival in Mayville - one of the largest 
winter festivals in the region - which is organized annually by the 
Mayville/Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce.    
 The lineup includes snowmobile rides, a flare parade, fireworks, kids' 
corner crafts, chili cook-off, kids snow slides, snowball distance 
throwing contest, snowman/animal making contest, ice carving, broomball,
 snowshoe demonstrations, a polar bear swim, presidential costumer 
contest, a snowball dance, and lighting of the ice castle.  Many of 
these events will be held weather permitting.     Major sponsors of 
the Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival are:   Media One Group, Town 
of Chautauqua, Clark Patterson Lee Architectural Engineering 
Firm/Habiterra, Operating Engineers Local 17- Apprenticeship Program, 
Felony Entertainment LLC, Chautauqua Suites-Olives Restaurant-Bellini 
Lounge, Lakeview Hotel/The Docks Restaurant, and Chautauqua Marina.  
Platinum Sponsors are:  M &amp; T Bank Mayville Branch, Webb's Captain's
 Table Restaurant and The Cottage Collection, and Lictus Keystone.      


   For a complete schedule of events and sponsors, please visit the Winter Festival Event page on the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce website or on the Winter Festival Facebook page. 















Energy Seminar for Business Feb. 28


  
 A free energy seminar and lunch for business, not-for-profit and 
multifamily buildings will be held at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 
East Fourth Street, Jamestown from 11:30am-1:30pm on February 28.  The 
program is designed to help businesses and others learn about reducing 
utility costs as well as incentives to improve energy efficiency, free 
energy audits, and how to access low interest financing.     This 
event is sponsored by:  Chautauqua County, County of Chautauqua 
Industrial Development Association, Chautauqua County Chamber of 
Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Jamestown Board of Public 
Utilities, America's Natural Gas Alliance, Lime Energy, Piping &amp; 
Service Industry Coalition, National Fuel, NYSERDA, and CNG for Upstate 
NY.   You can register online at www.renewchautauquacounty.org or call 1-866-495-2959.















www.chautauquachamber.org


  


10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk  NY     716-366-6200


512 Falconer Street, Jamestown NY     716-484-1101 


Leading Businesses.  Leading Communities.™













                    
                    























        
        






Forward email
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:23:30 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-lake-ice-pick-off-and-running.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-lake-ice-pick-off-and-running.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua Lake Ice Pick off and running</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
BEMUS POINT The Chautauqua Lake Ice Pick is officially back.


The ice pick has been placed on the ice and bets are now being accepted at www.clakeicepick.com. Peter Sullivan, event organizer, said proceeds from the contest will benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association.


''Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the CLA,'' he said. ''The other 50 percent will be split among the five winners. The first winner will receive half. So if we raise $10,000, they would receive $2,500. The other four winners will split the rest of the money.''


The Chautauqua Lake Ice Pick contest is based on a successful Alaskan tradition, the Chautauqua Lake Ice Pick is a fundraiser where people predict exactly what time and date the ice will break and the tripod placed on the ice will fall into the lake.


The contest's inaugural year was 2011, when $8,000 was raised to benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association. However, in 2012, due to unseasonably warmer temperatures, the contest was canceled.


The idea for the event was brought back by Sullivan, who traveled to Nenana, Alaska, and witnessed an event held annually to predict when the ice breaks. The Alaskan tradition started as people waited for the ice to break on the Tanana River, which would mean the start of supplies coming their way.


Although Alaskans may not be as dependent upon the ice breaking to get supplies now, the guessing is still carried on as thousands of dollars are raised for charity.


Sullivan transformed the idea into a local fundraiser, with BOCES classes constructing the tripod that is connected to a clock to mark the exact time the ice cracks on Chautauqua Lake. In the inaugural contest in 2011, Greg Peterson won by correctly guessing 9:37 a.m. on March 18.


Each guess costs $5. Bets will be accepted until the end of February. Sullivan said the contest is ''off and running'' because a private foundation has already donated $5,000 toward the competition.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:52:15 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-winter-festival-calendar-now-online.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-winter-festival-calendar-now-online.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua Winter Festival Calendar Now Online </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


   Once again, a full slate of winter events is being planned for the Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival in Mayville - one of the largest winter festivals in the region - which is organized annually by the Mayville/Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce.  


   The lineup includes snowmobile rides, a flare parade, fireworks, kids' corner crafts, chili cook-off, kids snow slides, snowball distance throwing contest, snowman/animal making contest, ice carving, broomball, snowshoe demonstrations, a polar bear swim, presidential costumer contest, a snowball dance, and lighting of the ice castle.  Many of these events will be held weather permitting.  


   Major sponsors of the Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival are:   Media One Group, Town of Chautauqua, Clark Patterson Lee Architectural Engineering Firm/Habiterra, Operating Engineers Local 17- Apprenticeship Program, Felony Entertainment LLC, Chautauqua Suites-Olives Restaurant-Bellini Lounge, Lakeview Hotel/The Docks Restaurant, and Chautauqua Marina.  Platinum Sponsors are:  M &amp; T Bank Mayville Branch, Webb's Captain's Table Restaurant and The Cottage Collection, and Lictus Keystone. 






 


   




   For a complete schedule of events and sponsors, please visit the Winter Festival Event page on the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce website or on the Winter Festival Facebook page
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:16:36 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-lake-real-estate-report-january-1st-to-january-31st-2013.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-lake-real-estate-report-january-1st-to-january-31st-2013.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua Lake Real Estate Report. January 1st to January 31st 2013</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Chautauqua Lake Real Estate Report. January 1st to January 31st 2013

2 Closed sales reported


Average list price $ 287,450.00


Average closing price $259,000.00


Average Square Footage 1,301


Average cost per square foot. $ 199.00


Average Days on Market  119


 Pending  and Pending Show Sales reported


1 Pending sale


Average list price $125,000.00


Average Square Footage 1,285


Average  cost per square foot. $98.00


Average Days on Market 7


15 New Lake Listing Reported 




Average List Price  $484,540


Average Square Footage 3,243


Average Asking Price Per Square Foot $180.00


Average Days on Market 14


Source: Chautauqua County Board of Realtors


Should you have any questions or would like to view any properties please feel free to call me anytime...cell 716-665-9403


Selling Chautauqua Lake Real Estate Since 1985 let me put my experience to work for you.


Sincerely


Richard Benedetto Broker/Owner Real Estate Advantage &amp; Chautauqua Lake Rentals
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:50:36 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/saturday-skiing-cwctours-goose-creek-wetlands.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/saturday-skiing-cwctours-goose-creek-wetlands.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Saturday Skiing CWC?Tours Goose Creek Wetlands</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
NORTH HARMONY - A blanket of freshly fallen snow was welcomed by those who participated in the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing tour.


On Saturday, members and patrons of the CWC gathered at the Loomis Goose Creek wetland preserve to tour the land.


The property was purchased two years ago by the CWC through funding made available by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the New York State Development of Environmental Conservation and several Goose Creek residents. It consists of 30 acres, 25 of which are wetlands, including 450 feet of lakeshore and 3,000 feet of the wild west bank of Goose Creek. According to John Jablonski, executive director of the CWC, Goose Creek is the largest creek in the Chautauqua Lake Watershed.




Article Photos







Members and patrons of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy pose with their gear before embarking on a cross country skiing and show-shoeing tour of its Loomis Goose Creek wetland preserve.P-J photo by Gavin Paterniti






The moving creek waters help keep the area more ice-free, and are available for waterfowl to use over extended periods when the rest of the lake is iced over. The property is the third-largest wetland on Chautauqua Lake and is also one of the most important habitats remaining on the lake. It provides habitats for various species of fish and wildlife, including: kingfishers, heron, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, waterfowl, beavers, mink, turtles and amphibians.


The land is part of the Chautauqua Watersheds Tributary Preserve System. It is located near 2500 Route 394 and Fardink Road in North Harmony, and is designated by a sign and a small parking lot for visitors.


"This parcel is on the mouth of Goose Creek, which is the largest creek in the Chautauqua Lake Watershed," said Jablonski. "Therefore, it carries the most pollutants, sediments and tree limbs and things like that. By maintaining this as floodplain, hopefully the creek can flood into this area and allow some of those materials to filter out before it flows into the lake."


The land was previously owned and used as farmland by the Loomis family, which had owned the property for nearly a century. According to Jablonski, most of the property is under a federal reserve program known as conservation easement - an agreement in which a governmental unit or organization may exercise rights otherwise held by the landowner so as to achieve certain conservation purposes. Just prior to the CWC purchase of the land, the Loomis family heirs put a permanent easement on the property, which paid them most of the property value and allowed the CWC to buy out the rest at a reasonable price.


"As a bonus of (the conservation easement), the federal government took this area that had been crop land before and provided a grant, through an agreement with the previous owner, to install ponds here," said Jablonski. "Basically, it's one long, interconnected, three-lobed shallow pond that is 18 inches to 4 feet deep."


He added: "So this was (originally) wetlands, was then used for agriculture (over the course of) decades, and the federal government's program to restore wetlands enabled the landowner to get funding to preserve it and restore wetland habitats here."


According to Jablonski, wetland soil has been spread over the ponds, which will create a seedbed that should regrow. He also said that the CWC intends to construct a wildlife observation blind, allowing visitors to look diagonally over the length of the property and see what comes in and out of the ponds. Additionally, the CWC plans to plant shrubbery to screen the ponds from the parking lot and street, making the area appear more natural to wildlife.


"This is probably our third or fourth tour that we've had here," he said. "We've had two winter tours over the last two winters and have had a good turnout each time. We're trying to bring out our members and the public to introduce them to as many properties as possible. Hopefully, they'll come back on their own and enjoy it whenever they get a chance."


The CWC was founded in 1990 and contains nearly 1,200 members. It has conserved approximately 800 acres of land at locations throughout the county in addition to the Chautauqua Lake Watershed. They include parts of the Lake Erie Watershed, parts of Cassadaga Creek and the land from the middle to lower sections of Cassadaga Lake.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:08:38 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-county-snowmobile-trails-open-conditions-marginal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/chautauqua-county-snowmobile-trails-open-conditions-marginal.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Chautauqua County Snowmobile Trails Open, Conditions Marginal</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For those not afraid of single-digit temperatures, the county's snowmobile trails are open.


On Wednesday, several sources indicated the trails were open. All reminded riders that conditions are marginal.


The Chautauqua County Trail Conditions hotline told riders to be careful because high winds have knocked down tree limbs which could potentially be along the paths.


''Pay attention to your surroundings and watch your speed,'' the recording said, which can be accessed by calling 800-242-4569, followed by pressing the No. 2 and then 5.


The Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club has a telephone hotline and a website. The Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club Sno-Phone, which can be reached by calling 753-2924, said trails are in poor condition because there is no base.


''We have received snow. It is a fluffy snow. It doesn't pack so well,'' the message said. ''Groomers have been out doing the best they can to get a base setup.''


The hotline also warned that groomers have broken down. The Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club's website, which can be viewed at www.chautauquasnow.com, stated a groomer is stuck on trail C-4 because of a broken track. Also, trail S-52 toward Busti is closed because of a lack of snow.


''Trails are open at this time with the area receiving over a foot of snow in most spots,'' stated the club's website. ''Temperatures have been in the low teens for a couple days and freezing things up nicely. Winds have blown the fluffy white snow all over, which has bare fields and is nearly impossible to groom well. There was also a windstorm in the area blowing debris over the trails, so please use caution. With the powder snow conditions are poor to marginal at this time. Once things thaw a bit we might be able to get a better groom with another weather front coming through this weekend. Some trails are not groomed, and we still have some wet spots.''


Ellery Sno-Cruisers spokesperson Jamie Carlson posted on its website - www.ellerysno-cruisers.com - trails are open, but conditions are marginal because there is no base.


''Our snow cover is on the light side in areas so please use extreme caution. These are early season conditions,'' Carlson said.


The Lake Effect Trailbreakers said all trails were open as of Wednesday morning on its website, www.trailbreakers.com.


''Please use caution on the east end of our club area (near Kennedy) we have reports that the snow may be thin in that area,'' the Lake Effect Trailbreakers website stated. ''As always, communicate back to the club if any hazardous conditions exist.''


To access other Chautauqua County Snowmobile clubs websites, visit Cherry Creek Sno-Goers by going to www.cherrycreeksnogoers.comand for the Sunset Drifters, go to www.sunsetdrifters.net.


According to the Chautauqua County Visitor Bureau's website, the county has 450 miles of groomed trails and are maintained by members of the five county snowmobile clubs. These groups work with hundreds of private landowners and utilize 16 groomers to maintain trails. Along the trails, people can visit service stations for fuel, restaurants for a bite to eat and hotels for overnight accommodations. Contact one of the five clubs to purchase a countywide trail map.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:18:31 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/ski-and-snow-shoe-tour-set-for-saturday.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.richardlakefront.com/blog/ski-and-snow-shoe-tour-set-for-saturday.html</link>
            <author>Richard0039@yahoo.com (Richard Benedetto)</author>
            <title>Ski And Snow Shoe Tour Set For Saturday </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy will host a cross country 
skiing and snow shoeing tour of its Loomis Goose Creek Wetland Preserve 
on Saturday from 2-3 p.m.


Participants and friends are invited to re-gather afterwards at the Southern Tier Brewing Company.


This
 preserve is 30 acres in size with 25 acres of wetlands, 450 feet of 
lakeshore and 3,000 feet of the wild west bank of Goose Creek. The 
moving creek waters help keep the area more ice-free and available for 
waterfowl use for extended periods when the rest of the lake is ice 
covered. The third largest wetland on Chautauqua Lake, the site is also 
one of the most important fish and wildlife habitats remaining on the 
lake, providing habitat for kingfishers, heron, mallards, wood ducks, 
Canada geese, waterfowl, beavers, mink, turtles and amphibians.


Participants should meet at the Loomis Goose Creek Wetland Preserve 
parking lot near 2500 Route 394 and Fardink Road in North Harmony and 
are asked to dress accordingly for the weather. Participants are 
requested to pre-register by calling 664-2166 or emailing info@chautauquawatershed.org
 to leave the person's name, email and phone contact information.   The 
event is free for CWC members, with a suggested donation of $5 for 
prospective members and the public.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:59:15 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>